The art of measurement: how to ensure accuracy in routine analytical performance, two case studies

The art of measurement: how to ensure accuracy in routine analytical performance, two case studies

Proficiency testing (PT) is a form of inter-laboratory comparison that aims to independently assess a laboratory s technical performance. During the PT process, laboratory staff test the designated item(s) without any specific considerations, and the announced results are evaluated using statistical techniques (ISO 13528) [1]. Among the available types of samples for testing, PTs conducted with the consensus of participating laboratories are predominantly favored due to their cost-effectiveness and larger sample size. However, the potential uncertainty and significant risks associated with the assigned value derived from the consensus for evaluating participants performance should not be overlooked, especially when the participants are limited to a region. Two domestic case studies concerning the measurement of histamine in tuna fish and lead in dried tea revealed a notable discrepancy between accuracy and precision, emphasizing the necessity of utilizing quality control materials as test items for accurate detection.