{"id":29380,"date":"2026-03-24T18:11:09","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T16:11:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vsl.nl\/?page_id=29380"},"modified":"2026-05-15T10:38:50","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T08:38:50","slug":"proficiency-testing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vsl.nl\/en\/services\/proficiency-testing\/","title":{"rendered":"Proficiency Testing"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Proficiency Testing<\/h1>\n

Laboratories are committed to optimum quality of their instruments, procedures and measurement capabilities. To do this, they usually work with internal inspections. However, external validation is indispensable. VSL provides this, in the form of proficiency tests.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section el_class=”dg-padding-mid-top brand_element_small”][vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″ el_class=”full_width_responsive dg-padding-none”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1773756574811{padding-right: 10% !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Our services<\/p>\n

The importance of proficiency testing<\/h2>\n

Systematic measurement deviations that develop over time cannot be detected by internal audits alone. Several accreditations, as well as EN ISO\/IEC 17025:2017, therefore require laboratories to participate in Proficiency Tests (PT schemes) or interlaboratory comparisons (ILC). This involves an anonymous comparison of measurement results from multiple laboratories (benchmarking) to identify any deviations. VSL is an by RvA accredited PT provider (EN ISO\/IEC 17043:2023 registratie nummer R006<\/a>).<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Proficiency testing in practice<\/strong><\/p>\n

During a Proficiency Test, all participating laboratories perform the same measurements and data analyses. The results are compared and compiled into a report in which each participant is assigned a unique code. Participants only know their own code, allowing them to anonymously compare their results with those of other laboratories. We treat the data confidentially and only disclose them to the laboratory itself.<\/p>\n

Participation in proficiency tests is an investment in reliability, operational security and confidence in one’s own capabilities. It also enables laboratories to meet the requirements for accreditation and EN ISO\/IEC 17025:2017.<\/p>\n

Laboratories that are committed to quality also consider it important to participate in PT schemes because:<\/p>\n