Guidance

Proficiency testing: the process and benefits

Proficiency testing (PT), also known as external quality assessment (EQA), allows the introduction of samples of known but undisclosed content into a laboratory’s routine testing procedure.

• From: Public Health England
• Published: 31 July 2014
• Last updated: 10 March 2015 — See all updates

The process

The benefits

Proficiency testing (PT):

• provides staff with an insight into their laboratory’s performance
• provides a comparison of performance with that of other laboratories, nationally and internationally
• improves the standard of examinations
• identifies areas where there may be problems
• demonstrates to clients, colleagues and accreditation bodies that there is a commitment to quality
• educates staff, providing a better understanding of the impact of incorrect results

Published 31 July 2014
Last updated 10 March 2015 + show all updates

1. 10 March 2015

   Added the proficiency testing process diagram.

2. 31 July 2014

   First published.