Proficiency Testing: What to Do When Commercial Testing Is Not Available

Abstract

What alternatives do you have when commercial proficiency testing (PT) is not available or practical? Technical competence for both a calibration laboratory and test laboratory can be demonstrated by other than the "traditional" interlaboratory comparison (ILC) proficiency tests. The non-traditional test methods discussed can be and should be considered when the test discipline is not commercially available as a PT, or realistic to demonstrate through an ILC. Participants will receive useful information on the development and management of alternative technical competence demonstration methods. Examples will include test methods for both calibration and test laboratories based on the author's experience managing a global organizations' PT program. Advice on test plan development, analysis and reporting test results, and follow-up actions for any nonconformities will be shared. Participants will interact throughout this discussion and learn how to overcome and prevent pitfalls and obstacles, ensuring the test methods provide value and objective evidence of the laboratory's technical competence.