Customized Proficiency Testing
Proficiency Testing Programs Designed Around Your Laboratory’s Needs
Every laboratory operates with different areas of activity, analytical methods, measurement parameters, and technical requirements. Therefore, a standard Proficiency Testing program may not always provide the scope or evaluation approach required by a particular laboratory.
Customized Proficiency Testing programs are performance assessment programs designed by taking into account the specific needs of an individual laboratory, a group of laboratories, an industry, or a particular technical field.
PT Nexus – Connecting Laboratories. Advancing Quality. aims to develop not only standard Proficiency Testing (PT) programs but also customized proficiency testing and laboratory performance assessment programs designed to address different technical requirements.
Our goal is not simply to expect laboratories to adapt to existing programs, but to shape the program structure, when necessary, according to their actual technical needs.
Beyond Standard Programs
Laboratories operate across different industries and work with different analytical methods and technical requirements.
In some cases, the laboratory may wish to evaluate:
- A specific analytical parameter,
- A specialized test method,
- A specific product or matrix,
- A newly developed analytical method,
- A defined measurement range,
- A specific industry application,
- The performance of a particular group of laboratories.
These areas may not be covered by existing standard Proficiency Testing programs.
This is where Customized Proficiency Testing can provide laboratories with a performance assessment approach better aligned with their specific needs.
PT Nexus aims to evaluate customized program requests within the framework of technical scope, participant structure, test items, measurement or analytical parameters, and the evaluation approach.
What Is Customized Proficiency Testing?
Customized Proficiency Testing is a Proficiency Testing program designed for testing and measurement areas that fall outside standard programs or require a structure tailored to a specific need.
A program can be planned by taking into account a specific analysis, specialized matrix, particular method, different measurement parameter, or a common technical requirement shared by participating laboratories.
The primary purpose of customized programs is to support laboratories in participating in an evaluation process that is more closely aligned with their actual areas of work.
Each customized Proficiency Testing program is evaluated according to its technical requirements, with the aim of establishing an appropriate program structure.
When Is Customized Proficiency Testing Needed?
The same Proficiency Testing program may not be suitable for every laboratory.
Some situations in which a customized PT program may be required include:
No Existing PT Program
There may be no suitable standard Proficiency Testing program available for the analysis or measurement area performed by the laboratory.
In such cases, a customized program can be designed according to the laboratory’s specific needs.
Specialized Analytical Parameters
A laboratory may wish to evaluate its performance for a specific parameter or analysis that is not included in routine PT programs.
Different Sample or Matrix Requirements
Some analyses are performed on specific products, materials, or specialized matrices. In such cases, it may be important to plan the test item so that it more closely reflects the laboratory’s actual working conditions.
New Methods or Technologies
Performance assessment may be required for newly developed analytical methods or laboratory-specific technical applications.
Customized Proficiency Testing can support the development of programs designed to evaluate such technical activities.
Programs for a Specific Laboratory Group
A customized program can be established for laboratories within the same organization, laboratories operating in a specific industry, or laboratories sharing a common technical field of activity.
How Is a Customized Proficiency Testing Program Developed?
At PT Nexus, the development of a customized Proficiency Testing program begins with a clear understanding of the specific requirement.
1. Identifying the Technical Need
The first step is to identify the analysis, measurement, or technical process that the laboratory or organization wishes to evaluate.
Key information considered at this stage may include:
- Test or measurement parameter,
- Method used,
- Sample or matrix type,
- Measurement range,
- Participating laboratory profile,
- Program objective.
2. Designing the Program Scope
Based on the identified need, the technical scope of the program is established.
The following elements are planned:
- Objectives,
- Participant structure,
- Test item,
- Implementation process,
- Result submission method,
- Evaluation approach,
- Reporting structure.
The objective is to establish a program that is both technically appropriate and practical for participating laboratories.
3. Test Item and Technical Preparation
The test item to be used in the Customized Proficiency Testing program is planned according to the objectives and technical requirements of the program.
The characteristics of the test item are evaluated to ensure alignment with the intended testing or measurement area.
