Frequently Asked Questions

What is proficiency testing?
Proficiency testing (also referred to as a round-robin test or comparison measurement) is a procedure for evaluating the competence of laboratories, testing facilities, or calibration laboratories. In this process, the results of several participants are compared based on pre-defined criteria.
The main objectives of proficiency testing are:

• Ensuring the quality and accuracy of measurement results,
• Maintaining comparability between different laboratories,
• and identifying weaknesses in the measurement process.
  
  Proficiency testing is an essential component of quality management systems and is frequently required for accreditations, for example according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025.
  
• How does proficiency testing work at Klasmeier?
  We conduct our proficiency testing in seven clearly defined steps to meet the requirements of DIN EN ISO/IEC 17043:

1. Planning and preparation:
   The calibration laboratory and our pilot laboratory jointly determine the scope of the proficiency testing, including requirements and test parameters.
2. Provision of the test item:
   The participating calibration laboratory receives an unknown test item for calibration. There are two options:

• Neutral test item:
  A test item is delivered directly from the manufacturer to Klasmeier. This ensures that no calibration or manufacturing documentation is sent to the participating laboratory.
• Test item from Klasmeier:
  Alternatively, we can offer a test item for rent or purchase. If you choose to rent, 10% of the purchase price of the item will be invoiced. Purchasing the item has the advantage that you can continue to use it as a reference in your laboratory, as part of the proficiency testing includes a traceable calibration according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025.
• Calibration in the pilot laboratory:
  Our pilot laboratory (Klasmeier calibration laboratory) first calibrates the test item. This bilateral calibration usually takes about 5 business days. Round-robin tests can be organized upon request.
• Transport of the test item:
  The test item is then shipped securely to the participating laboratory.
• Calibration in the participating laboratory:
  The participating laboratory performs the calibration according to the agreed parameters. Ideally, these should match the parameters of the pilot laboratory to ensure comparable results.
• Evaluation of results:
  The participating laboratory sends its calibration results to the pilot laboratory, which evaluates these results and calculates the En value to determine if the proficiency testing was successful. In the case of very low uncertainties or special requirements, the pilot laboratory can perform a repeat calibration.
• Final report:
  Upon completion of the evaluation, the participating laboratory receives a comprehensive report that meets the requirements of DIN EN ISO/IEC 17043. This report can be used as proof during audits and accreditations (e.g., DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025).
  
• How much does proficiency testing cost at Klasmeier?
  The fee for proficiency testing at Klasmeier is €1,365. This includes the evaluation according to the requirements of DIN EN ISO/IEC 17043 as well as the organization and execution of the proficiency testing.
• Additional costs:
  The following costs are not included in the proficiency testing fee:
• 1. Calibration in the pilot laboratory: The calibration performed by our pilot laboratory is invoiced separately. You can find our calibration prices here.
  2. Provision of a neutral test item:
     An unknown test item is required for the proficiency testing. There are two options:
• Handling by the participating laboratory or by Klasmeier:
  A suitable test item is obtained directly from the manufacturer, whereby no calibration or production documentation may be sent to the calibration laboratory.
• Provided by Klasmeier:
  We can offer you a suitable test item for rent or purchase:
• Rental: 10% of the purchase price of the test item.
• Purchase: The test item can subsequently be used as a reference standard in your own laboratory, as an accredited calibration according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 is part of the testing.
  
  Further information:
  
  Further details on the costs for test items can be found here.
  
• How long does proficiency testing take?
  The duration of proficiency testing depends on factors such as the scope of the test, the calibration schedule of the participating laboratory, and shipping times.
  
  Typical timelines:
• Processing time in the pilot laboratory: Initial calibration: approx. 5 business days. Evaluation of results: another ~5 business days.
  In total, our pilot laboratory usually requires about two business weeks.
• Total duration: With smooth coordination, proficiency testing can be completed in about 4 weeks.
• On average, proficiency testing takes about 8 weeks to ensure that all steps are carried out thoroughly and accurately.
  The exact schedule is coordinated individually with the participating laboratory to carry out the testing as efficiently as possible.
• In which areas do we offer proficiency testing?
  We offer proficiency testing in a wide temperature range from -196 °C to 1200 °C, covering various thermodynamic and temperature-related parameters.
  Our core areas include:
  At ITS-90 temperature fixed points:
• Resistance thermometers (e.g., Pt100 or SPRTs)
• Thermocouples
• Direct-reading thermometers
  Comparison methods:
• Temperature fixed-point cells
• Resistance thermometers
• Thermocouples
• Direct-reading thermometers
• Dry-block calibrators