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- What is Proficiency Testing?
- Evaluation of participant performance against pre-established criteria by means of interlaboratory comparisons. It is a powerful quality assurance tool that enables laboratories to monitor their performance and compare their results against similar laboratories.
- Why do Proficiency Testing?
- Proficiency Testing helps laboratories monitor the quality of their testing methods and procedures by providing all participants in the study with the ability to confidentially compare their results to each other. The detailed data helps laboratories identify problem areas, take corrective actions and then verify results as part of their ongoing participation in proficiency testing and commitment to quality service.
- Why Choose PTC?
- We have significant experience coupled with competitive prices and excellent reporting.
- PTC has been operating since 1991 providing proficiency testing to labs to help monitor performance and compare results amongst peers.
- We provide four samples per round of testing, twice a year. Our samples are not concentrated so they are ready for analysis. This reduces the chance of error and provides a more accurate test result.
- Our reports are timely, accurate and contain all the information you need to maintain accreditation and if required, take corrective actions.
- Is PTC Accredited?
- Yes, we are accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) and operate on a not-for-profit basis. PTC has recently been acknowledged to fully conform to the International PT standard ISO/IEC 17043:2023.
- How many PT Studies does PTC provide per year?
- PT samples are shipped 2 times per year Jan/June or Mar/Oct depending on your Test Groups of interest. Asbestos is an exception, it is offered in all 4 PT Studies. The Shipping schedule, cost, application form and lots more are all available on our website ptcanada.org.
- How do I apply to be in the PT program?
- Is there a deadline for the PT Application?
- Registration Deadline is 2 weeks prior to the Study Shipping Date.
- Do you accept international labs into the program?
- Yes, we ship to countries worldwide.
- Can I participate in only one Study?
- Yes, you can participate in only one of the four PT Studies – Jan, Mar, June or Oct depending on your Test Group of interest.
- What are the Test Groups offered?
- What is the cost to be in the Study?
- What is the cost for Shipping samples?
- There is no extra cost to ship the samples within Canada. For International labs, it is 25% of the cost of the PT Study.
- What if the sample breaks during shipping?
- Samples are replaced at no cost to the lab if there are issues during Shipment.
- How are the samples shipped to my lab?
- Samples are shipped using Fedex or DHL courier services.
- What are the typical Shipping times?
- Within Canada, delivery is typically next Business day. For International Shipping, it varies depending on the country but is typically within 7 Business days of shipping.
- How are the results calculated?
- The chronological steps involved in PT Rounds from Posting the PT Schedule to Evaluation of the Data and Posting the PT Reports can all be found in PT Evaluation Procedures PROC09 here on our website https://ptcanada.org/pt-resources/operations-docs/
- Is my information confidential?
- Yes, results are shared with only your lab. A Group report of all the results or that Test Group is posted but it does not include any identity information about the labs. You can review our Privacy Code POL02 https://ptcanada.org/pt-resources/operations-docs/
- What is turnaround time for delivery of reports?
- The Preliminary report is distributed within 2 weeks of the reporting deadline.
- Where can I find more information?
