Aims and Scope
Proficiency Tests (PT) give participants the opportunity to demonstrate technical competence, meet accreditation requirements, and gain confidence by comparing their results with those of other laboratories.
This PT is not accredited to ISO/IEC 17043:2023 and is not covered by the EA-MLA, IAF-MLA and ILAC-MRA agreements.
VSL organizes PTs with the highest care, and will provide the following:
• A suitable traveling standard/instrument
• A clear test protocol
• An independent assessment report
• Anonymous comparison of results
• Optional metrological and quality management support
Questions?
Our experts are at your service.
Jaïr Blom
PT coördinator
Confidentiality statements
VSL keeps all data regarding the performance of individual participants, or groups of participants, strictly confidential. Data is accordingly protected and stored in areas on networks with restricted access. The relationship between results and the laboratories that submitted them will never be disclosed. Only the laboratory is granted access to its performance through the assigned code number.
Transport
VSL will handle and cover the shipment of instruments to all participating laboratories. Each participant is responsible only for performing the calibration work within the agreed time frame and submitting their results using the provided report sheet, in accordance with the protocol. Detailed shipping instructions and tracking information will be provided, with all logistics fully managed by VSL.
Criterion of participation
Participation is open to any laboratory performing pipettes and micropipettes instrument calibration, whether accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 or seeking accreditation.
Payment Terms
Payment in advance, at least one month before the start.
Failure to pay on time may result in exclusion from participation, without any right to refund or compensation.
Quantities to be measured
The participating laboratories are expected to perform a calibration (as found) on 10 %, 50 % and 100% (if possible) of the adjustable micropipettes volume.
Participants
This PT is open to 8-15 participants. If fewer than 8 laboratories register, VSL may cancel or postpone the PT.
Schedule
The PT will start on the date specified on our website.
The aim is to release the PT report no later than six weeks after the deadline for submitting the results by the participants. Detailed instructions and contact information will be provided.
Travelling Standard
The following pipettes are available:
Pipette Volume
Pipetman F10 Fixed volume 10 µl
Pipetman P20G 2 – 20 µl
Pipetman P5000L 500 – 5000 µl
Eppendorf 10 µl 100 µl
Eppendorf 200 µl 200 µl
At each round a selection will be made of these pipettes.
All pipettes are supplied without tips (participants should take care of the suitable tips themselves).
Equipment Choice
Participants are advised to use their routine methods and equipment when performing measurements and calibrations. These should be carried out in accordance with the laboratory’s usual practices.
Instructions and protocol
VSL will provide the protocol before shipping the instruments. Each participant will have at least two weeks to perform the measurements and submit the results. A report sheet will be provided for submitting the results.
Assigned Value
The consensus value will be used as the assigned values. The consensus values in this proficiency test are calculated as described in ISO 13528:2022, algorithm A.
Performance evaluation
The results will be evaluated using the normalized error (En-score).
Interpretation of the En-score is as follows:
|En| <= 1 Satisfactory performance
|En| > 1 Unsatisfactory performance
The final report presents results anonymously. Each laboratory can identify its own performance via a unique code. VSL guarantees full confidentiality and does not share individual data with third parties.
Deliverables
Upon completion of the PT, each participant will receive:
• A detailed report with anonymized results;
• An individual performance evaluation.
This report may serve as supporting evidence for audits and internal reviews.
Calendar
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Pipettes
- 01-04-2026
- Sign up