NMI's Chemical Proficiency Testing Laboratory will independently assess laboratory test methods and quality assurance programs and provide independent evidence of the validity of your measurements. We are accredited by NATA and comply with ISO 17043 (2010) Conformity Assessment – General Requirements for Proficiency Testing.

For information about our service contact proficiency@measurement.gov.au. 

Program for 2011

To register your interest in one of our studies, please fill in and submit an on-line registration form (please note that to register for an account with us you might need to allow JavaScript to run on your browser — this is to display the captcha script).

Metals in soil (Feb/Mar) Folic acid in flour (Feb) Pesticides in fruit and vegetables (Mar) Heroin (Mar/Apr) Pesticides in water (May) Hydrocarbons in water (May) Metals in fresh water (June) Allergens in food (June) Cocaine (Aug) Pesticides in soil (Aug) Hydrocarbons in soil (Aug)

Total organic carbon, total kjeldahl nitrogen and anions in soil (Aug) Pesticides in fruit and vegetables (Sept) Metals in pharmaceuticals (Sept) Folic acid in flour (Oct) Pesticides in water (Oct) Hydrocarbons in water (Oct) Metals in potable water (Oct) Amphetamine type substances (Nov) Clandestine laboratory (Nov) Metals in food (Dec) Allergens in food (Dec)

Click here for details of our gas proficiency testing capabilities.

Aims of our Program

• To provide testing laboratories with a tool to improve the accuracy and traceability of their chemical measurements
• To provide Australian chemical testing laboratories and the national laboratory accreditation body, NATA, with information on the current 'state of the practice' in each area of analysis
• To evaluate laboratory capability, and encourage improvements in laboratory methods and performance from 'state of the practice' to 'fit for purpose'
• To enable participating laboratories to assess their performance relative to domestic and international peer laboratories and hence to improve the comparability of results between laboratories and between countries
• To develop and promote a 'fit for purpose' and affordable metrological approach to proficiency testing
• To provide practical advice and support to laboratories regarding traceability of chemical measurements and estimation of measurement uncertainties

Test samples are prepared, homogenised and characterised by NMI. Selected analytes are measured using reference methods, providing an assigned value traceable to the International System of Units. Results returned by participants are collated, statistically analysed and interpreted, then a report is prepared and distributed to participants and regulatory bodies. NMI's Study Protocol explains in more detail how the program operates. Data analysis and scoring of participants is described in our Statistical Manual.

Click here for a fact sheet, copies of some of our recent proficiency study reports and presentations from a workshop on improving the measurement of metals using proficiency testing.

For Sale — Test Samples for Quality Control and Method Validation

We have some surplus test samples from our program which are available for purchase, namely:

• folic acid in wheat flour and bread mix
• pesticides in fruit and vegetables
• metals in food, wine, pharmaceutical preparations, soil and water

All samples are homogeneous and have been well characterised. However they have not been produced or certified in strict accordance with ISO Guides 30 to 35 and so are not certified reference materials; in particular, long-term storage stability has not been assessed. The samples are suitable for quality control and method validation.

Click here for specific details of the test samples and here for an order form.