Olfasense GmbH has officially opened the registration for its 2025 Proficiency Test (PT), inviting olfactometric laboratories worldwide to participate. The PT, accredited since 2005, offers laboratories the opportunity to assess their performance in accordance with the criteria set out in EN 13725:2022, a key standard for laboratories maintaining ISO 17025 accreditation. This proficiency test plays an essential role in confirming that laboratories meet international standards for olfactometric measurements.
The 2025 PT is specifically designed to help laboratories verify their compliance with the critical performance criteria of EN 13725:2022, focusing on precision under repeatability conditions and accuracy for 1-butanol. These parameters are fundamental for evaluating the reliability and precision of olfactometric measurements. The proficiency test is an important tool for laboratories to benchmark their performance and ensure they meet the necessary industry standards.
For the test, Olfasense GmbH will provide participating laboratories with 10 pressurised gas samples of 1-butanol. These samples will allow laboratories to assess their ability to meet the required performance criteria. Additionally, participants will have the option to analyse Tetrahydrothiophen (THT), although this will only be available if at least 8 laboratories register for this option. A z-score evaluation will be carried out for THT, incorporating both current and past data from laboratories that meet the performance criteria for 1-butanol, offering a robust assessment of the performance for all participants.
Olfasense GmbH encourages laboratories to ensure transparency by appointing independent observers to witness the entire testing process. These observers will be acknowledged in the individual certificates provided to participants. This commitment to transparency ensures that all procedures are carried out according to established standards and further reinforces the credibility of the results.
The testing process involves laboratories receiving disposable pressurised gas cylinders containing 1-butanol (and optionally THT), which they will use to perform olfactometric measurements at their regular laboratory locations. Participants will have a 10-working-day window to complete their measurements, which can be spread over multiple days or conducted in one session, depending on the laboratory's preferences. The order of the samples will be predefined by Olfasense GmbH to maintain consistency throughout the process.
The key dates for the 2025 PT are as follows: registration must be confirmed by April 4th, 2025 to benefit from the early registration discount, with the final deadline for registration being May 23rd, 2025. The actual testing will take place between August 25th and September 5th, 2025, and laboratories must submit their results to Olfasense GmbH by September 19th, 2025 (22:00 GMT). The final report and certificates will be issued before October 31st, 2025.
Participation in the Olfasense PT offers laboratories the chance to demonstrate their compliance with international standards, providing a detailed evaluation of their performance through z-scores and allowing them to compare their results with other participants. Furthermore, Olfasense GmbH offers consultation services, including support for ISO 17025 audit preparation, through accredited experts who can help optimise laboratory processes. Laboratories interested in participating are encouraged to visit the Olfasense GmbH registration page for more information and to confirm their participation. A form has been also provided here.
In our view, as a step towards greater transparency in the field of olfactometry, we believe that the results of such proficiency tests should be publicly accessible, with the consent of the laboratories involved. It would be beneficial if the names of the participating laboratories—both those who meet the performance criteria and those who do not—were included in the final reports. This would not only promote transparency but also provide valuable insights to the broader community of olfactometric professionals. We hope that both the organisers of the PT and the participating laboratories will consider this approach, as it could further enhance the credibility of the proficiency test and its results.
