Lab M extends SMART QA Proficiency Testing Scheme for food industry

Following customer consultations, microbiology specialist Lab M has extended its SMART QA Proficiency Testing Scheme for the food industry. This established scheme offers a simple, comprehensive means of providing documentary evidence of laboratory performance.

From 1 January 2007 the addition of further organisms to two of the test mixes takes the total number of tests covered for microbiological quality checks from 13 to 15. Reporting will now also include an annual results summary.

Participants in the SMART QA scheme receive samples either monthly or every other month depending on the mix of organisms required. These are tested using the lab’s normal protocols, with results being returned to Lab M for processing. Individual lab results are compared with a reference range for each parameter and also with the average for all participants. Reporting includes a rolling score showing performance over the previous four distributions, and there is the facility to allow each person performing tests to submit results and receive an individual report.

SMART QA samples are supplied as milk powders and not as freeze-dried vials, more closely reflecting food testing conditions. Three mixes of organisms are available - Standard, Standard Plus and Pathogen - allowing labs to select a combination to suit local needs. For full details of the organisms available, visit the article webpage or contact Lab M.