Olfasense GmbH has officially opened registration for its 2026 Proficiency Test (PT), inviting olfactometric laboratories worldwide to take part. Accredited since 2005, this PT provides laboratories with the opportunity to evaluate their performance in line with the criteria set out in EN 13725:2022, a key standard for laboratories maintaining ISO 17025 accreditation. The annual proficiency test continues to play a key role in confirming that laboratories meet international standards for olfactometric measurements.
The 2026 PT is again designed to help laboratories verify their compliance with the critical performance criteria of EN 13725:2022, focusing on precision under repeatability conditions and accuracy for 1-butanol. These parameters remain fundamental for assessing the reliability and consistency of olfactometric measurements. Moreover, participants will once more have the option to analyse Tetrahydrothiophen (THT), which will be included if at least eight laboratories register for this additional measurement.
As part of the test, Olfasense GmbH will provide participating laboratories with 10 pressurised gas samples of 1-butanol. These samples allow laboratories to assess their ability to meet the defined performance criteria. For those opting to include THT, a z-score evaluation will be performed based on current and past datasets from laboratories that fulfil the 1-butanol performance criteria, ensuring a robust and comparative assessment.
Olfasense GmbH continues to encourage transparency by recommending the appointment of independent observers who can witness the entire testing process. These observers will be acknowledged in the individual certificates provided to each participant, reinforcing the credibility and transparency of the results.
Participating laboratories will receive disposable pressurised gas cylinders containing 1-butanol (and, where applicable, THT) to perform olfactometric measurements at their own facilities. Measurements can be conducted over multiple days within a 10‑working‑day window, providing flexibility for each laboratory’s internal operations. To ensure methodological consistency, the sample order will be predefined by Olfasense GmbH.
The key dates for the 2026 PT are as follows:
- Early registration deadline: April 3rd, 2026
- Final registration deadline: May 22nd, 2026
Following registration, participants will receive an automated confirmation along with a summary of their selected options. The registration form can be accessed via the official link.
Participation in the Olfasense Proficiency Test enables laboratories to demonstrate compliance with international standards and benchmark their performance against other participants via z‑score evaluations. Olfasense GmbH also offers expert consultation services, including support in ISO 17025 audit preparation, to help laboratories further optimise their workflows.
As a next step toward greater transparency in olfactometry, it would be valuable to make the results and the names of participating laboratories publicly accessible with participants' consent. Publishing this information could enhance credibility and promote shared learning across the professional community.
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