IPT's Metrological References Laboratory  (LRM) provides two kinds of interlaboratory programmes to the industry and academic laboratories: Proficiency testing schemes and Interlaboratory method validation programmes.


Proficiency Testing Schemes

The Proficiency Testing Schemes (PT), organized in accordance with standard ISO 17043, are intended to support the evaluation of the quality of chemical analyzes and physical tests performed by laboratories of industry, research institutions and regulatory agencies, among others. The results provided to participants are absolutely confidential.

The main benefits for the participants of these programs are:

• Systematic monitoring of laboratories's performance
• Comparison with the other participating laboratories
• Assistance in identifying measurement issues
• Encouraging improvement actions
• Adequacy of the laboratory to the requirements of ISO / IEC 17025 and ISO 9001
• Demonstration of technical training and strengthening the credibility of the lab in front of customers and partners

The proficiency tests planned for 2012 are:

• Proficiency Test in Lubricants
• Proficiency Test in Chemical Analysis of Water
• Proficiency Test in Chemical Analysis of Steels
• Proficiency Test in RoHs Analysis (directive (2002/95/EC))

 
Besides the regular programs, the LRM also assess the feasibility of developing special PT, tailored to meet specific needs of public and private sectors. For more information on special programs, contact us by e-mail labnet@ipt.br.


Interlaboratory Method Validation Programmes

The validation programs, organized in accordance with ISO 5725, are intended to determine the parameters of precision and trueness of methodologies, especially technical standards, and the LRM have already coordinated two programmes for validation of two Brazilian technical standards, requested by ABNT(Brazilian Association of Technical Standards), with support from the Brazilian Institute of Oil, Gas and Biofuels (IBP).