Which type of laboratory is NOT required to participate in proficiency testing?

Laboratories performing waived testing only are not required to participate in proficiency testing because they conduct tests that are considered to have a low risk of erroneous results. Waived tests are typically simple and straightforward, such as urine dipsticks and certain rapid tests, which meet criteria established by regulatory agencies for safety and simplicity.

Proficiency testing is primarily aimed at ensuring quality and accuracy for laboratories conducting more complex testing procedures—those categorized as moderate or high complexity—where the potential for misinterpretation of results could have significant clinical implications. In contrast, the simplicity of the waived tests minimizes the necessity for rigorous proficiency evaluations, thus exempting these laboratories from participation in such programs.