ASTM's Proficiency Testing Programs provide participating laboratories with a statistical quality assurance (SQA) tool, enabling them to compare their performance in the use of ASTM methods against other laboratories worldwide. Over 1,400 laboratories participated in the 2011 testing, including over 55% international participation. These programs are sponsored by ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants, with over 1,500 members and more than 670 published standards.

Laboratories joining the programs after the beginning of the year should contact, PTP - email address: ptp@astm.org for fee and registration information.

Samples, test instructions and data report forms are distributed electronically to each participant on the date samples are distributed. Labs have approximately 8 weeks to submit test data with the final statistical summary reports being electronically distributed in approximately 25 business days.

For more information, contact us.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

For a complete list of the programs including schedules, fee information and test parameters please click here.

TEST MATERIALS

As a program recipient, you receive different samples (representative of the product line) for each test cycle, data report forms, and test instructions. Your laboratory performs the tests that you normally conduct within your own facility using the specified methods cited in the program. Single determinations by each laboratory are required, as the program does not allow the reporting of averages of replicate determinations.

FINAL STATISTICAL SUMMARY REPORTS

Each laboratory electronically submits their test data to ASTM for use in generating statistical summary reports. Final summary reports, provided in electronic format to participants only, contain:

• Each participating laboratory's test results (coded for confidentiality)
• Statistical analysis of test data
• Charts plotting test results versus laboratory code
• Other pertinent information. Long-term statistical reports selected over a specified historical period will be provided for each test when sufficient amount of data is generated.

TEST SAMPLES, PREPARATION & DISTRIBUTION

Test samples are prepared and distributed for ASTM International by Clark Labs in Jefferson Hills, PA. Program Registration fees include the cost of shipping test samples to Continental U.S. participants.

IMPORTANT: Non-continental U.S. participants have the following options for receipt of samples:

• Ship through a third party shipping agent. Provide ASTM Intl. with the complete address and phone number of your designated U.S. Trans-Shipping Agent who will be responsible for shipping samples from the U.S. to your facility. Participants are responsible for making financial and shipping arrangements to receive samples directly with your 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 sample distributor via UPS, DHL, or FEDEX. Provide ASTM with your shipping account number to cover shipping charges. Check that your carrier will deliver test materials to your location.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Participation is on an annual fee basis and open to all laboratories. Registration fees must be paid in advance to participate. Testing must be performed within the participant's laboratory facilities. A laboratory does not need to perform all the program tests to participate.