PROLab
Software for PT programs and collaborative studies
PROLab is a software used for planning, organizing, performing and analyzing interlaboratory studies. It is used for both proficiency tests assessing the performance of laboratories (typically acc. to ISO 13528) and collaborative studies for the validation of analytical methods (typically acc. to ISO 5725: 1‐6).
PROLab specifically provides all necessary features to meet the requirements of ISO/IEC 17043 on quality management and quality assurance for proficiency testing providers.
Learn more about PROLab
Book your personal online appointment with one of our experts and get to know PROLab with no obligation.
Regular validation of quality and accuracy
The regular validation process includes both automated and manual testing to ensure that reports, computations and display of charts are done so correctly.
With respect to the statistical evaluation of data, PROLab conforms to the computational requirements outlined in the standards listed below.
Comparison of versions
PROLab
SmartEntry-level: evaluation according to either ISO 13528 or ISO 5725-2.
► open leafletPROLab
StandardFlexible tool for evaluation acc. to ISO 13528 and ISO 5725‑2.
► open leafletPROLab
PlusMost comprehensive: evaluation acc. to ISO 13528, ISO 5725‑2 and further international standards.
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PROLab | PROLab | PROLab | PROLab | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Intuitive user interface | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Flexible data import | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Analysis acc. to ISO 13528 | ✓ | × | ✓ | ✓ |
Analysis acc. to ISO 5725-2 | × | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
validated calculations/algorithms | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Homogeneity and stability test acc. to ISO 13528 and Harmonized Protocol | × | × | ✓ | ✓ |
Equivalence Testing of analytical methods | × | × | ✓ | ✓ |
Fulfills requirements of ISO 17043 | × | × | ✓ | ✓ |
Customizable reports | × | × | ✓ | ✓ |
Free technical support | × | × | ✓ | ✓ |
Display of analytical methods | × | × | ✓ | ✓ |
Tools for the performance assessment of laboratories across PT rounds | × | × | × | ✓ |
ISO 5725:3, ISO 5725:5, robust nested-design analysis | × | × | × | ✓ |
Kernel density estimations | × | × | × | ✓ |
Principal Component Analysis, HORRAT Analysis and further statistical tools | × | × | × | ✓ |
PROLab_HUB add-on for online data entry and management | × | × | × | ✓ |
Web-based solutions and data management
With PROLab, data entry and management is both easy and flexible. Data entry is possible by means of a flexible data import module, for example from Excel files.
There is a configurable data input module called RingDat, which is provided with the program and which can be used by the participating labs free of cost.
For simplified data sharing between participants and organizers of interlaboratory studies, we also offer PROLab_HUB, a web interface that allows participanting labs to enter their results and collect their reports online.
Powerful statistics for
interlaboratory study data
The statistical tools in PROLab are unmatched with regard to extent and flexibility
- ISO 13528/ISO 5725-5 (A+S algorithm)
- ISO 5725-2 for method validation studies
- ISO 13528:2015 (Q/Hampel)
- Swiss Food Manual
- Q/Huber method
- Adaptive Horwitz function
Lab assessment with scores: Z-scores / SDI (Standard Deviation Index):
In order to describe measurement deviations independently of a sample and measurand (analyte), Z-scores can be computed in PROLab. Z-scores represent the number of standard deviations by which a proficiency test result is above or below the assigned value.
With PROLab it is also possible to conduct laboratory assessment with flexible tolerance limits and utilizing different scores, e.g. Z'- and Zu-scores.
- Advanced scores:
- Zu-scores (ISO/TS 20612:2007)
- En scores
- Zeta-scores & Z'-scores
- Combination scores:
- SSZ (Sum of Squared Z-scores)
- RLP (Relative Laboratory Performance)
- RSZ (Rescaled Sum of Z-scores)
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Evaluations across samples and tests
- Z-score histograms, with options to evaluate the results across samples, laboratories, tests or measurands
- Kernel density estimation
- Visualization of performance over time: follow the performance quality of selected laboratories over several interlaboratory studies
Dispersion display according to ISO 13528
Alongside the mean value, the within-laboratory standard deviation can also be considered for the assessment of laboratory performance. Both are displayed graphically along with their confidence intervals.
Kernel density estimation according to the Harmonized Protocol (IUPAC, 2006)
Using the kernel density estimator, the density function for the distribution of the results from one selected measurand-sample-combination can be estimated. This is particularly interesting when the distribution of the measurement values differs significantly from the normal distribution. The results distribution can be displayed for all laboratories or for one selected laboratory.
HORRAT Analysis
The HORRAT trend is used to investigate the across-tests dependency of the reproducibility standard deviation on analyte concentration.
