According to ISO/IEC 17043:2010, inter-laboratory comparison (ILC) is the organization, performance, and evaluation of measurements or tests on the same or similar items by two or more laboratories in accordance with predetermined conditions.

NQTLD has been participating in PT since 2013 to date, this has facilitated the laboratory to evaluate its competence and in the process of accreditation.

Since the year 2020-2021, Rwanda standards Board has established Inter -laboratory comparisons scheme as a tool to facilitate different testing laboratories National wide to check their ability to deliver accurate testing results to their customers or to find out whether a certain analytical method performs well and is fit for its intended use.

NQTLD organizes the interlaboratory comparison annual, the activity is included in annual action plan and relevant laboratories are notified to participate.

BENEFITS OF INTER-LABORATORY COMPARISONS

        ❖ Assurance of accurate and reliable results,

        ❖ regional recognition and preparation for accreditation

❖ Time and money efficient-an error in a test result can have serious consequences and can be very expensive

• ❖ Enhanced customer confidence and satisfaction,

• ❖ Continual improvements,

• ❖ Better operational control,

• ❖ Cost Reduction,

• ❖ Prevent loss due to defects

To begin with, the NQTLD inter-laboratory scheme covers the following scope:

1. Microbiology testing laboratory

• Total viable counts and E. coli in flour

• Total viable count and Total coliforms in water

2. Material testing laboratory

• Compressive strength in cement and concrete

3. Chemical testing laboratory

• Turbidity, electrical conductivity, chloride, Cadmium, Lead, Sulfate, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, pH, Potassium, Zinc, in Potable water

• Fat content, Protein content, Total ash content, fiber content, Vitamin A, Iron, moisture content, Calcium and Potassium in Fortified processed cereal based foods

• Aflatoxin B1, Aflatoxin B2, Aflatoxin G1, Aflatoxin G2, Total Aflatoxin in Maize flour

NQTLD is looking forward to enhance the interlaboratory comparison scheme and uplift to accreditation level in near future.