The Eurachem reading list

9. Proficiency testing

Websites and web resources

Standards

  • ISO 13528:2022. Statistical methods for use in proficiency testing by interlaboratory comparisons (iso.org)
  • ISO 16140-7:2024. Microbiology of the food chain – Method validation Part 7: Protocol for the validation of identification methods of microorganisms (iso.org)
  • ISO/IEC 17043:2023. Conformity assessment – General requirements for the competence of proficiency testing providers (iso.org)
  • ISO 22117:2019. Microbiology of the food chain – Specific requirements and guidance for proficiency testing by interlaboratory comparison (iso.org)

Guides

  • ILAC P9:01/2024, ILAC Policy for proficiency testing and/or interlaboratory comparisons other than proficiency testing (www.ilac.org)
  • Brookman and I. Mann (Eds) Eurachem Guide: Selection, use and interpretation of proficiency testing (PT) schemes by laboratories (3rd ed. 2021) (www.eurachem.org)
  • EA-4/18 G: 2021, Guidance on the level and frequency of proficiency testing participation, (european-accreditation.org)
  • EA-4/21 INF: 2018, Guidelines for the assessment of the appropriateness of small interlaboratory comparisons within the process of laboratory accreditation (european-accreditation.org)

Leaflets

  • Eurachem information leaflets (www.eurachem.org)
    • Understanding PT statistics (2024)
    • Understanding PT performance assessment (2024)
    • Interlaboratory comparisons other than proficiency testing (2024)
    • Let’s call a PT scheme a PT scheme! (2022)
    • How to investigate poor performance in proficiency testing (2nd edition, 2022)
    • Use of surplus proficiency test items (2nd edition, 2022)
    • Proficiency testing – How much and how often? (2nd edition, 2022)
    • Selecting the right proficiency testing scheme for my laboratory (2nd edition, 2022)
    • How can proficiency testing help my laboratory? (2nd edition, 2022)
    • Pre- and post-analytical proficiency testing (2nd edition, 2022)
    • Proficiency testing schemes and other interlaboratory comparisons (2nd edition, 2022)
    • Proficiency testing schemes for sampling (2020)
  • Eurolab cookbooks (https://www.eurolab.org/pubs-cookbooks)
    • Doc No. 2, Criteria for the selection of a proficiency testing scheme, revision no. 4, 07/2020
    • Doc No. 4, Use of interlaboratory comparison data by laboratories, revision no. 5, 02/2021
    • Doc No. 17, Interlaboratory comparison: The views of laboratories, revision no. 3, 10/2018
  • AMC Technical Briefs, RSC, (https://www.rsc.org/membership-and-community/connect-with-others/join-scientific-networks/subject-communities/analytical-science-community/amc/technical-briefs/):
  • Under Statistical Analysis tab:
    • AMC TB 19A-2008, General and specific fitness functions for proficiency tests and other purposes – clarifying an old idea
    • AMC TB 18A-2005, What is proficiency testing? Guide for end-users of chemical data
    • AMC TB 18-2004, GMO Proficiency testing: Interpreting z-scores derived from log-transformed data
    • AMC TB 16-2004 (revised April 2007), Proficiency testing: assessing z-scores in the longer term
    • AMC TB 11-2002, Understanding and acting on scores obtained in proficiency testing schemes
    • AMC TB 02-2000 (revised December 2005), How to combine proficiency test results with your own uncertainty estimate – the zeta score

Articles and reports

  • M. Mancin, U. Tiikkainen, and K. van Putten (Eds.) Eurachem Report: Survey on performance evaluation in non-quantitative Proficiency Testing, 2024, www.eurachem.org
  • U. Tiikkainen et al. Is harmonisation of performance assessment in non-quantitative proficiency testing possible/necessary? Accred. Qual. Assur., 2022, 27, 1-8., https://doi.org/10.1007/s00769-021-01492-6
  • B. Brookman (Ed.) Special Issue: Eurachem workshop 2023 – Proficiency Testing in Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine, Accred. Qual. Assur., 2024, 29, Issue 5-6,
    • ILAC B6:06/2019, Benefits for laboratories participating in proficiency testing programs (www.ilac.org)
    • I. Kuselman, A. Fajgelj, IUPAC/CITAC Guide: Selection and use of proficiency testing schemes for a limited number of participants – chemical analytical laboratories (IUPAC Technical Report). Pure Appl. Chem., 2010, 82(5), 1099-1135, https://doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REP-09-08-15
    • M. Thompson, S. L. R. Ellison, R. Wood, The International Harmonized Protocol for the proficiency testing of analytical chemistry laboratories, IUPAC Technical Report, Pure Appl. Chem., 2006, 78(1), 145-196, https://doi.org/10.1351/pac200678010145 

     

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    Last Updated: Tuesday, 27 May 2025 08:49