Analysis on the Construction and Implementation System for New Test Projects of Inspection Bodies

Result verification is a key step in the preparation of new projects and serves as critical evidence to demonstrate that a technical laboratory possesses the corresponding testing capability. The preferred verification approach is to participate in externally organized proficiency testing, or conduct inter-laboratory comparisons with laboratories that already hold the relevant testing capability, so as to objectively assess the testing performance and analyze and evaluate the comparison results.

Where the above approaches are not feasible, verification may be carried out through personnel comparison, method comparison, data comparison with authoritative institutions, and other means. Personnel comparison requires no fewer than two trained and qualified personnel to test the same batch of samples in accordance with the same standard, to verify the reproducibility of results; this method is mostly applied to visual inspection items. Method comparison tests the same sample using a validated method and the method for the new project, and the consistency of results is used to determine whether the laboratory is competent to carry out the new test project. For data comparison with authoritative institutions, the deviation of test results can be compared against the root-sum-square of uncertainties to guarantee accurate and reliable results. Detailed records shall be kept throughout the verification process, and a verification report shall be prepared upon completion where necessary.

The development of new test projects at inspection bodies is systematic and comprehensive. The five interlinked elements — personnel, environmental facilities and safety, equipment, documents and records, and result verification — are all indispensable. Adequate preparation for each element ensures smooth application for the new testing capability and successful assessment with high quality.