by Christopher L. Grachanen
A proficiency test (PT) is a blind test to participants that is intended to prove or disprove participant’s measurement or testing competence. Any action that breaks the integrity of that process ultimately destroys the value the PT is intended to provide. It starts with selecting a reputable provider: one who adheres to ISO/IEC 17043 and ISO/IEC 13528; one who has invested in the properly qualified staffing to manage the PT process; one who has built the necessary safeguards into their PT process to preserve integrity; one who will help ensure a laboratory receives constructive feedback throughout their PT participation providing a cornucopia of opportunities to verify and improve laboratory operations and avoid potential pitfalls.
