1. Scope
1.1 This guide covers the analysis and interpretation of proficiency test (PT) program results. For participants in interlaboratory proficiency test (or crosscheck, check scheme, etc.) programs, this guide describes procedures for assessing participants' results relative to the PT program results and potentially improving the laboratory's testing performance based on the assessment findings and insights (see ). For the committees responsible for the test methods included in interlaboratory proficiency testing programs, this guide describes procedures for assessing the industry's ability to perform test methods, and for potentially identifying needs for test method improvement (see 6.2).
This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately)
The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.
ASTM Standards
D6299 Practice for Applying Statistical Quality Assurance and Control Charting Techniques to Evaluate Analytical Measurement System Performance
D6792 Practice for Quality System in Petroleum Products and Lubricants Testing Laboratories
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
Index Terms
proficiency testing; quality control; test performance index; Z-score;
ICS Code
ICS Number Code 11.100.01 (Laboratory medicine in general)
DOI: 10.1520/D7372-07
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.
Citing ASTM Standards
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