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Sample Manufacture
Strict protocols are observed for the manufacturing of forensic tests. Before releasing a proficiency test, predistribution review is conducted by qualified experts to assess the test design and samples. This process, which is required of ASCLD/LAB approved
proficiency test providers, helps ensure test validity. If your laboratory is accredited by ASCLD/LAB and you would like to
conduct predistribution testing for any of our proficiency tests, please review Predistribution Testing: Information for
Laboratories for more information.
Sample Testing
After predistribution review, sample sets and data sheets are sent to participating laboratories. Data sheets provide a scenario (for most tests), a list of items submitted (sample items), any special instructions, and data sections in which to report the
results. Depending on the test, these may include comparisons, identifications, interpretations and conclusions. Participants must return their data sheets to CTS (via mail or fax) by a specified Data Due Date. All proficiency tests also include an ASCLD/LAB
release form. Completion of this form allows those laboratories accredited by ASCLD/LAB to authorize the release of their test
results to the appropriate Proficiency Review Committee (PRC).
Manufacturer's Statement
Within three weeks after the test Data Due Date (six weeks for Drug Analysis tests) participants will receive the Manufacturer's
Information statement. It will be posted on the specific discipline page and mailed to each laboratory that is enrolled in that
test. This statement contains design specifications for the test samples and/or details of their preparation. The Manufacturer's
Information is an interim report and does not necessarily represent the conclusions that should or can be obtained. Definitive
interpretation of the results should be deferred until the release of the Summary Report.
Summary Report
The Summary Report containing the results for all participants will be posted on the CTS Web site no later than 10 weeks after the
test Data Due Date. To ensure confidentiality, each participant is identified in the report only by a "WebCode" number. This code
is randomly assigned and will change with every report. Participants will need to consult their Individual Report to obtain their
WebCode for that test. Participants are advised to retain strict control over their WebCodes. Summary Reports can be found on the
specific discipline page or the Report List page which will be maintained with a history of five years. The Summary Reports for
Research Tests are not available online; a hard copy will be mailed to each participating laboratory.
Individual Report
When the Summary Report is posted on the CTS Web site, an Individual Report will be mailed to each
laboratory enrolled in that particular test.
This report is an individualized report for each of the participants enrolled in that test.
If results were returned to CTS by the Data Due Date, the participant's data will appear on the Individual Report along with a brief summary of consensus
information and the corresponding WebCode number for the online Summary Report. If no results were returned the Individual Report
will state “No Results Reported for this Participant,” but will still contain the brief summary information. Individual Reports
are not available for Research Tests. Instead each laboratory will receive a hard copy of the Summary Report. |
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