Proficiency Testing is the use of inter-laboratory comparison for determining the performance of individual laboratories for specific tests. Participation in proficiency testing programmes provides laboratories with an objective means of assessing and demonstrating the reliability of data they are producing. The primary objective of proficiency testing is to provide the laboratories with an information and support to demonstrate and improve the quality of their analytical measurement. It also supplements the laboratories own internal quality control procedures by adding an additional external evaluation of their testing capabilities. However, to produce the authenticated test data, it is required to maintain quality management system in that laboratory .ISO/IEC 17025 has prescribed the requirements for maintenance of quality system in the testing and calibration laboratories. Testing and Calibration Laboratories use this standard in the development and implementation of their Quality System. Accreditation bodies use this standard to assess the testing / calibration laboratories for considering of accreditation.
To meet the requirements of APLAC MR001 it is mandatory for all accrediting bodies to undertake proficiency testing programmes for its accredited laboratories. All applicant laboratories are required to successfully participate in at least one Inter - Laboratory Proficiency Testing in accordance with ISO/IEC Guide-43 (I)- 1996. For this purpose all alternative techniques covered in ISO/IEC Guide-43 shall be acceptable.
For calibration laboratories, measurement audits will be considered to be a complimentary effort to Inter-Laboratory Proficiency Testing. Technical assessors for calibration laboratories will be provided with artifacts with their characterization by National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi or any other NMI's who are signatory to BIPM including PTB and NIST. NABL regularly organizes PT programmes for its accredited as well as applicant laboratories. Non-accredited laboratories are also invited to participate in these programmes. The programmes are run through nodal laboratories identified by NABL. NABL has also prepared & published NABL - 162 Guidelines for Proficiency Testing programmes for Testing and Calibration Laboratories for conducting PT programmes NABL regularly participates in the PT programmes organized by APLAC and other international bodies.
Inter laboratory comparison:-
Inter laboratory comparison (ILC) is the organisation, performance and evaluation of calibration/tests on the same or similar calibration/test items by two or more laboratories in accordance with predetermined conditions.