Regular participation in proficiency testing provides long term improvements in laboratory performance: an assessment of data over time

Data from various proficiency testing schemes, operated by LGC Standards, was collated and reviewed to determine whether regular involvement within third party, proficiency testing, either over a prolonged period of time or via multiple participation, had improved the performance of those laboratories taking part. Three statistical evaluations were applied to historical PT results, a review of improvements over time, demonstrated by the evaluation of satisfactory performance scores achieved, a review of the relative robust standard deviations obtained from multiple methods and a focused review of one analyst participating in proficiency testing over a prolonged period of time. In each case the data indicated that long term participation and evaluation via proficiency testing had resulted in consistent and sustained improvements in laboratory performance.