Component Proficiency
The QCS PT program provides online reporting of unknown results and conformance reporting for quantitative and qualitative proficiency trials. The Samples Unknown quantitative PT program is now included in the Proficiency Testing Program. Access to the program and a detailed user guide may be reached using the links below.
QCS Proficiency Testing Program Access
QCS Proficiency Testing Program User Guide
Version 1.2 – Effective January 1, 2018
QCS Proficiency Testing Program 2023 Schedule – Component PT
Released September 12, 2022
The QCS Samples Unknown program is monthly quantitative proficiency test to verify the accuracy of laboratory instruments. The timetable of the monthly samples unknown program is such that:
- In accordance with the published PT schedule, the samples unknown supplier sends duplicate sets of 12 samples to each of the participating DHI component laboratories on the Monday of the week of the PT trial.
- By midnight EST on the Friday of the same week, each laboratory is required to analyze the 24 samples and submit the results to the QCS Proficiency Program website. Laboratories submitting data after the deadline may be subject to fees or changes in certification status.
- On the Monday after the submission, QCS analyzes the reference and routine instrument results submitted.
- When the analysis is complete, participating laboratories are notified that certification and nonconformance reports are available for viewing or printing on the QCS Proficiency Program website.
ELISA Proficiency Program
The core purpose of this program is to identify laboratories proficient in performing ELISA testing of milk samples. This program will consist of a monthly set of ‘Samples Unknown’ that will be distributed to participating laboratories for analysis and data submission.
ELISA PT Program – Participant Web Site
ELISA Proficiency Test Schedule
This program is designed to:
- Promote standardization among laboratories conducting ELISA tests on milk samples
- Identify laboratories proficient in various milk ELISA tests, providing a level of assurance to dairy producers and allied industry partners
This program is open to any laboratory conducting ELISA test on milk samples. There are no limitations on the following:
- Test kit manufacturer
- ELISA test run by an individual laboratory
- Participation in other certification programs offered by QCS and/or other entities
How the program works:
- On the Monday of the second full week of the month, the ELISA Proficiency Unknowns Supplier will send out a set of 20 samples (MAP PT) or 12 samples (PAG PT) to each participating lab. The samples should provide enough volume to allow three technicians to conduct the assay(s).
- By midnight (Eastern Time Zone) of the last business day of the month, each laboratory must analyze the samples (along with positive and negative controls) and subsequently submit the results online to the ELISA Proficiency web site. After the data entry deadline is passed, QCS will analyze the raw data and prepare test results in a timely fashion.
- Once the analysis is complete, each participating laboratory will be notified that they are able to retrieve a certification report for their respective laboratory’s performance.
- Laboratories meeting performance criteria will be published in a list of proficient labs on the QCS website.
