ILC

Proficiency testing – application of separate laboratories interlaboratory comparisons (ILC) to determine the level of compliance with the requirements of DSTU ISO / IEC 17025:2006 on the quality of the results of certain tests (calibrations). Participation in proficiency allows laboratories to provide independent and reliable way to evaluate the level of testing performance and quality of test results. Positive results of such participation is a demonstration of quality, that is the probability of laboratories – participants test results data. The main purpose of proficiency testing – to provide laboratories with information about the ability of to issue credible testing results, consistently demonstrate the level of testing conduction and improve the measurements quality. Participation in interlaboratory comparisons programmes provides an opportunity to improve their own internal quality control procedures in the laboratory , providing additional external evaluation of their testing capabilities. However, in order to receive reliable testing data, laboratories must maintain a quality system in accordance with the requirements of DSTU ISO / IEC 17025:2006, conducting regular internal quality control of test results. ILC programmes are mandatory and an integral element of external testing laboratory control system and play an important role, as during the laboratory accreditation, and during its operation.

NAAU has developed and approved a policy on laboratories participating in the ILC programs, which determines the frequency of laboratories participation on the quality of program testing.

To comply with EA-2/09 , EA-4/18 ILAC-P9, ILAC-G13, ILAC-G22 and other international documents, all accreditation bodies should take into account such criteria for accreditation, as the results of accredited laboratories participating in the proficiency testing programmes. All laboratories – applicants must successfully participate in at least one inter-laboratory proficiency testing according to the standard ISO / IEC 17043:2010 () for each test type. For this purpose, any suitable methods given in ISO / IEC 17043:2010 are acceptable.

NAAU encourages laboratories to participate in ILC programs and regularly sends information about ILC programs both to accredited laboratories and laboratories – applicants. Not accredited laboratories are also invited to participate in these programs. Laboratories participation in the ILC program is voluntary. The results of specific laboratory participation are confidential if not ILC round openness not stated by coordinator separately. ILC programs agreed with NAAU are conducted by competent ILC coordinators.

List of ILC international programmes coordinators available on the website of the European information system ILC EPTIS, where you can also find contact information and coordinators contact data. Ukrainian laboratories involved not only in national but also in international ILC programs .

Offers from suppliers of ILC schemes

The concept of evaluating the competence of testing laboratories on the basis of participation in interlaboratory comparisons.

Links:

List of coordinators and ILC programmes

ISO/IEC 17043:2010 Conformity assessment — General requirements for proficiency testing

ISO Guide 30:1992 Terms and definitions used in connection with reference materials

ISO Guide 31:2000 Reference materials — Contents of certificates and labels

ISO Guide 32:1997 Calibration in analytical chemistry and use of certified reference materials

ISO Guide 33:2000 Uses of certified reference materials

ISO Guide 34:2009 General requirements for the competence of reference material producers

ISO Guide 35:2006 Reference materials — General and statistical principles for certification

EA-2/09 2000 EA Policy on the Accreditation of Providers of Proficiency Testing Schemes

EA-4/18 Guidance on the level and frequency of proficiency testing participation

ILAC-G13:08/2007 ILAC Guidelines for the Requirements for the Competence of Providers of Proficiency Testing Schemes

ILAC-G22:2004 Use of Proficiency Testing As a Tool For Accreditation In Testing

ILAC-P9:2005 ILAC Policy for Participation in Proficiency Testing

International Bureau for Analytical Studies (BIPEA)