Frequently Asked Questions

Participation

How many participants are typically involved in each test?: This varies by matrix and method. Refer to past reports for past participation.
Is partial involvement on a PT scheme/round acceptable?: Yes – The customer decides the frequency and the analytes reported.
Are partial year subscriptions available at a reduced cost?: No. All subscriptions are offered on an annual basis only. However, customers may enroll midyear. For customers enrolling midyear, past test items from the current year will be shipped with the first shipment, as available. No guarantee is made that all test items will be available since they are produced consistent with enrollment at the time of production.

Shipping

How are Proficiency Testing materials shipped?

The shipping method is selected by the customer at the point of enrollment. The options include:

USPS First Class - USA
USPS First Class International parcel service.
USPS Express Mail International.
International customers only can also use a courier service (must provide account #).

What is expected shipping time?

This varies with the shipping method chosen. For example, with USPS Express Mail estimated shipping time of 3 to 5 business days and full tracking. AAFCO cannot guarantee nor estimate delivery times for international laboratories.

Would there be any shipping delays in customs for international shipments?

There may be issues with customs, this varies by country.

Homogeneity and Stability

Is a Homogeneity study performed? If so can results be provided?: Homogeneity studies are performed periodically. In lieu of doing studies for each round, markers are monitored statistically.
What assurance is provided for the stability of the proficiency material prior to receipt?: Packaged materials are stable within the reporting time frame under ambient conditions.

Statistics

What is the minimum number of participants required to apply statistics?: Six Laboratories
What statistical analysis is provided on each PT material? (Consensus vs. mean, standard deviation and median value): Consensus values, Robust Standard Deviation and uncertainties, Z-Scores and method precision.
What process is used to exclude outliers?: The robust procedures significantly down weights the outliers.
I was looking at the results for the Total Fumonisin and I have not been able reproduce the Z-scores given for our laboratory. Would you please provide a breakdown of how they are calculated?: Z = (Lab_avg – Robust Mean)/Horwitz σ_ffp
For example:
Lab_avg = Laboratory Average = (Result₁ + Result₂)/2 = (3600 + 3700)/2 = 3650
Robust Mean = 2512
Horwitz σ_ffp = Horwitz predicted fit-for-purpose (ffp) standard deviation (σ) = 349.8
Z = (3650 – 2512)/349.8 = +3.25
I notice that the assigned value for the total is not the same as what I would expect if I added the assigned values for FB1, FB2, and FB3 together.: The assigned value for Total Fumonisin is calculated from the values submitted for Total Fumonisins not the individual Fumonisins.
How are the statistics handled for AAFCO PTP?: Robust statistics are used and described at http://www.aafco.org/check-sample/CSPStatsDocs/CSPStatsDocs.html.

Reports

What is the timeline for delivery of results?: Study reports are available on the last day of the month.
Can the proficiency provider provide a customized report that includes one company (multiple facilities) results? (If applicable): Yes, for an additional fee.
Can a spreadsheet be provided that includes all one company (multiple sites) results from sites? (If applicable): Yes, for an additional fee.
Does the PT provider request and report the different methods used to obtain the results?: Yes
Does the PT provider give a certification for approved chemist for the test?: No

Quality Reference Materials (QRM)

When does a PTP material become available as a QRM?: The material is added to the QRM once the report is released.