Proficiency tests at WFSR
About this service
In short- Organiser of proficiency tests
- Experienced and accredited
- Assistance with a follow-up programme
Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR) provides proficiency tests for analyses in the field of food safety. These tests are independent assessments of the quality of analyses in a laboratory.
The main purpose of participating in a proficiency test is to evaluate the suitability and quality of your laboratory equipment, methods and personnel. Also to ensure that you deliver the quality results your clients and accreditation status demand.WFSR selects proficiency tests based on customer needs and current issues. Your input for new surveys is greatly appreciated. We can also organise customised proficiency surveys for your organisation's laboratories or clients.
Contact us to discuss your requirements and the possibilities for customised testing.
Why participate in a proficiency test organised by Wageningen Food Safety Research?
Experienced, accredited supplier of proficiency tests
WFSR is the Dutch National Reference Institute for 14 substance groups including residues of veterinary medicines in products of animal origin
WFSR is also a European Reference Laboratory
Samples often contain multiple substances at relevant concentrations
Assistance with a follow-up programme to improve your method performance
More information about proficiency tests
Information about the 2025/2026 programme can be found below (info volgt).Due to testing material, the programme may undergo some changes during the year.
Every year the WFSR organises new proficiency test examinations. For these surveys, it is not yet certain whether they will go ahead, due to the availability of test samples and the number of participants. If you have expressed interest in (one of) these new tests, you will be kept informed about the progress of these proficiency tests.
Email contact: pt.wfsr@wur.nl
- WFSR schedules the proficiency tests and announces it on the website.
- Previous participants are also invited.
- Interested laboratories register and order online.
- Preparation and quality control of test material.
- Shipping of test materials and instructions to participants.
- Preparation of proficiency test materials may be outsourced from time to time. When outsourcing takes place, it is placed with a competent subcontractor and WFSR is responsible for this work.
- Laboratories test the samples according to their own routine method.
- Report their results online to WFSR as instructed and within the specified timeframe (usually within 6-7 weeks).
- WFSR's website provides a fast, easy and efficient way to submit results.
- The results will be analyzed and the laboratories' performance will be assessed using appropriate statistical techniques.
- A report will be prepared containing anonymized results, statistical analysis, and a description of the methods used.
- The report will be provided/sent to the participants as soon as possible after the round has ended.
If a laboratory has any doubts about the assessment of its performance in a proficiency test, it should contact pt.wfsr@wur.nl.
A confirmation of receipt will be sent within five days, including a statement confirming the admissibility of the complaint. If the complaint/appeal is upheld, it will be handled according to our internal procedure for complaints, quality deviations, and appeals, by means of a root cause analysis. Appropriate measures will be taken, and if necessary, a revised report will be sent to the laboratory and other relevant laboratories. The complaint/appeal will be treated confidentially.
WFSR has been accredited since 2006 (number R013 at www.rva.nl) for the organization of proficiency tests by the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA). The accreditation is based on ISO/IEC 17043n and encompasses the organization's quality system and all parameters specified in the scope.
For more information about our accreditation, please visit the Dutch Accreditation Council's website.
For more information about our certificate, please email pt.wfsr@wur.nl.
Contact and registration
Do you have questions about participating in a proficiency test, or would you like to discuss a customised test? Our team at Wageningen Food Safety Research will be happy to provide more information about the programme, registration or tailor-made options.
