Proficiency testing (PT) of microbiological laboratories

The National Food Agency in Sweden has been organizing proficiency testing schemes for laboratories performing microbiological analyses in drinking water and food for many years. By participating in PT schemes, laboratories get an external evaluation of their skill and their results in comparison with the other participants. All laboratories fulfilling and accepting the terms and conditions of the PT are welcome to participate.

In order to get a better evaluation of the results obtained, the laboratories must register the methods they use and how they use them. The information is used for grouping of the results of a particular analysis to show possible differences between methods.

Currently on the agenda - Drinking water scheme

  • An updated scheme protocol is available under the tab General information. (1/16/2024)
  • September 2023: Final report is available under "Info & reports" after login. (11/22/2023)
  • Follow-up samples can be ordered on the webpage: www.livsmedelsverket.se/en/PT-extra. (10/9/2023)
  • March 2023: Final report is available under "Info & reports" after logging in. (6/8/2023)

Currently on the agenda - Food scheme

  • Januari 2024: The final report is available under "Info & reports" after logging in. (3/18/2024)
  • Follow-up samples can be ordered on the webpage: www.livsmedelsverket.se/en/PT-extra. (2/21/2024)
  • It is time to check your registation for the PT round October 2024 (2/21/2024)
    • The last day to register/unregister is 11th August, 2024
  • An updated scheme protocol is available under the tab General information. (1/16/2024)
  • October 2023: The final report is now published. (12/1/2023)

Currently on the agenda - Reference materials for internal control

  • The reference materials (RM) are manufactured and checked in the same manner as the test items for PT, but the handling of the RM:s is not specifically accredited.