proficiency tests definition
Proficiency testing determines the performance of individual laboratories for specific tests or measurements and is used to monitor laboratoriesâ continuing performance. Proficiency testing is also called interlaboratory comparison. As this term implies, proficiency testing compares the measuring results obtained by different laboratories. In a proficiency test one or more artifacts are sent around between a number of participating laboratories. Each laboratory measures the artifacts (e.g. a ring gage or a set of gage blocks) according to a given set of instructions and reports its results to the administrator.