Rule 1301:18-7-05 | Proficiency Testing Program.
(A) The division of cannabis control may require a testing laboratory to participate in third-party proficiency testing programs.
In the event the division determines that proficiency testing is necessary, each testing laboratory shall adhere to all mandates outlined under this rule.
(B) At least once every twenty-four months, each testing laboratory is to successfully participate in a proficiency testing program for all test analytes outlined under this chapter.
(1) A third-party proficiency program mandated pursuant to paragraph (A) of this rule, is to be administered by an organization accredited to ISO/IEC 17043 "Conformity Assessment - General Requirements for Proficiency Testing" and provide rigorously controlled and standardized analysis of the following:
(a) Proficiency testing samples;
(b) Reports of associated proficiency testing directly to the laboratory and the division; and
(c) Statistical evaluation of the collective demographics and results of all cannabis testing facilities
(2) Successful participation includes an acceptable score for each and every target analyte that the testing laboratory reports to include quantitative results when applicable.
Failure to provide a result for a required analyte will be considered an unacceptable result.
(C) Pursuant to third-party proficiency testing, each testing laboratory is to:
(1) Analyze proficiency testing samples utilizing the same procedures, including the number of replicate analyses, standards, testing analysts, and equipment, as used for routine required testing pursuant to these rules at the licensed premises.
(2) When possible, integrate all proficiency testing samples within the day-to-day operations of the laboratory.
(D) All proficiency testing results are to be reviewed by the scientific director and appropriate employees and:
(1) Evaluate the testing laboratory's performance and perform corrective action for any unsatisfactory results received; and
(2) If applicable:
(a) Investigate any unsatisfactory results, to include a retrospective review of potentially affected cannabis samples.
(b) Document the investigation findings and any resultant corrective actions.
(E) A testing laboratory who fails to achieve an acceptable score for any state-required test mandated pursuant to division 1301:18 of the Administrative Code shall do the following:
(1) Notify the division in writing within twenty-four hours of receipt of the score; and
(2) Unless authorized by the division, repeat the proficiency testing of any failed tests within thirty calendar days of receipt of the failed score.
(3) If the testing laboratory fails to perform satisfactorily for the same state-required testing in two consecutive proficiency testing events, or two out of three proficiency testing events, the testing laboratory may be required to cease the performance of testing for those analytes until it demonstrates to the satisfaction of the division that the nonconformances have been corrected in such a manner as to ensure that they will not recur.
(F) Prior to the renewal of its certificate of operation, each testing laboratory is to ensure proficiency testing includes each matrix within the scope of their ISO accreditation.
(G) A testing laboratory shall not:
(1) Communicate with another licensed laboratory about proficiency testing samples until after the deadline for submission of results to the proficiency testing provider.
(2) Refer proficiency testing samples to another testing laboratory for analysis; or
(3) Accept proficiency testing samples from other testing laboratory for analysis.
Last updated August 28, 2025 at 7:34 AM
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