News
04-Sept-2007 - LGC Standards launches new proficiency testing
scheme for users of laser diffraction particle size analysers
Call for participants to join new Particle Analysis and
Characterisation Quality Scheme (PACQS) for quality
improvements
LGC Standards, a division of LGC and a global leader in
proficiency testing services to the food, pharmaceutical,
beverages, and environmental sectors, is pleased to announce the
launch of its new proficiency testing scheme - PACQS - or Particle
Analysis and Characterisation Quality Scheme for users of laser
diffraction technology.
PACQS is designed to give invaluable feedback on the accuracy of
particle sizing measurements, which are critical to product quality
in a wide range of industries, from pharmaceuticals and paints to
cosmetics and ceramics. It is a powerful training tool for
laboratory and production personnel carrying out the tests who, if
they wish, can seek advice from the major instrument manufacturers
that contribute to the independent advisory group.
Elizabeth Jordain, LGC Standards and head of its PT business,
said: "PACQS is our evolution of the Laser Diffraction
Proficiency Testing Scheme (LDPTS) and it ensures the availability
of regular proficiency testing in this important area of quality
assurance. LGC Standards has changed the name from LDPTS to PACQS,
which is more generic and would enable other types of particle
testing to be added to the scheme as it develops.
"The scheme will continue to operate in line with the LDPTS
protocol and LGC´s bespoke software ´PT Manager´ will enable
efficient and timely processing of the results and reporting via
the internet, a key factor of the scheme’s value as a powerful
training tool for users of particle sizing instrumentation. LGC
Standards will continue to grow the scheme, potentially increasing
its scale and number of participants, under the new name of PACQS,
to be of value to its members as well as the worldwide community of
particle analysts."
Participating in PACQS allows results to be compared with
industry colleagues in complete confidence. It may also be used in
method and instrument evaluation and it can demonstrate reliability
of analytical performance to customers and regulators.
The scheme runs from September to August with a quarterly
distribution of material to laboratories. Laboratories can choose
in which distributions to participate and a discount is available
to those taking all four rounds. Results are reported at the end of
each round within 15 working days. For further information please
contact LGC Standards customer services department for the PT Group
via e-mail customerservices@lgcpt.com
or telephone +44 (0)161 762 2500 or fax +44 (0)161 762 2501.
LGC Standards is a new division of LGC dedicated to those
products and services specifically able to champion measurement and
quality control within the laboratory. It supplies reference
materials (also as LGC Promochem), pharmaceutical impurity
reference standards, proficiency testing and training in analytical
quality. LGC Standards is headquartered in Teddington Middlesex,
UK. Its centre for excellence in proficiency testing is located in
Bury (Greater Manchester). LGC Standards also has offices in
France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Sweden and
representatives in Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary,
Ireland, Romania and the US.
Notes to Editors