https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.08101
Evaluation of the performance of a participant in an interlaboratory comparison against pre-established criteria.
Notes:
- Proficiency testing is achieved by the distribution of proficiency test items for unsupervised measurement or examination by the participants.
- Participation in proficiency testing schemes is not a substitute for internal quality control measures or vice versa.
- The evaluation of quantitative results of a participant in a proficiency testing scheme may be given as a
- The term "proficiency testing" includes, but is not limited to, a) quantitative scheme—where the objective is to quantify one or more measurands of the proficiency test item; b) qualitative scheme—where the objective is to identify or describe one or more characteristics of the proficiency test item; c) sequential scheme—where one or more proficiency test items are distributed sequentially for testing or measurement and results returned to the proficiency testing provider at intervals; d) simultaneous scheme—where proficiency test items are distributed for concurrent testing or measurement within a defined time period; e) single occasion exercise—where proficiency test items are provided on a single occasion; f) continuous scheme—where proficiency test items are provided at regular intervals; g) sampling—where samples are taken for subsequent chemical analysis; and h) data transformation and interpretation—where sets of data or other information are furnished and the information is processed to provide an interpretation (or other outcome).
- Some proficiency testing providers in the laboratory medicine area use the term "external quality assessment (EQA)" for their proficiency testing schemes or for their broader programmes, or both.