How We Verify Used Oil Test Results

Eurofins TestOil, an industry leader in quality oil analysis testing, explains the importance of test repeatability/reproducibility as they apply to verifying used oil test results. These factors provide our customers with the assurance that their tests meet quality standards.
                Eurofins TestOil enjoys an excellent reputation within the industry, due in large part to our focus on the quality of test results. We continually examine and fine tune each test and maintain a high level of standards in our lab; ensuring that we are doing everything within our means to deliver the most accurate results possible. Validation through repeatability and reproducibility are central to this.
                Test repeatability and reproducibility are defined as follows:
• Test repeatability is the ability of a lab to test the same material successively under identical conditions and obtain results whose difference is within a standard acceptable range.
• Test reproducibility is the ability of the lab to test the same material twice under disparate conditions and obtain results whose difference is within a standard acceptable range.
                Essentially, test repeatability shows how precise the test is. It is an indirect measure of precision. Because there will always be some variability, ASTM defines the variability range for some tests and there is a different range for each type of test. However, ASTM specifies a range, rather than a single value because two consecutive samples taken under identical conditions will not necessarily have the identical result.
                Eurofins TestOil does have ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for testing. This standard contains all requirements that testing and calibration laboratories must meet if they want to demonstrate that they operate a management system, are technically competent, and are able to generate technically valid results. It contains technical requirements which ISO 9000 does not and is the preferred standard for laboratory quality systems.
                The Eurofins TestOil Quality Assurance Program conforms to and exceeds the requirements of ISO 17025 for the approximately 3 dozen tests listed on our scope of accreditation. For example, every instrument at Eurofins TestOil is calibrated and then a quality sample is regularly run to verify the calibration.
                Factors that can impact test repeatability and reproducibility include environmental conditions, test method selected, instrument detection limits, and technician competence/experience. The sample quality itself can also play a role in repeatability and reproducibility of test results. In addition, the quality of the sampling location, the consistency of the sampling technique, and even sample bottle cleanliness can all have an impact on test results.
                The Eurofins TestOil quality program ensures that every step possible is taken to carefully control factors that can impact repeatability and reproducibility. These steps include a technician training program, instrument calibration program, daily verification of instrument calibrations with certified reference materials, participation in inter-laboratory proficiency testing programs, and ISO 17025 accreditation.
                We have also been participating in proficiency testing programs with ASTM for more than 10 years. Our customers have the assurance that Eurofins TestOil is doing everything within the definition of test repeatability, reproducibility and beyond. 

For more information on working with Eurofins TestOil for oil analysis programs or training opportunities, fill out the form below; visit https://testoil.com/company/contact-us/; call 216-251-2510; or email sales@testoil.com.

About Eurofins TestOil

With more than 30 years of experience in the oil analysis industry, Eurofins TestOil focuses exclusively on assisting industrial facilities with reducing maintenance costs and avoiding unexpected downtime through oil and fuel analysis program implementation. As industry experts in diagnosing oil-related issues in equipment such as turbines, hydraulics, gearboxes, pumps, compressors and diesel generators, Eurofins TestOil provides customers with same-day turnaround on routine oil analysis testing.  For more information on partnering with Eurofins TestOil on oil analysis programs or training opportunities visit https://testoil.com. Contact: Al Yates 216-251-2510; sales@testoil.com. 

About Eurofins – the global leader in bio-analysis

Eurofins is Testing for Life. Eurofins is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing, and in discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and agroscience Contract Research services. Eurofins is also a market leader in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, and in the support of clinical studies, as well as in BioPharma Contract Development and Manufacturing. The Group also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialised and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products.

With over 61,000 staff across a network of 940 laboratories in 59 countries, Eurofins’ companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods. Eurofins Shares are listed on Euronext Paris Stock Exchange.