Call for participants to join new Particle Analysis and Characterisation Quality Scheme (PACQS) for quality improvements

LGC Standards, a division of LGC and a global leader in proficiency testing services to the food, pharmaceutical, beverages, and environmental sectors, is pleased to announce the launch of its new proficiency testing scheme – PACQS – or Particle Analysis and Characterisation Quality Scheme for users of laser diffraction technology.

PACQS is designed to give invaluable feedback on the accuracy of particle sizing measurements, which are critical to product quality in a wide range of industries, from pharmaceuticals and paints to cosmetics and ceramics. It is a powerful training tool for laboratory and production personnel carrying out the tests who, if they wish, can seek advice from the major instrument manufacturers that contribute to the independent advisory group.

Elizabeth Jordain, LGC Standards and head of its PT business, said: “PACQS is our evolution of the Laser Diffraction Proficiency Testing Scheme (LDPTS) and it ensures the availability of regular proficiency testing in this important area of quality assurance. LGC Standards has changed the name from LDPTS to PACQS, which is more generic and would enable other types of particle testing to be added to the scheme as it develops.

“The scheme will continue to operate in line with the LDPTS protocol and LGC's bespoke software 'PT Manager' will enable efficient and timely processing of the results and reporting via the internet, a key factor of the scheme’s value as a powerful training tool for users of particle sizing instrumentation. LGC Standards will continue to grow the scheme, potentially increasing its scale and number of participants, under the new name of PACQS, to be of value to its members as well as the worldwide community of particle analysts.”

Participating in PACQS allows results to be compared with industry colleagues in complete confidence. It may also be used in method and instrument evaluation and it can demonstrate reliability of analytical performance to customers and regulators.

The scheme runs from September to August with a quarterly distribution of material to laboratories. Laboratories can choose in which distributions to participate and a discount is available to those taking all four rounds. Results are reported at the end of each round within 15 working days. For further information please contact LGC Standards customer services department for the PT Group via e-mail customerservices@lgcpt.com or telephone +44 (0)161 762 2500 or fax +44 (0)161 762 2501.

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