Proficiency testing forum 2008

A Proficiency Testing Forum to be held at NATA is currently under development. Submissions are sought from interested parties to participate in this forum.

The previous forums held by NATA were well received; it is therefore proposed that the next Proficiency Testing Forum be held for one day between the dates of the 17-21 November 2008 at the NATA Melbourne office.

The purpose of the Proficiency Testing Forum is to discuss issues related to quality management and associated accreditation matters, and to provide a forum for organisers and users of proficiency testing schemes on issues affecting the practice of proficiency testing. While technical issues can be raised and discussed in general terms, these issues may be referred back to the Proficiency Testing Scheme Providers Acreditation Advisory Committee for clarification or resolution.

We are inviting interested parties to register their interest in participation and forward specific agenda items they would like discussed. Further updates (including the agenda) will be sent out to all participants once the date has been confirmed.

Please note that due to venue limitations and the possible interest in registration, there may need to be a restriction on the number of participants. Interested parties will be registered until venue limitations are reached.

Scope of the forum
This forum represents an important meeting for those who are interested to share and disseminate their experience, knowledge and innovative ideas.

The forum will address current practices, problems and future directions of interlaboratory comparisons. Focus is on proficiency testing (PT) and external quality assurance/assessment (EQA) in any laboratory discipline. Presentations and working group tasks will highlight:
 
• Current practice and future directions in PT/EQA
• Accreditation of PT providers
• Comparability of PT schemes
• Using internet for conducting PT
• What impact has accreditation of PT/EQA providers had on laboratories
• Homogeneity and stability issues
• Analysis of data and data integrity
• Interpretation of the ILAC G13:2007 standard
• Current directions for international recognition of accredited PT providers
• Revision of ILAC G13 to ISO/IEC 17043.
• Reporting on the international activities around PT (17043, ILAC P9)

As with the previous forum, NATA will cover daytime catering and venue costs. Please note that participants (or their organisations) will need to cover all associated travel and accommodation costs. Catering will be arranged according to registrations received.

Please note that if a cancellation is received later than 4 days before the event, the participant and/or their organisation may be asked to cover these costs.

To register your interest in attending the Proficiency Testing forum  please complete the attached form and email back to jan.beattie@nata.asn.au or edita.grujic@nata.asn.au by 9 October 2008.

TO REGISTER: 

Click Here to download the registration form.

1. You can download, fill the registration form, write 'Attn: Edita Grujic' and fax the completed form to us on :02 9743 5311

2. Email the completed form as attachment to jan.beattie@nata.asn.au

3. A registration form is available online with further details.