Proficiency Testing in Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine: Working Discussions on Current Practice and Future Directions

A summary of the working group (WG) discussions on proficiency testing (PT) and external quality assessment (EQA) held at the Eurachem Workshop, Rome, 5-7 October 2008 is provided. The eight WG's covered a range of issues concerned with current practice and future directions; how frequently should laboratories participate in PT/EQA? (WG1); developments in PT/EQA within the EU - what is required in future? (WG2); what issues do developing countries face with regards to PT/EQA? (WG3), what issues are specific to microbiology PT/EQA? (WG4); what new fields are emerging for PT/EQA? (WG5); what will be the impact of the new ISO/IEC 17043 standard? (WG6); do current PT/EQA schemes meet the needs of participants? (WG7); and what are the issues that affect the quality of proficiency test items? (WG8). Delegates with different backgrounds were on each WG in order to capture a range of views and experience from a number of different sectors. Working group representatives included PT/EQA providers, participants in PT/EQA schemes and end users of PT results such as accreditation bodies and regulatory authorities, from countries around the world.

BELLI Maria;  BROOKMAN Brian;  DE LA CALLE GUNTINAS Maria Beatriz;  JAMES Vivienne;  KOCH Michael;  MAJCEN Nineta;  MENDITTO Antonio;  NOBLETT Tracey;  PERISSI Roberto;  VAN PUTTEN Kees;  ROBOUCH Piotr;  SLAPOKAS Tommy;  TAYLOR Philip;  THOLEN Daniel;  THOMAS Annette;  TYLEE Barry; 

2009-09-02

SPRINGER

JRC53939

0949-1775,   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC53939,   

10.1007/s00769-009-0492-0,