ICAR

Information about the ICAR Proficiency Test

Information and instructions about the ICAR PT Programme 2016 and the new administrative aspects

The technical sub contractor of this proficiency testing scheme is ACTALIA who have for many years collaborated efficiently with ICAR.

The ICAR PT parameters considered are: fat, protein, urea, somatic cell and lactose in cow milk.

From this year it will be possible to participate with reference and alternative method in the ICAR PT.

ICAR secretariat will collect the participation forms, will send you the final report and the invoice.

As in the previous years the ICAR PT and ACTALIA PT will be organized in parallel. Thanks to the kind and fruitful collaboration with ACTALIA we know that you have already subscribed the ACTALIA participation. In the that case, please simply sign the ICAR PT Participation form available here and send back to pt@icar.org.

The contract between ICAR and ACTALIA prescribes that for the ICAR PT parameters you will receive only that invoice from ICAR.

ACTALIA will invoice your company only for the parameters that are NOT included in ICAR PT (extra-parameters)

So to be clear, ICAR will invoice for the ICAR PT parameters and Actalia will invoice separately their extra parameters.

You will receive a revamped ICAR PT report in 2016 which we believe will be more useful for your quality assurance.

A feature of the new ICAR PT report will help you track and trend your performance over time.

ICAR technical staff will be there to help to interpret and support you as necessary.

Technical Information

Packaging: 65 ml or 35 ml polyethylene screw-capped vials with airtight joints.

Dispatch: by express carrier with ice in isolated boxes => arrival within 1 day (for most European countries) or up to 5 days, depending on the consignee’s country.

Storage in the laboratory: samples must be stored at 4°C upon arrival and should be analysed for SCC no longer than 5 days, and for chemistry no longer than 10 days, after the dispatch date.

Particular cautions for international delivery

Large delays can result from missing the exact fulfilment of the custom requirements of the importing country so it is important to update Actalia-Cecalait on the local custom requirements and the latest changes.

For new participants, particular attention should be paid to the first trial to check transport effectiveness and, where needed, enable possible improvement with regard to delays. The most appropriate method for sample transport and delivery will be determined.

ICAR PT Fees

The fees reported are for each dispatch, for each parameter and for each set

of samples. Shipping costs are real costs invoiced by express courier.

These prices do not include VAT

Results

After the samples dispatch, you will receive the ICAR PT Excel form necessary to send back your results to pt@icar.org

Statistical treatment

The statistical treatment will be done according the ISO 17043 for each parameter.

The ICAR report scheme has been simplified by the ICAR Milk Analyses Sub-Committee and includes a full overview/explanation of the ICAR population.

All the data will be treated anonymously and a tight confidentiality commitment is guaranteed

Contacts

For any further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact ICAR secretariat at pt@icar.org