FAQs – BIOSPECIMEN PROFICIENCY TESTING

How do I register?

Registration for the 2025 Biospecimen Proficiency Testing programme will open on May 12^th 2025.

What is the deadline for registration?

The registration for the 2025 Biospecimen Proficiency Testing will close on August 31st 2025. Please visit https://biospecimenpt.ibbl.lu/ to register for an account and order your desired schemes via the webshop.

Is there a cancellation policy?

No refunds are available after the registration deadline. Partial refunds are available for cancellation requests received in writing prior to the end of the registration period, after an administrative cancellation fee of 100€ (EUR) is applied.

What happens after I register?

Once you are registered, you will receive a Laboratory Number (Lxxx) and a Password (login information) by email. IBBL will prepare the samples (for the schemes you have requested) for shipment to your location.

What is the cost of participation?

The prices indicated in the table below are per individual scheme.

The table below summarizes the fees ** (in EUR) for the 2025 PT programme. The fees are also indicated on the PT registration platform and in the Participant Manual. You can participate in one or more PT schemes. ISBER members with an organizational membership benefit from a 15% discount on all the listed fees.

*Prices are subject to change. Terms and conditions apply.

Do I need to pay for the shipment of the samples?

For participants outside EU and US/Canada: the shipment effective cost of PT schemes from IBBL to participants will be covered by the participants.

Shipping costs of the extracted derivatives (Processing Schemes) from the Participants to IBBL are covered by the Participants.

When will my samples be shipped?

Once your registration is confirmed, your samples will be shipped to your location in October 2025 (at the exact address entered during the registration). You will be informed when the packages are shipped and an estimated date of delivery will be provided to you.

For some countries (e.g. Australia, China, South Africa, Egypt), an import/export license is required to receive/send biological samples. When registering to the PT programme, the Participant has to verify with their competent national authority whether such import/export license is required.

In such cases, the Participant has to apply him/herself to obtain this import/export permit. Once the application is complete, the Participant provides a copy or the references of his/her import/export permit to IBBL. 

What do I do if my samples do not arrive?

If the shipment has not been received by the day after the estimated date of delivery, please contact ISBERPT@lih.lu immediately.

Can I get replacement samples?

Replacement samples are available only when samples have been received in an unsatisfactory condition (broken, leaking, received at incorrect temperature).

Replacement samples will not be provided if inappropriate manipulation or measurements have been done.

How do I test the samples and how do I dispose of them?

You should use your routine method(s) and apply your routine conditions to test/process the samples. IBBL will not provide direction as to the method or equipment to be used. Once tested/processed, samples should be discarded by following the safety instructions enclosed in the shipment in the Test Item Information Sheet or in the Processing Item Information Sheet.

How and when do I submit my results?

Results of your Proficiency Testing Schemes must be submitted online on the PT website (http://biospecimenpt.ibbl.lu). Your login information (Email address and Password) will be sent to you by email after your registration.
Failure to submit your results by the deadline will result in the inability of IBBL to provide you with your PT Report and Evaluation of Performance.

How and when will I receive my Proficiency Test Report?

Your Scheme-specific PT Report(s) will be sent electronically by the end of March 2026, at the latest.

Will I receive a Certificate?

All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation, together with a Personalized Report and a Label of Participation.
When all the results are “Very Satisfactory”, the Certificate of Participation includes a comment specifying that “Results Were Very Satisfactory”.

What do I do if I misplace my login details?

Please contact ISBERPT@lih.lu to request that your login details be resent.

How to contact us?

If you have any other question, please contact ISBERPT@lih.lu (client support).

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