Process and appeals

Planning

  • Wageningen Food Safety Research plans the proficiency testing scheme and gives prior notice on the website.
  • Previous participants will also be invited
  • Interested laboratories register and order online
  • If you want your personal information removed from the webaplication, please e-mail to pt.wfsr@wur.nl

Preparation and distribution

  • Preparation and quality control testing of test materials
  • Despatch of test materials and instructions to participants
  • The preparation of the proficiency test materials can from time to time be subcontracted. When subcontracting occurs, it is placed with a competent subcontractor and Wageningen Food Safety Research is responsible for this work

Analyses

  • Laboratories test the samples using the laboratory’s own routine method
  • Report of their results online to Wageningen Food Safety Research as instructed and within the specified deadline (usually within 6-7 weeks). The Wageningen Food Safety Research electronic reporting website offers a fast, simple and efficient way of submitting results.

Results

  • Results are analysed and the performance of laboratories assessed using appropriate statistical techniques
  • Report is produced, including anonymised results, statistical analysis and evaluation of used method
  • The report is issued/sent to the participants as soon as possible after the round closure.
    View a report of Wageningen Food Safety Research.

Appeals

If a laboratory has any doubts regarding the evaluation of their performance in a proficiency test, the laboratory should contact pt.wfsr@wur.nl in the first instance. After this a form named ‘PT appeals’ will be sent. The laboratory is asked to fill in the form and return it to pt.wfsr@wur.nl. Within 10 days a confirmation of receipt is sent. Within 14 days the complaint will be handled and a report will be sent to the laboratory and other relevant laboratories.