Abstract
Proficiency testing (PT) and interlaboratory comparisons (ILC) are basic tools of the external quality assurance in testing and calibration laboratories. Only PT/ILC can provide an objective and independent comprehensive assessment of results of laboratory activities. PT/ILC plays an important role in confirmation of technical competence and validity of measurement results. The participation PT/ILC is mandatory for laboratories accredited or applying for accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025. Physicochemical Standards Section of Chemistry Laboratory of the Central Office of Measures (GUM) provides interlaboratory comparisons in the field of calibration of breath alcohol analyzers according to the ISO/IEC 17043. Series of bilateral comparisons, in which GUM was a reference laboratory, were conducted in 2021. Eight laboratories participated in these comparisons. This paper presents general rules and a course of the comparisons, the results of calibration by participants of the Draeger Alcotest 9510 IR+EC analyzer in four test points and laboratory performance evaluation according to the accepted criteria. All eight laboratories participating in comparisons obtained satisfactory results and confirmed the declared uncertainty. A detailed evaluation of performance should be conducted by participating laboratory even though performance is satisfactory as a part of risk assessment because lessons learned may led to implementation of preventive actions or improvements and may allow to verify and improve of the laboratory measurement capability.
