Blood Alcohol Proficiency Testing Scheme 2009

Abstract

     Blood Alcohol Proficiency Testing Scheme was performed as a part of Medical Sciences Proficiency Testing Program. The inter-laboratory comparison was established among twenty four member laboratories throughout Thailand. Blood alcohol laboratory’s performance was conducted during January-June 2009. The Proficiency Testing (PT) Scheme was organized by Department of Medical Sciences, Regional Medical Sciences Center, Chiang Mai. Two sets of 4 samples were prepared and sent to laboratory members. The methods for blood alcohol analysis carried by members were Gas chromatography-Headspace and Dichromate method, respectively. Twenty-two reports analyzed and evaluated using Robust Z-score were returned (91.7%). The results from the first and second set of samples showed 88.1% and 80.7% satisfied (|Z|≤ 2), 3.6% and 5.7% questionable (2<|Z|<3), and 8.3% and 13.6% unsatisfied (|Z|≥ 3) respectively. In conclusion, it was found that all most all blood alcohol laboratory members’ performance was satisfied. The requirement of laboratory proficiency testing is strongly needed in Quality Assurance system. Therefore the Department of Medical Science decided to continuously carry on Blood Alcohol Proficiency Testing scheme annually.