1. The opening page displays

• The analytes,
• The method you have selected for each analyte,
• The number of participants performing the test by the particular method
• The AV-Assigned Value (the robust mean),%CV and SDPA is derived from all the values by the same method as yours. (information on robust analysis is available at ‘Details about Robust analysis’)
• The %CV of the participants value for that method group
• Your value
• SDPA - Standard Deviation for Proficiency Assessment
• The Z Score is derived from your value (for more information click on the ‘Details about Z Score’)
• U - Uncertainty of the assigned value - Uncertainity includes the preanalytical and analytical variation that can occur at the participant labs . The U is derived from robust SDPA for each measurand in each specified method/analyser group.This U is not meant for the participating labs but for the PT provider.

2. All method results can be viewed in the next page by choosing ‘All analyser results’ an option available at the top of the first page.

3. Clicking on any analyte in the first page, opens the third page where results are available in four different format

• The first box provides information on all method result. It displays the participants in each group, their mean before robust analysis, the SDPA,CV and the Assigned Value (AV) which is the mean after robust analysis, Your method mean, SDPA and the RM Z Score (Running Mean Z Score) which indicates the deviation of your result over the past ten months.

• The histogram which displays all method results and the results of the method followed in your lab. On the X axis is the concentration of the analyte and on the Y the number of labs who reported the value in that particular range. A small red triangle on the X axis indicates your lab result.

• The L-J (Levey Jennings) chart of the standard deviation over the last 12 samples. This will also indicate the bias over the months, Positive bias or negative bias. The green dot is Z Score of the selected month, the black dot represents the previous month’s and a red dot represents if no report is received. The middle pale colored area of the graph represents 1 Z Score , the little darker area the 2 Z Score range and the outermost coloured area the 3 Z Score range. If your lab result falls within 2 Z Score limits it is acceptable but if it falls in the 3 Z Score range it is a warning signal and needs attention. If it is beyond 3 Z Score it indicates unacceptable performance and requires action.