The Bulk Asbestos Proficiency Analytical Testing Program is a proficiency testing program sponsored by the AIHA Proficiency Analytical Testing Programs, LLC (AIHA PAT Programs, LLC) that serves as an external quality assurance program for laboratories analyzing bulk building materials by polarized light microscopy (PLM). It is designed to provide bulk audit samples on a quarterly basis, and to provide a means by which a laboratory can evaluate its ability to characterize bulk materials. The program is both qualitative and semiquantitative in nature.
FAQs
What are the requirements for the program?
Each round, laboratories are required to classify samples of bulk building materials as asbestos-containing or not, and to identify the asbestos type(s) present in the samples. In addition, participants are asked to provide semi-quantitative estimates of the amount of asbestos present, and identification and semi-quantitation of other fibrous and nonfibrous components of the samples, where possible. Evaluation of the laboratory's performance is based on sample classification, asbestos identification and semiquantitation of the asbestos type(s).
Does AIHA offer bulk asbestos accreditation?
AIHA-LAP, LLC offers Bulk Asbestos accreditation as part of the Industrial Hygiene Laboratory Accreditation Program (IHLAP). As part of the accreditation process for IHLAP on-site visits will be made to your laboratory, and specific personnel, facility, and other requirements will be assessed by AIHA. Participation in the American Industrial Hygiene Association Bulk Asbestos Proficiency Analytical Testing Program OR the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) is a prerequisite to qualify for AIHA IHLAP accreditation for the Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) Field of Testing (FoT).
What types of samples will be used in the program?
Participating laboratories will receive four samples in each of four quarterly test rounds. These samples, the great majority of which are "real-world" materials from abatement projects, may contain any of the asbestos types in a variety of matrices and binders typical of bulk building and insulation materials. Materials known to pose difficulties to laboratories, such as those containing low asbestos percentages or asbestos "look-alike" fibers, as well as nonfriable materials such as vinyl tile and cementitious or asphalyic products, are frequently used. These samples should be analyzed using the same analytical procedure used to test routine client samples. BAPAT samples remain the property of the laboratory and can serve both as in-house quality control samples and quantitation calibration reference samples.
How are proficiency samples sent?
Proficiency Samples are shipped via the United States Postal Service. Upon receipt of the PT samples, it is the responsibility of the laboratory to inspect the shipment for any damage and to ensure that the correct samples were received. If samples are damaged, then the laboratory shall notify the AIHA PAT Programs, LLC within 24 hours of sample receipt to ensure timely replacement of samples for the laboratory to meet the deadline for submission of data. Laboratories requesting special shipping for replacement samples shall assume the cost of express carrier handling.
If the PT samples are not received by the laboratory in accordance with the predefined schedule, then it shall be the responsibility of the laboratory to contact the AIHA PAT Programs, LLC within one (1) week of the scheduled shipping date to notify us of failure to receive the PT samples. A laboratory that receives BAPAT samples but does not submit results or contact AIHA PAT Programs, LLC by the reporting deadline will receive a "Fail" for the round.
What is the BAPAT program schedule*?
| Enrollment Deadline |
1/24 |
4/25 |
7/25 |
10/15 |
| Samples Shipped |
2/15 |
5/15 |
8/15 |
11/15 |
| Results Due |
3/15 |
6/15 |
9/15 |
12/15 |
*Please review the Proficiency Testing Program Schedule for further details.
After I obtain BAPAT samples, how long do I have to report results?
Generally, laboratories receive about one calendar month in which to complete their analyses and submit their results.
What happens after results are submitted?
At the conclusion of each test round, each laboratory will receive an extensive report of analysis that summarizes its results, provides the qualitative and semi-quantitative reference values for the samples, and includes a summary of the overall performance of all laboratories participating in the round. Difficulties with the analysis of specific samples in that round are addressed, and suggestions for improving the laboratory's qualitative and semi-quantitative analyses are offered. These reports are distributed about three weeks after the results submittal deadline so that the participant receives performance and analysis feedback in as timely a manner as possible.
How are BAPAT proficiency samples scored?
For scoring information, please see the 
BAPAT Proficiency Sample Evaluation Criteria chart.
How is proficiency determined?
The BAPAT consists of four (4) rounds annually. A bulk asbestos laboratory shall be considered to have "passed" or "failed" an individual BAPAT test round in accordance with evaluation criteria based on the penalty point total incurred by the laboratory for that test round. A laboratory shall be rated proficient for bulk asbestos if the laboratory has passing scores (less than 100 penalty points) for at least two (2) of the last three (3) consecutive PT rounds. A laboratory shall be rated non-proficient for bulk asbestos if the laboratory has failing scores in two (2) of the last three (3) consecutive PT rounds. A laboratory that receives round samples and does not submit analysis results by the reporting deadline will receive a "Fail" for the round if the laboratory does not notify the AIHA PAT Programs, LLC before the round closes.
What happens if my laboratory is non-proficient?
The BAPAT program offers a retest option which is available to any interested participant. Enrolling in the retest round provides the ability for a participant to improve their score from the most recent round.
Is IHPAT bulk asbestos testing required for accreditation?
AIHA-LAP, LLC requires all laboratories seeking accreditation for polarized light microscopy (PLM) to participate and be proficient in either the IHPAT bulk asbestos program. A laboratory interested in accreditation should participate in at least one round of proficiency testing before they apply for accreditation.
Who prepares the proficiency testing samples?
Under contract with AIHA PAT Programs, LLC, RTI International (RTI) prepares and ships samples for each BAPAT round. At the end of each BAPAT round, RTI evaluates all laboratory participant results and provides written feedback to each participant laboratory.
For more information on the Bulk Asbestos Proficiency Testing Program, contact the AIHA PAT Programs, LLC at info.PATLLC@aiha.org.
Last Updated: 11/1/2011