Role of RENAR and the Ministry of Research in Promoting Interlaboratory Comparisons (ILCs) Daniela-Eugenia CUCU RENAR

summary  what is an ILC  different types of ILCs  how ILCs can contribute towards quality  ILCs and traceability  ILCs and accreditation  added value of ILC participation  conclusions

what is an ILC ? Definition (ISO/IEC Guide 43, 1997) “organisation, performance and evaluation of tests on the same or similar test items by two or more laboratories in accordance with predetermined conditions”

 evaluation of tests  same or similar test items  predetermined conditions what is an ILC ? important

 establish participants list  prepare samples  test homogeneity/stability  distribute sample (and protocols)  collect participants results  evaluation of results what is an ILC ? how it works...

 internal evaluation (reference is calculated from participants results)  external evaluation (reference is not calculated from participants results, e.g. measurements from the organiser) what is an ILC ? evaluation

different types of ILCs  proficiency testing  round robins  ring trials  collaborative studies  certification campaign  key comparisons / pilot studies names

ILCs and accreditation ILCs are recognised as useful tools towards accreditation participation in ILCs is mandated by accreditation bodies

ILCs and accreditation number of ILCs participation every year is under discussion ILCs is a ”snapshot” of laboratory performance however

Evaluation of results Satisfacatory Z<2 Questionable 2<Z<3 Corrective actions if required Unsatisfactory !! Z>3 Corrective actions mandatory Effectivnes proved in a similar consecutive ILC

RENAR policy for ILCs Accredit PT providers against:  ISO Guide 43:97 part.1  ILAC Guide G13:2000 Encourage laboratories to take part in ILCs Raise authority awareness on ILCs usefulness in achieving free movement of goods

policy for ILCs Priority research programmes: INFRAS ( Conformity Assessment Infrastructure )  finance PTs CALIST (Quality and Standards) finance ILCs for:  validation  characterisation of candidate RM

added value of ILC participation  education and training  demonstrate competence laboratories

 prove competence  assist accreditation procedures  evaluation of performance  prove comparability of results customers, accreditors added value of ILC participation

conclusions  participation in ILCs is useful (added value for labs, customers,...)  for labs: education and training  for customers: demonstration of competence  important: “snapshot” of labs performance