ASTM's Proficiency Testing Programs provide participating laboratories with a statistical quality assurance (SQA) tool for improving and maintaining performance with respect to interlaboratory precision.

Basic elements to be determined by participants include carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, copper, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, aluminum, and tin. Additional elements are included in the program from time to time. The Brammer Standard Company provides test samples for the program. The samples provided are homogeneity tested to ensure that like samples are distributed to all participants. When oxygen and nitrogen are tested a separate thin disc is provided.

The program provides participants with two test samples for each test cycle, electronic data report forms to record test data, and instructions for conducting the tests. Laboratories are instructed to conduct the tests in their facilities using the ASTM methods cited in the program (or other methods used by the lab) and to record their test results on the data report form.

Each laboratory returns completed test data electronically to ASTM for use in generating statistical summary reports. ASTM handles all data on a strictly confidential basis with no disclosure of lab identity except for one's own laboratory. The reports contain all laboratory test data (coded), statistical analysis of test data, charts plotting test results versus lab code and other information.

The program includes lab participation worldwide.

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WHY SHOULD YOUR LABORATORY PARTICIPATE

The program provides you with:

• The resources you need to satisfy proficiency testing elements of laboratory accreditation
• A useful quality control tool to monitor the strengths and weaknesses of laboratory performance
• Periodic comparison of test results and calculated statistical parameters with other in the metals analysis and analytical community worldwide
• A useful quality reference sample upon completion of testing

Statistical summary reports provided to you include:

• Each participating laboratory's test results (coded for confidentiality)
• Statistical analysis of test data
• Charts plotting test results versus laboratory code
• Other pertinent information

TEST METHODS

• E353 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Stainless, Heat-Resisting, Maraging, and Other Similar Chromium-Nickel Iron Alloys (1121)
• E572 Test Methods for X-Ray Emission Spectrometric Analysis of Stainless Steel (1121)
• E1019 Test Methods Determination of Carbon, Sulfur, Nitrogen, and Oxygen in Steel and in Iron, Nickel, and Cobalt Alloys (1121)
• E1086 Method for Optical Emission Vacuum Spectrometric Analysis of Stainless Steel by the Point-to-Plane Excitation Technique (1121)

ABOUT ASTM INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE E01

Committee E01 on Analytical Chemistry of Metals, Ores, and Related Materials, consisting of over 190 members and developer of over 140 standards, provides the technical direction for the program. Test information generated in the program is utilized by Committee E01 to determine if modifications to ASTM documents or new standards are warranted.