About Zamukana Ubuziranenge (ZU) Programme

Zamukana Ubuziranenge (ZU) Program was established under Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) to provide technical assistance to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the aim enabling them to comply with the requirements of applicable standards. The program aims to improve the quality and competitiveness of made in Rwanda products, enabling access to national, regional and international markets and building the quality culture within the business community.

Interlaboratory comparison

1. Overview 

Inter-Laboratory Comparisons (ILCs) is essential tool for evaluating a laboratory's competence. As per ISO/IEC 17043:2010, ILCs involve the organization, execution, and evaluation of measurements or tests on identical or similar items by two or more laboratories under predefined conditions.

An ILC involves testing the same samples in different laboratories and comparing the results. It serves several purposes:

  • Validation of test methods: and determination of result uncertainty, including repeatability and reproducibility.
  • Characterization of products to establish reference materials.
  • Assessment of test reliability among participating laboratories.

2. Key steps involved:

 

3. Why participate in ILCs?

  • Demonstrate Competence: ILCs provide an effective way to assess and showcase a laboratory’s competence, often required for accreditation/ Designation.
  • Build Customer Confidence: Reliable test results help build trust with customers, showcasing the lab's adherence to industry standards.

4. Current scope of ILCs 

Since 2020, the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) has implemented an inter-laboratory comparison scheme. This initiative helps laboratories across the nation validate their testing accuracy and determine whether specific analytical methods are suitable for their intended purpose.

RSB organizes annual ILCs to assess participants' ability to perform tests as per ISO 13528 and ISO/IEC 17043 standards. The program is open to laboratories that have the required equipment and expertise.

 The RSB's inter-laboratory comparison program covers the following areas:
a) Microbiology Testing:

  • Total viable counts and E. coli in flour.
  • Total viable counts and Total coliforms in water.

b) Material Testing:

  • Compressive strength in cement and concrete.

c) Chemical Testing:

  • Potable water: Turbidity, electrical conductivity, chloride, Cadmium, Lead, Sulfate, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, pH, Potassium, Zinc.
  • Fortified processed cereal-based foods: Fat content, Protein content, Total ash content, Fiber content, Vitamin A, Iron, Moisture content, Calcium, Potassium.
  • Maize flour: Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, and Total Aflatoxin.

RSB aims to expand the inter-laboratory comparison scheme and ultimately achieve accreditation for these processes.

5. How to reach out Zamukana Ubuziranenge Program for more information or application for ILC? 

  • For more information on technical assistance provided under ZU program, send us an email to zamukana.ubuziranenge@rsb.gov.rw  or call 3250,
  • Do you have a complaint, an enquiry, please click on:  https://portal.rsb.gov.rw/contacts.php

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