Use the NSI proficiency testing (PT) studies to help improve quality and comply with regulations. Receive your final reports within 21 days of the study close date.

Each qualitative food microbiology proficiency test comes with five Snap-Stick™ inoculated swabs and five 4” x 4” sterile square petri dishes. To activate the microorganism, simply apply pressure to the plastic stem valve and release the hydration fluid to dissolve the microorganism pellet. The culture pellet lyophilized in Microgel-Flash™ matrix dissolves in less than a minute with minimum agitation and no incubation. Once dissolved, remove the swab from the tube and swipe across the square petri dish base. At least 2 of 5 samples swabs will test positive for the target microorganism; acceptable evaluation requires at least 4 of 5 recorded correctly with no false negatives.

If you have an immediate need for proficiency test results, PT Express™, our on-demand proficiency testing is available year-round. Call us at 1-800-234-7387 to place your order.

Lead time specified is for studies that have already opened. The lead time for studies that have not yet opened will be applicable once the study opens. To view study numbers and corresponding study dates, please see the 2024 Proficiency Testing Study Schedule linked under the Resources section below.