AOCS Laboratory Proficiency Program

AOCS and GOED introduce a new lab proficiency series for nutritional EPA and DHA omega-3 oils. 

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Established in 1915, the AOCS Laboratory Proficiency Program (LPP) (formerly Smalley) is the world's most extensive and respected collaborative proficiency program for oil- and fat-related commodities, oilseeds, oilseed meals, and edible fats. More than 40 nations and 500 chemists from a who's who list of the finest companies in the oils and fats industries participate.

The program objective is to achieve and maintain peak performance of laboratory staff and equipment. It is designed to fit in with your accreditation needs under ISO guide 25 (17025) and is run in a manner consistent with the requirements of ISO guide 43. Samples are sent quarterly, allowing the participant to evaluate progress regularly, and make appropriate adjustments during the year.

By participating in LPP, you are guaranteeing your laboratory's peak performance. Those participating in LPP utilize AOCS or similar methods for analysis of samples and then compare their results with a large cross-section of other laboratories utilizing the same methods and samples. Regular analysis helps maintain quality control and accuracy. Additionally, participating in LPP may be sufficient for national and professional accreditation.

Reports
Chemists will access the results online four weeks after the due date for a sample. The data report will list all the results reported from participating analysts, as well as mean value and standard deviation for each analyte. The analyst's deviation report lists the analyst's z-scores for each analyte.

Periodically analysts will receive a proficiency report and a proficiency ranking report. The proficiency report lists analysts' average z-score for each analyte, number of missing sample reports, number of missing required results and their combined average z-score. The proficiency ranking report lists the analyst number of each participant with no missing constituents in order of lowest to highest combined average z-score. The proficiency report is used to determine award winners.