A proficiency testing was held in 2011 in order to understand the analytical competence of the joined laboratories for nitrites in meat. Dried pork flakes were used as the testing materials that were consistent and effective in terms of homogeneity and stability. A total of 31 laboratories participated in the test.The analytical results were divided using Robust-Z statistics into three grading categories as follows: |Z| score≦2 as 'satisfactory', 2 < | Z | < 3 as 'acceptable' and | Z | ≧ 3 as 'unsatisfactory'. Among the laboratories evaluated, 26, 1 and 4 were graded as satisfactory, acceptable and unsatisfactory, respectively.Laboratories receiving the 'acceptable' or 'unsatisfactory' assessment will be asked to improve their performance on their own. Laboratories are expected to consistently improve their quality control system through this proficiency testing routine.
A proficiency testing was held in 2011 in order to understand the analytical competence of the joined laboratories for nitrites in meat. Dried pork flakes were used as the testing materials that were consistent and effective in terms of homogeneity and stability. A total of 31 laboratories participated in the test.The analytical results were divided using Robust-Z statistics into three grading categories as follows: |Z| score≦2 as 'satisfactory', 2 < | Z | < 3 as 'acceptable' and | Z | ≧ 3 as 'unsatisfactory'. Among the laboratories evaluated, 26, 1 and 4 were graded as satisfactory, acceptable and unsatisfactory, respectively.Laboratories receiving the 'acceptable' or 'unsatisfactory' assessment will be asked to improve their performance on their own. Laboratories are expected to consistently improve their quality control system through this proficiency testing routine.