Algal Toxin Proficiency Testing
Gold Standard Diagnostics' trusted Algal Toxin Proficiency Testing Program satisfies the increasing international demand for conformity assessment in the field of algal toxin analysis and provides an independent assessment of your laboratory’s performance, giving you confidence in your lab’s ability to deliver quality results to your customers as part of your overall testing program.
Our algal toxin proficiency testing program, with options for both ELISA and instrumental analysis, is offered at various times throughout year. (NOTE: Saxitoxin proficiencies are only offered for ELISA). General timing is provided below, for more specific information please contact us.
For Drinking Water (Microcystins, Saxitoxin, Anatoxin-a & Cylindrospermopsin):
- Registration close is end of January
- Samples distributed to customers end of February
- Sample results due back from participants end of March
- Reports sent to customers mid-May
For Raw Source/Recreational Fresh Water (Microcystins, Saxitoxin, Anatoxin-a & Cylindrospermopsin):
- Registration close is end of May
- Samples distributed to customers end of June
- Sample results due back from participants end of July
- Reports sent to customers mid-September
For Marine Water (Saxitoxin only):
- Registration close is end of May
- Samples distributed to customers end of June
- Sample results due back from participants end of July
- Reports sent to customers mid-September
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
How the cyanotoxin proficiency testing program works
- Gold Standard Diagnostics produces and distributes the test materials (water samples that have been spiked with known toxin congeners and concentrations) so that screening and confirmatory analysis can be conducted separately. *Test kits and/or additional materials for sample analysis are not included in the program price and must be purchased separately.*
- Each participant laboratory tests the samples using its own equipment, test method (i.e., HPLC, ELISA, PP2A, etc.) and personnel and forwards the results back to Gold Standard Diagnostics
- Gold Standard Diagnostics prepares a clear and comprehensive program report including laboratory reported results, method used and a statistical evaluation of results compared to other laboratories performing the same analysis.
Evaluation criteria
Each laboratory is assigned a z-score which is calculated as follows:
z-score = (x – X) /sigma
Where:
x = analyte concentration value reported by the laboratory;
X = the assigned value
Sigma, the proficiency variation, is calculated based on fitness for purpose criteria using Thompson’s modification to the Horwitz equation (Thompson, M., 2000, Analyst, 125, 385-386).
The laboratory performance evaluation is established taking into account the following criteria for z-score:
Satisfactory when IzI < 2
Questionable when 2 < IzI < 3
Unsatisfactory when IzI > 3
Confidentiality of results
The identity of the participants is confidential. Each participant laboratory receives a unique code. Only with specific authorization from the participant will Gold Standard Diagnostics disclose all or part of the results/evaluation to third parties.
Choose Gold Standard Diagnostics
Do you have questions about the cyanotoxin proficiency testing program? Contact Gold Standard Diagnostics for knowledgeable support.