PTP Program

In Service Oil Monitoring

2025 Annual Fee:
$1,092.00

Schedule: March, July, November
Sample amount distributed each test cycle: 250mL used + 20mL new
Register for Multiple Programs
A2LA Accredited Symbol

Accredited Proficiency Testing Provider*

This program is accredited in accordance with the recognized International Standard ISO/IEC 17043: 2010 Conformity Assessment - General Requirements for Proficiency Testing, by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation. Certificate Number: 4209.01

List of Programs and Scopes

About The Program

ASTM International's In-Service Oil Proficiency Testing Program is a statistical quality assurance tool enabling labs to compare, improve, and maintain a high level of performance in conducting tests per ASTM Intl. methods or other methods used by the lab.

Conducted three times annually, this program provides (for each test cycle) a 250 ml container of in-service diesel engine lubricating oil, data reports forms, and test instructions. A different in-service diesel engine lubricating oil will be used for each test cycle. Labs perform the tests that are normally conducted within their facility. Labs are encouraged to use the ASTM International methods, as written, however, the program will allow labs to use other methods. The other methods utilized, or any deviations from the ASTM Intl. method, must be documented with the data report form.

Test data and related information returned to ASTM Intl. will be used in generating statistical summary reports that are returned electronically to each lab. Reports contain:

  • Coded laboratory test results
  • Statistical analysis of test data
  • Charts plotting test results versus lab code

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.

Why Should Your Laboratory Participate?

ASTM's Proficiency Test Program provides you with:

  • A useful and meaningful statistical quality assurance tool to monitor the strengths and weaknesses of your laboratory's performance in conducting testing.
  • The resource you need to satisfy proficiency testing elements of laboratory accreditation.
  • A periodic comparison of test results with other participating laboratories.

Should you have an issue with your published results, please write to ptp@astm.org with your lab number and account number.

Test Materials

One bottle containing 250ml of in-service oil and one bottle containing 20ml new oil will be used in the program for each test cycle

Test Parameters

D664, D8045, other methods

Acid Number

D2896, D4739, other methods

Base Number

D7689

Cloud Point

D92, D93, D3828, other methods

Flash Point

D3524, D7593, D8004, other methods

Fuel Dilution

D2982, D4291, other methods

Glycol

D7922-23 

Glycol Detection

D7279

Houillon Kinematic Viscosity

D893, D4055, other methods

Insolubles

D5185, D6595, other methods

Metal/Wear Contaminents

D7546

Moisture

D7624, E2412

Nitration, FT-IR

D7214, D7414

Oxidation, FT-IR

D7412

Phosphate, FT-IR

D7686, D7844

Soot

D7415

Sulfate, FT-IR

D2270

Viscosity, Index

D445, D7042, other methods

Viscosity, Kinematic

D6304, D1744, "Crackle Test", other methods

Water Content

E203

Water

NOTE: List of tests subject to change.

Distribution Of Samples

Test samples are prepared and distributed for ASTM International by Clark Labs in Jefferson Hills, PA. Program registration fees include the cost of shipping the test samples to U.S. participants or, for international participants, to a third-party shipping agent located in the U.S.

IMPORTANT for International participants: You 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.
    • You are responsible for additional fees charged-back to our distributor for any reason relative to your sample shipment including, but not limited to, fees for fuel surcharges, missing/invalid account numbers, dangerous goods, remote area delivery, and multiple delivery attempts.
  • Product Shipment Specs
    • Quantity: 250mL Used, 20mL New
    • Shipping Weight: 6lbs
    • Dimensions: 8x8x11"
    • ECCN: EAR99
    • Harm Code: 2710.19.3020
  • Generic SDS

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.

About Astm International Committee D02 On Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, And Lubricants

About ASTM International COMMITTEE D02 ON PETROLEUM PRODUCTS, LIQUID FUELS AND LUBRICANTS provides the technical direction for the program. Test information generated through the program is utilized by Committee D02 to determine if modifications to ASTM International methods or new methods are warranted and to analytically review program test results. (All data and related information generated from the program is coded to maintain lab confidentiality.)