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Comparative Testing

An approved independent ring testing service for TASCC accredited laboratories and stores.

Welcome to our ‘Comparative Testing Service’ – an independent ring testing service for TASCC accredited laboratories and stores. The following sections set out how the system runs.

Sample Despatch

Two samples of each requested commodity are despatched to you by courier every two months, in the first week of June, August, October, December, February, April. You test one sample during the first month and keep the second sample for testing during the second month. Each sample has an individual number such as W1/0609/23. The first two digits are the sample number, the next four digits are the month and year of testing and the last two digits are the laboratory’s reference number i.e. if you are lab number 23 then all the samples you receive will end with 23.

Testing

The scheme offers ring tests on the parameters as shown in the table to the right. Samples should be tested during their specified month using your normal method for any of the parameters you test in your facility.

Parameters Wheat Barley Oats Peas Beans OSR
Moisture X X X X X X
Sp Wt X X X
Protein X
Nitrogen X
Hagberg X
Screenings X X X
Retentions X
Tetrazolium
Germination		 X
Admixture X X X
Oil X

Reporting

Results are reported using a smartform. We will send you the link, simply fill in your results in the correct boxes and submit by the due date. The due date is always the last Wednesday in the month. A reminder email will be sent to all participants two days before this. A further reminder will be sent to any participants who have not returned results by the due date. The results sheets will be closed by the Friday of the same week. Participants who have failed to return results by the time the results are printed will still receive a copy of the results, but obviously these will not include their results.

Results

Results are collated onto spreadsheets, with individual labs only being referred to by their reference number. Results are emailed within a few days by routine but can be posted as well if preferred. The results given are extremely comprehensive and give 2 different Z-scores.

OUR COMPARATIVE TESTING SERVICE HAS A VERY COMPREHENSIVE REPORTING PROCEDURE. A SEPARATE REPORT SHEET IS PRODUCED FOR EACH TEST AND INCLUDES:

  • All the lab results
  • Average of the results
  • Standard deviation of the results
  • Reference lab result (Lab Nos 1, 2 and 3)
  • Three z-scores for each result based on different criteria
  • Graph showing all the lab results, the average for the ring and 
    the ±2 z-score based on HGCA standard deviations and the 
    ring average.
  • Coloured text: Green = good, Orange = questionable, 
    Red = unsatisfactory

Registration

Joining the scheme is done by simply filling in an order form and emailing it back to us. This gives tick boxes to indicate which commodities you require in which months through the year. The scheme year runs from June through to the following May. An invoice will be sent out during June to cover the testing requested. On payment of the invoice we will return a Certificate of Participation for your TASCC file. You will also be issued with a Laboratory number. This number will appear on all samples and reports. Please contact us for a copy of the registration form.

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