A review of proficiency exercises offered by the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN) and Moffett Proficiency Testing Laboratory from 2012 to 2018

Abstract

The Food and Drug Administration’s Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network is comprised of more than 40 animal diagnostic laboratories within North America and offers voluntary Proficiency Exercises to these participating laboratories. The joint Proficiency Exercise Program is run in collaboration with the Center for Food safety and Nutrition and Institute for Food safety and Health, located at the Moffett Proficiency Testing Laboratory. From 2012 to 2018, the Proficiency Exercise Program offered 20 proficiency tests or interlaboratory comparison exercises focused on veterinary analytes of interest. The program evaluated performance of laboratories, individual analysts, and the methods used. Over the six-year period, the program improved exercise schemes, as well as offered network laboratories exercises with analytes not routinely seen such as animal tissue with naturally occurring residues. Animal diagnostic laboratories can use performance results to assist with accreditation, demonstrate proficiency, and improve diagnostic capabilities.