A program in which samples are periodically sent to members of a group of laboratories for analysis is called?

The correct answer is identified as proficiency testing. This program involves sending samples of known composition to various laboratories, which are then tasked with analyzing these samples to assess their performance in comparison to established standards or other laboratories. Proficiency testing serves several important functions in the field of laboratory medicine.

Firstly, it ensures that laboratories are consistently delivering accurate and reliable test results. By periodically assessing their analytical performance, laboratories can identify areas needing improvement and address potential discrepancies in their methods or procedures. Additionally, proficiency testing fosters continuous quality improvement by promoting best practices and encouraging laboratories to meet high standards of accuracy and reliability.

Quality control, while related, refers to the internal processes a laboratory implements to maintain the accuracy and reliability of its own test results, rather than an external program for benchmarking against others. Accreditation denotes the formal recognition of a laboratory’s competence to perform specific tasks under defined standards but does not include the periodic testing of laboratory performance through sample analysis. Benchmarking involves comparing performance metrics with others in the industry, which may include but is not limited to proficiency testing.

Understanding this distinction elucidates why proficiency testing is the correct answer in this context.