Proficiency testing in accordance with ISO 17025

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ISO 17025 is an international standard that specifies the general requirements for the
competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Proficiency testing is an essential
aspect of ISO 17025 accreditation and is referenced in several clauses within the
standard.
Proficiency testing (PT) within the context of ISO 17025 refers to the evaluation of a
laboratory's performance by comparing its results to those of other laboratories, typically
through interlaboratory comparisons. This process helps validate the laboratory's testing
or calibration capabilities and ensures the reliability and accuracy of its results.
Here's how proficiency testing aligns with ISO 17025:
1. Clause 5.9 - Assuring the quality of test and calibration results: This clause
requires laboratories to participate in proficiency testing programs relevant to
their scope of accreditation. It ensures that laboratories periodically undergo
external assessments to validate their competence.
2. Clause 6.6 - Participation in proficiency testing: Laboratories need to participate
in proficiency testing or interlaboratory comparisons regularly. They should use
these opportunities to assess their performance and validate the accuracy of
their testing or calibration methods.
3. Clause 7.7 - Ensuring the validity of results: Laboratories must use proficiency
testing as one of the means to verify the validity of their test or calibration results.
Key points regarding proficiency testing in accordance with ISO 17025 include:
 Regular participation in PT programs relevant to the laboratory's scope of testing
or calibration.
 Using PT to assess the laboratory's performance and identify areas for
improvement.
 Comparing the laboratory's results with those of other competent laboratories to
ensure accuracy and reliability.
 Implementing corrective actions if discrepancies or issues arise from proficiency
testing.
Compliance with proficiency testing requirements in ISO 17025 is crucial for laboratories
seeking accreditation, as it demonstrates their commitment to quality and competence
in testing and calibration activities.
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ISO 17025 is an international standard that specifies the general requirements for the
competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Proficiency testing is an integral part
of ISO 17025 accreditation.
Proficiency testing in accordance with ISO 17025 involves laboratories participating in
external proficiency testing programs to assess their competence in performing specific
tests or calibrations. These programs are usually conducted by external providers or
organizations that administer tests designed to evaluate the laboratory's performance
against predetermined criteria.
Here's how proficiency testing aligns with ISO 17025:
1. Assessment of Competence: Proficiency testing helps laboratories
demonstrate their technical competence by comparing their results with those of
other proficient laboratories.
2. External Validation: It provides an external validation of a lab's testing or
calibration capabilities, ensuring that the results produced are accurate and
reliable.
3. Continuous Improvement: Participation in proficiency testing programs
encourages laboratories to identify areas for improvement and take corrective
actions if discrepancies are found in their performance.
4. Requirement for Accreditation: ISO 17025 accreditation often requires
laboratories to regularly participate in proficiency testing programs as part of the
ongoing assessment of their quality management system.
5. Quality Assurance: Proficiency testing contributes to the overall quality
assurance process by ensuring the reliability of test results and the credibility of
the laboratory's operations.
Laboratories typically receive samples or test materials from proficiency testing
providers, perform the tests according to their established procedures, and submit their
results back to the provider. The provider then evaluates these results against
predetermined criteria, benchmarks, or consensus values to assess the laboratory's
performance.
Successful participation in proficiency testing demonstrates the laboratory's capability to
produce accurate and reliable test results, which is essential for maintaining ISO 17025
accreditation and ensuring confidence in the laboratory's services.
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