Where required, technical studies may include considerations such as suitability, homogeneity, and stability of the test item.
4. Participant Organization
The participating laboratories and implementation process are defined.
A customized Proficiency Testing program can be structured for:
- Laboratories within a single organization,
- Laboratories operating within a specific industry,
- Organizations sharing a common analytical field,
- Groups of laboratories with specific technical competence requirements.
5. Analysis and Measurement Process
Participating laboratories perform their tests or measurements in accordance with the defined program conditions.
The objective is, wherever possible, to allow the evaluation of results generated under the laboratories’ routine working conditions.
6. Digital Management of Results
Participants submit their results to the system within the defined timeframe.
Through the PT Nexus digital approach, applications, result submission, document sharing, and program tracking can be managed through PT Nexus Online.
This structure is intended to support the centralized and systematic management of customized programs.
7. Technical and Statistical Evaluation
The results obtained from the program are evaluated according to its objectives and the predefined evaluation approach.
Not every customized Proficiency Testing program requires the same evaluation method. Therefore, the evaluation approach is determined by considering the technical scope of the program, number of participants, analytical parameter, and characteristics of the data obtained.
8. Reporting and Feedback
At the end of the program, the results are evaluated and reported in a way that helps participants review their individual performance.
These reports can contribute to laboratories’ ability to:
- Evaluate their current performance,
- Compare their results,
- Investigate potential differences,
- Review their technical processes,
- Identify opportunities for improvement.
Benefits of Customized Proficiency Testing for Laboratories
Customized PT programs can create an evaluation environment that is more closely aligned with the laboratory’s specific technical activities.
A Program Designed Around Your Needs
The program can be designed according to the laboratory’s specific analysis or measurement field.
More Meaningful Performance Assessment
Test items and parameters that closely reflect actual working conditions can be incorporated into the program design.
Flexible Technical Scope
The program scope, analytical parameters, and evaluation requirements can be adapted to specific technical needs.
A Solution for a Specific Laboratory Group
A common comparison program can be developed for laboratories within the same organization, industry, or technical field.
Contribution to Continuous Improvement
The data obtained can provide valuable feedback that laboratories can use within their quality management systems and technical improvement activities.
Focus on Real Needs with Customized Proficiency Testing
Quality assessment for laboratories does not always mean selecting an existing program.
In some cases, the most appropriate solution is to design a program that reflects the laboratory’s actual area of work, methodology, and technical objectives.
Customized Proficiency Testing aims to provide laboratories with an assessment opportunity in areas that may not be covered by standard programs.
At PT Nexus, we listen to the needs of laboratories and aim to develop appropriate program solutions in line with their technical requirements.
A Scientific, Flexible and Reliable Program Approach
Flexibility in designing a customized Proficiency Testing program cannot be considered independently of scientific and technical requirements.
The PT Nexus approach is built on the following principles:
Scientific + Impartial + Traceable + Digital + Flexible + Secure + Transparent
In the design of customized programs, we aim to:
- Clearly understand technical requirements,
- Define the program scope transparently,
- Establish evaluation criteria in advance,
- Manage process records systematically,
- Protect participant information securely,
- Evaluate results through an objective approach.
When You Need a Solution Designed for You, Not Just a Standard Program
Every laboratory has different assessment needs.
If there is no suitable Proficiency Testing program for the analysis or measurement you perform, or if existing programs do not fully address your technical requirements, a Customized Proficiency Testing solution may be an appropriate alternative.
Programs developed for a specific analytical parameter, specialized matrix, new method, or defined laboratory group can be evaluated according to their technical requirements.
Create Your Customized Proficiency Testing Request with PT Nexus
Contact PT Nexus to develop a Customized Proficiency Testing (PT) or customized performance assessment program tailored to your laboratory’s needs.
- Let’s evaluate your requirements together.
- Let’s define the technical scope together.
- Let’s develop a program approach suitable for your laboratory.
PT Nexus – Connecting Laboratories. Advancing Quality.
Proficiency Testing designed around your needs, beyond standard programs.