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Proficiency Testing Scheme (PTS)
An European Scheme Open to the General European OMCL Network and other Medicines Control Laboratories
Background
The Proficiency Testing Scheme (PTS) is a form of external assessment of quality control management systems using inter-laboratory comparisons to determine the performance of individual laboratories in carrying out specific tests or measurements. This supplements laboratories' internal quality control procedures by providing an external measure of their testing capability.
The EDQM designs and organises the Proficiency Testing Scheme according to "ISO/IEC 17043:2010 Conformity Assessment - General Requirements for proficiency testing". Primarily, the scheme aims to ensure that the results obtained within the General European OMCL Network are comparable and that members maintain their performance. With this in mind, PTS studies are regularly carried out on basic methods of analysis in the biological and physico-chemical fields (including on methods used in pharmaceutical technology such as dissolution testing) in the framework of ISO/IEC 17025-the standard chosen by the General European OMCL Network. Participation in the scheme provides laboratories with an objective means for assessing and demonstrating the reliability of their data. This helps build mutual trust between OMCLs - an important component of an effective common system for the quality control of medicines.
About 5 studies are organised each year in the physico-chemical area. About 4 studies are organised each year in the area of biologicals.
Who Organises the Scheme and Who Can Participate?
The EDQM organises, co-ordinates and manages the scheme. Following registration, any control laboratory can participate. Participation is free for members of the General European OMCL Network but subject to payment for non-members.
Achievements in 2011
In 2011, 5 studies were organised in the physico-chemical area. An average of 63 laboratories (OMCLs and other medicines control laboratories, for example, from the pharmaceutical industry and from hospitals) participated. In the biologicals area, 3 studies were organised involving on average 25 laboratories.
Important Information
For more information about fees, please go to the Proficiency Testing Scheme (PTS) Studies section.
Proficiency Testing in 2012
To view the Proficiency Testing Scheme (PTS) studies planning for 2012, please click HERE.
Registration
The registration date to participate in PTS studies planned for 2012 has passed. Contact the EDQM if you would still like to register. If you have registered and require further information, please send an e-mail to muriel.guisse@edqm.eu.
Physico-Chemical PTS Registration Form 2012
PTS Biological Registration Form 2012
To register for PTS studies due to take place in 2013, please come back in the 4th quarter of the year.
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