Proficiency testing in analytical chemistry, microbiology and laboratory medicine: working group discussions on current practice and future directions

A summary of the working group (WG) discussions on proficiency testing (PT) and external quality assessment (EQA) held at the joint EURACHEM/CITAC/EQALM workshop, Bracknell, UK, 16–18 February 2003 is provided. The nine WG’s covered a range of issues concerned with current practice and future directions; PT/EQA as a tool for regulators (WG1); PT/EQA as a tool for accreditation (WG2); evaluation of performance and uncertainty (WG3); frequency of PT/EQA participation (WG4); selection of appropriate PT/EQA schemes (WG5); added value of PT/EQA and cost benefit evaluation (WG6); global harmonisation and rationalisation (WG7); new technical areas and challenges in PT/EQA (WG8); and accreditation of PT/EQA providers (WG9). Participants with different backgrounds were on each WG in order to capture a range of views and experience from different sectors. The discussions reflected on the keynote lectures and built, in many cases, on discussions at previous workshops in 2000 and 2002.