Use of uncertainty estimates as reported by participants in proficiency testing for the evaluation of their results: pros and cons

The aim of this paper is to study the measurement uncertainties reported in proficiency tests (PTs) using examples from PTs in the environmental sector and to compare the obtained measurement uncertainty estimates using different approaches. In addition, the paper focusses on the differences between the z-score and the zeta score. Since the year 2000, the Finnish Environment Institute has asked participants to report analytical methods as well as measurement uncertainties in connection with PT results. The measurement uncertainties of the assigned value have also been evaluated. On the basis of the results, the measurement uncertainties reported by the participants varied greatly. Participants often reported underestimated measurement uncertainties, but overestimated uncertainties were also reported. At the moment, it seems as if performance assessment should be based on the z-score because of a number of significant over- and underestimated measurement uncertainties. The zeta score should be used for information and educational purposes mainly.