This includes a display of the HORRAT (Horwitz Ratio) values, i.e. the ratio of the empirical and the classical Horwitz standard deviations. It is possible to choose between carrying out the analysis for a single or for all measurands.
Analysis of nested interlaboratory tests
With PROLab Plus, it is possible to perform the analysis of nested interlaboratory tests according to ISO 5725-3, with 2 times 3 measurements under different conditions.
This analysis yields the intermediate standard deviation. The intermediate standard deviation describes the within-laboratory standard deviation when the conditions of measurement are not held constant.
Test on homogeneity
A test of the homogeneity of the samples in preparation for the proficiency test can be conducted in PROLab, which also provides the necessary functions for any stability tests to be conducted later on.
Import homogeneity test results from Excel, encode test items, compute results and PROLab generates an interpretation of results.
PROLab performs homogeneity and stability analysis according to ISO 13528 and Harmonized Protocol (IUPAC, 2006).
Who uses PROLab?
Food Safety
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Food and Drug Administration
Environment
- Central Pollution Control Board (India)
Central Pollution Control Board
The CPCB oversees both the prevention and control of water and air pollution in India in addition to providing technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests. Quality management plays a large role in the day-to-day work of the CPCB particularly in regards to air quality. Quality data is regularly analyzed and submitted to various government bodies for further use.
The CPCB began using PROLab in 1999. Importantly, the CPCB required software that could handle a huge data base, provided more advanced applications and could automate report preparation and printing. To help everyone at the CPCB get on-board with PROLab QuoData provided in-house training and a workshop on the basics of hub Now, CPCB carries out its PT program with over 250 environmental laboratories around India.
PROLab has not only made an impact on the CPCB, but it is also appreciated by their participant laboratories with its adherence to ISO international standards and excellent presentation of statistically analyzed and interpreted data. PROLab has also allowed the CPCB to steadily increase the number of participating laboratories. The greater statistical capacity of PROLab means that the CPCB can expect to grow its client basis by 50 labs per year.
Consumer protection
- German Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety
Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety
Materials research
- Serbian IMS Institute
- Elkem (Norway)
Serbian Institute for Testing Materials
The IMS Institute is a leader in research and testing for civil engineering materials in construction design, housing development, prestressing systems, construction material technology as well as thermal and hydroelectric power plant equipment.
The IMS had been looking for a powerful PT tool that would make it easier to meet international quality standards. The IMS decided on PROLab for its fast and thorough results, its usefulness in preparing for PT participation and its opportunity for development. PROLab helped ensure compliance with international PT requirements and surpassed more common products in its range of capabilities.
Elkem
Elkem is one of the world’s leading companies in the environment-friendly production of materials. Its principal products are silicon, special alloys for the foundry industry, carbon and micro silica.
Elkem runs a number of interlaboratory studies in research and development for quality assurance purposes. Since 2013, Elkem has been using PROLab for its quality programs.
Here’s what one of their R&D Engineers had to say about how PROLab changed their QA program:
For the first time since I joined the company 5 years ago the interlaboratory comparison program could finally meet its budget goals and reporting deadlines. Now it is really a piece of cake and we can consider different improvements of the program rather than muddling through from day to day.
Here are Elkem’s 3 top reasons for selecting PROLab:
- Making the workflow for proficiency and interlaboratory testing more effective
- Reduction of the cost of running interlaboratory comparisons
- Increasing the flexibility of Elkem's interlaboratory program
Raw materials
- AngloAmerican
- Tramecon (South Africa)
Tramecon
Tramecon offers over 30 years’ experience in analytical laboratory services in new and existing mining operations within Sub-Saharan Africa. Tramecon delivers both fit-for-purpose solutions and consulting services in lab management, the design and implementation of LIMS, project management and consulting in the implementation of ISO 17025.
Tramecon uses PROLab for interlaboratory [proficiency] testing, as a direct result of finding excel spreadsheets too laborious and full of errors, too many steps needing human intervention and a limited number of statistical formulas. PROLab is used to educuate their customers and to get a better idea on how to benchmark their laboratories. In addition to PROLab being internationally recognized, it fills a market gap in PT software that’s statistically superior and easy to use.
AngloAmerican
Clinical laboratories
- Al Borg Laboratories
(Saudi Arabia) - Integrated BioBank of Luxembourg
Al Borg Laboratories
Al Borg Laboratories is the largest chain of private laboratories in the Gulf. They provide a wide range of clinical and diagnostic tests for clients including commercial and public hospitals, clinics, banks, airlines, pharmaceutical companies and insurance agencies.
