From Blind Trust to Informed Confidence: How Proficiency Testing Strengthens Scientific Credibility

Ensuring Reliable Data
Oral Presentation

Prepared by K. Thompson
Waters ERA, 16341 Table Mountain Parkway, Golden, Colorado, 80403, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 303-463-3541

ABSTRACT

Public confidence in scientific results is increasingly challenged by misinformation, heightened scrutiny, and limited visibility into how laboratory quality is ensured. Proficiency testing (PT) plays a critical yet often underappreciated role in addressing this challenge by providing objective, independent evidence that laboratory results are accurate, reliable, and fit for purpose.



This presentation explores how PT moves the conversation beyond “trust the experts” toward confidence grounded in measurable performance. By routinely evaluating laboratory results against peer and reference standards, PT demonstrates analytical competence in real‑world conditions and highlights opportunities for continuous improvement. These outcomes not only support internal quality management but also serve as powerful tools for communicating laboratory reliability to clinicians, regulators, and the public.



We will discuss PT as a foundational element of a broader, transparent quality ecosystem working alongside accreditation, quality control, and method validation to reinforce scientific integrity. Special emphasis will be placed on bridging the gap between laboratory operations and public understanding, translating technical quality indicators into meaningful assurances for non‑technical stakeholders.