zzzz ICAR, since 2016, is directly coordinating a proficiency test for milk analyses. Nowadays 35 different countries from 5 continents are represented by 72 participant laboratories.
If you would like to have more info please visit ICAR website here
Presently, ICAR would like to improve and expand this service by providing more information with the application of a novel statistical approach starting with a test for the somatic cell parameter. For this reason, ICAR would like to test “A probabilistic calculation model” published in 2016 Accred Qual Assur (2016) 21:175-183 DOI 10.1007/s00769-016-1207-y “Probabilistic comparison and assessment of proficiency testing schemes and laboratories in the somatic cell count of raw milk,Thomas F. H. Berger, Werner Luginbul
The application of this model will allow to:
- Qualify the laboratories that participate in different Proficiency test assigning a Quality index PL (assessing labs)
- Qualify the Proficiency test provider assigning a Quality index PQ (assessing PT)
The obtained quality index will be an “objective assessment criterion” that can be used to promote analytical equivalence and to characterize a primary reference material.
The comparability of the proficiency tests and laboratories should ultimately enable the harmonization of the SCC proficiency tests and a better equivalence at a global scale !
If you are interested to participate to this test as a routine laboratory (Lab) or as a proficiency testing provider (PT) and to provide your data for a test, please contact Dr. Silvia Orlandini