Al Borg Medical Laboratories established an Interlaboratory Quality Assessment Surveys (IQAS) Program to enable laboratories to compare their performance against one another and to assure the reliability of test results while at the same time, satisfying the Saudi national accreditation program (CBAHI).
PROLab offered ease of use, adherence to international standards and the availability of different statistical calculations for interlaboratory tests. PROLab is an all-in-one solution designed for interlaboratory study providers in the carrying out of interlaboratory studies: from planning & organizing, to performing and analysis. QuoData customized the PROLab software to suit the specific PT style of Al Borg.
► www.alborglaboratories.com/sa/
Integrated BioBank of Luxembourg
Learn more about PROLab
Book your personal online appointment with one of our experts and get to know PROLab with no obligation.
Comprehensive service
Inclusive services for PROLab users:
Regular Updates
PROLab is updated regularly in order to streamline the use of the program, and to guarantee that it follows the latest scientific norms and standards.Validated Software
The PROLab validation process includes both automated and manual testing to ensure that reports, computations and display of charts are done so correctly. Software validation is performed on a regular basis and QuoData can provide a validation certificate and/or a full report of validation for accreditation purposes to its customers.
Additional Services:
Workshops & Web-Seminars
We hold various workshops covering software usage, statistical background and relevant standards.
In addition to our regular English and German workshops, we offer in-house training in German, English, French or Spanish.
To arrange a workshop on-site, get in touch with us. Workshops are open to users and non-users alike.
Enhanced Technical Support
For those requiring extra assistance getting started, we offer personalized support by email or phone (included in the license fee).
Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm CET
Technical helpdesks go above and beyond the included free tech support hours included in every PROLab license to cover all questions regarding installation, data management and troubleshooting.
Statistical Support
Need expert advice for designing a study or evaluating data? Statistical support is available by email or phone as part of a helpdesk package.
Monday to Friday, 9am – 5 pm CET
For more information, please get in touch with us:
Customization (fee based)
Adapt PROLab to your needs for a fully integrated workflow. Customization of PROLab is carried out by our team of software developers.
Customizations are charged at an hourly rate depending on the complexity of the work involved and the benefit for the PROLab community.
Get even more out of PROLab
In addition to the many functionalities already built into PROLab, there are a number of supplementary Add-ons to give users even more possibilities when using our software.
Merged Reports - Compile reports and documents into one easy attachment & maintain personalized details
Merged Reports is a supplementary feature available for PROLab, that allows organizers to prepare and send compiled reports to multiple laboratories while retaining specialized and personalized content from each laboratory.
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Merged Reports is an add-on for PROLab which enables the combination of several report templates from PROLab and/or other sources like Word or PDF into one comprehensive report. This can be performed at the same time for multiple participants while retaining participant-specific information. For example, generate reports for a number of participants with:
- a cover sheet (e.g. a PDF file)
- some explanation on the interlaboratory study (e.g. from Word)
- a certificate, various charts and tables from PROLab (from the report templates of PROLab)
- results corresponding to individual lab performance
Designed to assist those providing PT, we developed the Merged Reports function to reduce errors and time spent on bulk report creation and delivery. At the same time, reports are precise and more relevant to participants because of inclusion of individual highlighting of results.
Like creating reports in Word? You can also design Word templates that are partially filled by PROLab using the Merged Reports add-on. Doing so is easy: Just incorporate “MergeFields” that correspond to pre-defined PROLab conventions directly into your document. From there you just need to simply drag & drop your Word document in the add-on to have them automatically filled.
Benefits:
- Merge various PROLab reports and external documents (such as Word, Excel, or PDF files) into a single PDF document for participants
- Maintain lab-specific details and individual content and highlighting
- Use Word templates for easy editing
- Send finalized reports as personalized emails
- Participants receive personalized emails with personal attachments.
Database Translations - Translate reports in a flash
Database Translations is an additional feature for PROLab designed to help users who require reports in multiple languages.
It allows users to duplicate participant reports in different languages with just the click of a button.
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The add-on is available for purchase in combination with PROLab English. For users with a non-English version of PROLab, a copy of PROLab English will be included with the purchase of the Database Translations add-on.
Here’s how it works:
- Users gain access to the information stored within reports thereby allowing them to translate or edit particular sections or labels. Different templates can be saved to ensure easy maneuvering for the production of reports in another language.
- Users can then add translations in their desired languages for all or a few of these labels and for all database content. Examples include the name of your samples, analytes and measurement methods.
- The translated labels will be saved and can be utilized for later report creation with just a few clicks.
- Optionally, you can specify which participants would to receive the report in which language, and PROLab will take care of the rest