If possible, we publish the assigned values of synthetic proficiency testing items
on our website latest on the second working day after the closing date for result submission.
Within about two weeks, the proficiency test data will be evaluated and the reports will be prepared.
Every laboratory will receive a confirmation of participation per letter.
It contains the name, the letter code of the laboratory, the number of the round,
the assigned values, the results, the recoveries, the z-score-criteria(s) and
the achieved z-scores.
The participants can download the reports
via Internet.
Mass concentrations determined by weighing certified standards and high-purity salts are generally used as assigned values for the parameters to be examined. Exceptions to this rule are presented in the respective reports.
All results submitted to the IFA-Tulln are subjected to an outlier test (according to Hampel). Data identified as outliers are rejected prior to the calculation of further statistical characteristics. The calculation of recovery,
laboratory mean values and statistical characteristics refers to the assigned values, which,
with a few exceptions (e.g. conductivity, KMnO4-index) are independent of the results and the number of participants. This preserves the complete information content of
the evaluation.
Quick preparation of the reports enables fast evaluation of the analytical performance and provides the possibility for the participants to take corrective actions.
The evaluation of the results is descriptive rather than prescriptive. Up to now, the reports mainly
illustrated the data of the participants and did not contain any real marks for the participant's
performance. However, we include z-scores based on long-term performance data of our participants in our
evaluation. Additionally, every laboratory receives a sheet with the achieved z-scores by letter.
For each parameter the z-scores are illustrated in both tabular and graphical form.
The report contains recovery and deviation diagrams, thus presenting the data in an illustrative and
easily understandable way. Results, from which no recoveries of the assigned values can be calculated,
are arranged in the categories "false negative", "false positive" or "non-classifiable" and are
illustrated as such.
The text gives general information about the proficiency testing rounds, a description of the sample composition and a
short summary of the results as well as an example for calculating the z-score.
The parameter-oriented part of the report contains a summary of all results (raw data tables)
and the results sorted according to parameters. For each parameter the transmitted results of
all participating laboratories are illustrated in both tabular and graphical form. For comparison with the previous average performance of the other laboratories, the z-scores are shown in the tables next to the recoveries. A summary of all z-scores can be found in the tables of the parameter-oriented part.
In the third part of the report the results of each laboratory are shown. The recoveries and
deviations from the assigned values are presented in both tabular and graphical form. This
type of data illustration enables rapid estimation of the own analytical performance.
At the end of the report, a summary of the methods used by the laboratories for the analysis is provided in graphical form.
appropriate contact details: contact
Any complaint or appeal to an IFA - proficiency testing round must be submitted in written form by e-mail or by means of a completed feedback form, which is enclosed with the evaluation letter. The staff of the proficiency testing provider will contact the customer. The facts of the case will then be examined internally and the customer will be informed of the investigations carried out and the measures required.
Complaints or appeals are processed by the responsible employees of the IFA, who, if possible, were not involved in the matter in question.
The decision on the appeal is evaluated and approved by a person who was not involved in the decision that is the subject of the appeal in question.
It is ensured that the complaint or the appeal does not result in any discriminatory actions. The customer will be informed about the end of processing the concerning matter of facts.
In order to be able to complete the proficiency test rounds in a foreseeable period of time, we ask you to observe the deadline in case of an appeal. It ends six weeks after the closing date. The dates for the respective round can be found in the detailed programme for the parameters.
For proficiency testing rounds organized by or cooperation partner, the Environment Agency Austria (UBA), please inform yourself about the regulations that apply there.