eDNA Proficiency Testing Scheme
The National eDNA Reference Centre administers a proficiency testing scheme to assess accuracy robustness and congruency of eDNA results for eDNA Collaborating Centres.
Proficiency Testing (PT) is the method of testing and comparing outcomes of eDNA Collaborating Centres organised by the National eDNA Reference Centre. It involves testing blind samples and submitting analytical results to the NRC for analysis. Based on accuracy and congruence, the NRC certifies involved facilities in being proficient in eDNA testing.
The benefits of Proficiency Testing
Proficiency testing (PT):
- provides staff with an insight into their laboratory’s performance
- provides a comparison of performance with that of other laboratories, nationally and internationally
- improves the standard of examinations
- identifies areas where there may be problems
- demonstrates to clients, colleagues and accreditation bodies that there is a commitment to quality
- educates staff, providing a better understanding of the impact of incorrect results
Proficiency testing (PT):
- provides staff with an insight into their laboratory’s performance
- provides a comparison of performance with that of other laboratories, nationally and internationally
- improves the standard of examinations
- identifies areas where there may be problems
- demonstrates to clients, colleagues and accreditation bodies that there is a commitment to quality
- educates staff, providing a better understanding of the impact of incorrect results
