ASTM International Proficiency Testing Center is pleased to offer a Proficiency Testing Program on Aromatic Hydrocarbons to laboratories who need a statistical quality assurance tool that will enable them to improve, and maintain a high level of performance in conducting routine ASTM aromatic hydrocarbon tests by comparing their results with other laboratories worldwide doing the same testing.

As a program participant, you will receive a mixed xylene, p-xylene and benzene sample and all the necessary instructions necessary for the test trial. Your laboratory performs the tests that you normally conduct within your own facility using the specified ASTM methods cited for each program sample. Labs have six weeks to electronically submit their data to ASTM. Final summary reports are electronically delivered to all participants in 20-25 business days after the test cycle. The statistical summary report for the test will be electronically delivered to each participant. The reports will contain:

• "Coded" laboratory test results
• Statistical analyses of test data
• Charts plotting test results versus laboratory code
• Other great information

For more information, contact us.

WHY SHOULD YOUR LABORATORY PARTICIPATE?

These programs are designed to provide participating laboratories with a statistical quality assurance tool enabling them to assess their performance in how they conduct a given test or series of tests by comparing their data against the data of other participating laboratories.

You receive test results available only to participating laboratories that will help you:

• Monitor strengths and weaknesses of your laboratory's performance
• Periodically compare your test results and calculated statistical parameters with other laboratories

TEST MATERIALS

Each participating lab will receive a quart of mixed xylene and a one ounce sample of p-xylene and benzene for each of the two test trials conducted each year in APRIL AND OCTOBER.

The list of program test parameters is as follows:

NOTE: List of Methods Subject to Change.

DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLES

Test samples are prepared and distributed for ASTM International by AccuStandard of New Haven, CT. Program registration fees include the cost of shipping test samples to U.S. participants or, for international participants, to a third party shipping agent located in the U.S.

IMPORTANT for Intercontinental participants: have the following options for receipt of samples:

• Ship through a third party shipping agent - provide ASTM International with the complete contact information of a designated Shipping Agent located in the U.S. who will be responsible for shipping samples from the U.S. to your facility. Participants are responsible for making financial and shipping arrangements directly with the shipping agent.
• Please be advised that when samples are shipped, an e-mail is sent only to the contact of record on your ASTM PTP account. It is the customer’s responsibility to advise their designated shipper that the sample has been shipped.
• We cannot permit shipping agents to pick up samples at our distributors’ warehouses.
• Ship directly from the sample distributor via UPS, DHL, or FEDEX - Provide ASTM International with your shipping account number to cover shipping charges. Check that your carrier will deliver the test materials to your location. Materials classified as Hazardous may have restrictions.

ABOUT ASTM COMMITTEE D16

Committee D16 on Aromatic Hydrocarbons has 126 members and 83 published ASTM standards. This committee provides the technical direction for the PTP program. Test information generated through the program is utilized by Committee D016 to improve standard tests. Data are coded at all times.