PEth-NET decided to collaborate with the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Bern (IRM BE) for the provision of blood samples and further logistics of the inter-laboratory comparison.

In the third evaluation round, four different authentic whole blood samples will be provided to each participating laboratory, on microsampling devices. To prepare the individual samples, each participating laboratory is asked to ship the sampling device of their choice to IRM BE, to spot a selected choice of blood (e.g. 10-25 µL). For logistical reasons, only laboratories using devices that do not require any cooling during the transportation process (e.g. DBS cards, Mitra VAMS, etc.) are eligible for participation in the proficiency testing. A handling fee will apply for the inter-laboratory comparison (dependent on the selected shipment option). This fee includes shipment, handling, and evaluation costs. The payment must be directed to PEth-NET based on an electronic invoice that will be sent by email. Samples will be shipped with a custom invoice stating a value of 5.-

To register for the second round of the inter-laboratory comparison please fill out the participation form below and directly send the microsampling devices of choice (routinely used in your laboratory) to:

Institute of Forensic Medicine Bern, Matthias Bantle, Murtenstrasse 26, 3008 Bern, Switzerland

The individual blood samples will be provided in duplicate (a total of eight samples will be sent to each participating laboratory). To have one spare device, please provide at least 5 DBS cards or 10 VAMS samples for the preparation of your samples. If you use Hemaxis, please just send us cards, we will add the volume of choice with a pipette.

-Registration closes 30th of September 2023

–Devices must reach IRM BE before the 15th of October 2023

–Samples will be shipped at the end of October 2023.

–Results must be submitted before the 15th of December 2023.