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Proficiency Testing and Quality Assurance

Proficiency Testing (PT) is an important element of laboratory quality assurance. For Official Control analyses or for analyses where accreditation of laboratory methods to recognised international standards such as ISO/IEC 17025 is required, regular participation in relevant PT is an expectation of auditors and accreditation bodies. This section contains information on the annual PT programme for laboratories undertaking microbiological analyses in bivalve molluscan shellfish, and reports from previous PT schemes. It also contains guidance on performance assessment, troubleshooting and recommended follow-up activities.

We also operate non-matrix PT schemes (i.e. for samples not containing bivalve shellfish matrix) in partnership with Public Health England (PHE). For more details please see the PHE website.