Laboratory proficiency testing programmes
Formal accreditation, operation of effective internal quality control procedures together with participation in laboratory proficiency testing schemes are key elements in ensuring the quality of results generated by analytical laboratories. A large number of commercial proficiency testing schemes are now in operation covering almost all sectors of analytical chemistry. In the UK a proficiency testing scheme for food analysis called FAPAS@ has been operating since 1990, and covers a wide range of analytes. This scheme is used to exemplify the principles and approaches to laboratory proficiency testing.