Description
Proficiency testing PT is an evaluation of participant performance against pre-established criteria by means of interlaboratory comparisons. Some PT providers in the medical area use the term βExternal Quality Assessment (EQA)β for their proficiency testing schemes, or for their broader programmes, or both. Internal PT strategies may be implemented into laboratory science as practical steps towards PT to achieve reproducibility.
Abbreviation: PT
Reference: ISO/IEC 17043:2010 General requirements for proficiency testing, ISO 13528:2015 Statistical methods for use in proficiency testing by interlaboratory comparison
Scope
- The term βproficiency testingβ is taken in its widest sense and includes, but is not limited to:
- quantitative scheme β where the objective is to quantify one or more measurands of the proficiency test item;
- qualitative scheme β where the objective is to identify or describe one or more characteristics of the proficiency test item;
- sequential scheme β where one or more proficiency test items are distributed sequentially for testing or measurement and returned to the proficiency testing provider at intervals;
- simultaneous scheme β where proficiency test items are distributed for concurrent testing or measurement within a defined time period;
- single occasion exercise β where proficiency test items are provided on a single occasion;
- continuous scheme β where proficiency test items are provided at regular intervals;
- sampling β where samples are taken for subsequent analysis;
- data transformation and interpretation β where sets of data or other information are furnished and the information is processed to provide an interpretation (or other outcome).
- The term βproficiency testingβ is taken in its widest sense and includes, but is not limited to:
Aims in HRR
- Application of DatLab for data analysis: general features; start with O2k-Core, set O2k configuration.
- O2k quality control 1: evaluate O2 sensor test. DatLab analysis of a two-point O2 calibration, set marks on O2 concentration, enter O2 solubility factor; use DatLab-Excel template O2-calibration.xlsx.
- O2k quality control 2: evaluate O2k chamber test; DatLab analysis of a file obtained in an instrumental O2 background test; set marks on O2 slope (neg.); calculate instrumental O2 background parameters; use DatLab-Excel template O2-background.xlsx.
- DatLab analysis of an experimental file with permeabilized cells on the basis of the SUIT reference protocol. Set marks on O2 flux (per volume) or O2 flow (per million cells), name marks, copy to clipboard, use DatLab-Excel template SUIT RP-Pc.xlsx.
- Obtain a measure of noise due to variability in setting marks on 'flux' when evaluating flux in different respiratory states.
Terms and definitions
- Assigned value: value attributed to a particular property of a proficiency test item.
- Interlaboratory comparison: organization, performance and evaluation of measurements or tests on the same or similar items by two or more laboratories in accordance with predetermined conditions.
- Participant: laboratory, organization, or individual that receives proficiency test items and submits results for review by the proficiency testing provider.
- Proficiency test item: sample, product, artefact, reference material, piece of equipment, measurement standard, data set or other information used to assess participant performance in proficiency testing. In most instances, proficiency test items meet the ISO Guide 30 definition of βreference materialβ.
- Proficiency testing provider: organization which takes responsibility for all tasks in the development and operation of a proficiency testing scheme.
- Proficiency testing round: single complete sequence of distribution of proficiency test items, and the evaluation and reporting of results to the participants.
- Proficiency testing scheme: proficiency testing designed and operated in one or more rounds for a specified area of testing, measurement, calibration or inspection. A proficiency testing scheme might cover a particular type of test, calibration, inspection or a number of tests, calibrations or inspections on proficiency test items.
- Reference material (RM): material, sufficiently homogeneous and stable with respect to one or more specified properties, which has been established to be fit for its intended use in a measurement process. RM is a generic term. Properties can be quantitative or qualitative, e.g. identity of substances or species. Uses may include the calibration of a measuring system, assessment of a measurement procedure, assigning values to other materials, and quality control [SOURCE: ISO Guide 30:2015, modified].
- Certified reference material (CRM): reference material (RM) characterized by a metrologically valid procedure for one or more specified properties, accompanied by an RM certificate that provides the value of the specified property, its associated uncertainty, and a statement of metrological traceability. The concept of value includes a nominal property or a qualitative attributes such as identity or sequence. Uncertainties for such attributes may be expressed as probabilities or levels of confidence.
MitoPedia O2k and high-resolution respirometry:
Oroboros QM