How can you assess the competency of your laboratory personnel using proficiency testing?

1 What is proficiency testing?

PT is a type of external quality assessment (EQA) that involves sending samples with known or assigned values to participating laboratories, and then analyzing their results for consistency and accuracy. PT can be performed for various types of tests, such as clinical, environmental, forensic, or industrial. PT can also be conducted for different aspects of laboratory operations, such as pre-analytical, analytical, or post-analytical processes. PT can help you monitor the quality of your laboratory services, comply with accreditation standards, and improve customer satisfaction.

2 Why is proficiency testing important for competency assessment?

PT is important for competency assessment because it can provide objective and independent evidence of your laboratory personnel's skills and knowledge. PT can help you identify the areas where your staff need more training, supervision, or feedback. PT can also help you recognize the best practices and outstanding performers in your laboratory. PT can also help you detect and prevent errors, reduce risks, and enhance patient safety.

3 How can you design and implement proficiency testing?

PT can be designed and implemented in different ways, depending on your laboratory's needs, goals, and resources. You can choose to participate in an external PT program, where you receive samples from a third-party provider and submit your results for evaluation and comparison. You can also create your own internal PT program, where you prepare and distribute samples within your laboratory or network, and review and analyze your results internally. You can also use a combination of both external and internal PT, where you complement the external PT with your own quality control measures.

4 How can you evaluate and interpret proficiency testing results?

PT results can be evaluated and interpreted using various methods and criteria, depending on the type and purpose of the PT. You can use statistical tools, such as z-scores, standard deviation index, or performance scores, to measure the deviation of your results from the assigned or consensus values. You can also use qualitative tools, such as grading schemes, acceptability limits, or performance indicators, to classify your results as satisfactory, questionable, or unsatisfactory. You can also compare your results with those of your peers, benchmarks, or standards.

5 How can you use proficiency testing results for competency improvement?

PT results can be used for competency improvement by providing feedback and recommendations to your laboratory personnel. You can use PT results to identify the sources and causes of errors, such as equipment, reagents, methods, or human factors. You can also use PT results to develop and implement corrective and preventive actions, such as calibration, maintenance, verification, validation, or training. You can also use PT results to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of your actions, and to document and communicate your progress and achievements.

6 How can you optimize proficiency testing for competency assessment?

Optimizing PT for competency assessment requires following some best practices and tips. This includes selecting a PT program that is suitable and relevant for the laboratory's scope and needs, treating the PT samples as routine samples, reporting results accurately and timely, and participating in PT regularly and continuously. Additionally, you should follow the PT instructions and guidelines carefully and consistently, review and discuss the PT results and feedback with staff and management, implement and document the PT actions and outcomes.