Proficiency Testing

The laboratory must have a documented programme of proficiency testing which measures the capability of its examiners and the reliability of its analytical results.
The documentation ofa laboratory's proficiency testing programme must include how the test samples are obtained/prepared, who has tested them and in what time frame, which laboratory staff member directs the programme, how and where the testing information is maintained, what corrective actions are taken, if required, and who oversees them. 

Each laboratory must participate in atleast one proficiency testing / interlaboratory comparison program per sub-discipline, covering all sub-disciplines over a period of four years (Refer NABL 163). Also, the laboratory must participate in proficiency testing programmes, which are provided by external test providers approved by NABL. The laboratory must complete a formal

agreement with the test provider permitting release of the laboratory's test results directly to NABL. Such testing must be conducted annually in every discipline in which a laboratory

seeks or holds accreditation. In addition to participating in external proficiency testing, a laboratory should conduct inter-laboratory or intra-laboratory proficiency testing using blind tests prepared internally or externally and submitted as normal casework evidence or reexamination by another examiner of evidence on which casework was previously completed or known samples prepared internally and externally. 

When participating in proficiency testing programme, the laboratory's routine test procedures must be used. Performance in proficiency testing programme must be reviewed by the Quality Manager and relevant supervisory staff. Wherever, necessary, corrective action must be taken. Proficiency testing records must include:

• Full details of the analyses/examinations undertaken and the results and conclusionsobtained

• An indication that performance has been reviewed

• Details of corrective action undertaken, where ever necessary.

Note:

A proficiency testing programme is a reliable method of verifying that the laboratory's technical procedures are valid and that the quality of each examiner's work is being maintained. The primary focus must be to identify areas where additional training or more rigid quality control may be of use and to demonstrate the current competence of the laboratory. To derive the  maximum benefit from proficiency testing, the laboratory must emphasis the educational aspects of the programme and avoid a punitive approach while taking any corrective action. Proficiency test samples must be representative of the items normally examined in the forensic laboratory. A proficiency test sample must be apportioned among examiners, provided this may not alter the character of the testing. It is essential that proficiency tests be properly designed, appropriately administered and fairly evaluated. The testing procedures must be well understood by all participants. The proficiency of examiners/reporting officers is tested only if they complete the testing unaware of the results expected.

For details of approach to proficiency testing, NABL guidelines for proficiency testing based on ISO/ IEC 17043:2010 needs to be referred to.