The Beryllium Proficiency Analytical Testing (BePAT) Program serves as an external quality assurance program for laboratories analyzing beryllium on filter media. It is designed to assist laboratories in evaluating analytical performance. Samples are submitted for analysis to participating laboratories on a tri-annual basis. An analysis is performed on the resulting data. An evaluation report is provided to each laboratory allowing each participant to determine their current capability level and compare to an industry standard. The program is specifically recommended for laboratories analyzing samples for the Department of Energy in accordance with the Chronic Beryllium Disease Prevention Program as specified in 10 CFR Part 850.24, Section (f) Periodic Exposure Monitoring, Analysis. However, participation is open to all laboratories*.
*Any foreign entity must meet U. S. federal export requirements.
Must I participate in the BePAT program prior to applying for IHLAP?
Participation in the BePAT program is required if beryllium is included as part of the laboratory's scope of work in the AIHA's Industrial Hygiene Laboratory Accreditation Program. AIHA currently offers three Fields of Testing (FoT), AA - Graphite Furnace, fluorescence and ICP for laboratories that are seeking accreditation for Industrial Hygiene Beryllium testing.
Who should participate in the BePAT program?
Laboratories routinely analyzing beryllium particulates on filter media may benefit from participation. Participation in the BePAT Program can provide information to clients on laboratory performance. Laboratories performing work for the Department of Energy under 10 CFR Part 850.24, Section (f) are required to participate.
What type of samples will be used in the BePAT program?
Each BePAT round consists of four beryllium acetate samples and a blank.
When are the proficiency testing rounds held?
Three BePAT rounds are held each year, in March, July and November.
How does the program work?
A sample set consisting of four samples and a blank is submitted to each participating laboratory three times per year. The concentration ranges can be between 0.1 ug Be/filter and 25 ug Be/filter. Laboratories must prepare and analyze the samples using their routine laboratory protocols and submit data by the requested deadline. The data is evaluated and ratings are assigned. Results determined to be within 75%-125% of the "accepted" value are rated as acceptable. Data outside of this range is rated as not acceptable.
How are proficiency samples for the BePAT program sent?
Samples are sent to laboratories via FedEx 2 day delivery at the beginning of each BePAT round. Upon receipt of the AIHA 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 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 within one (1) week of the scheduled shipping date to notify us of failure to receive the PT samples. A laboratory that receives BePAT samples but does not submit results or contact AIHA by the deadline will receive a "Fail" for the round.
What is the BePAT program schedule*?
| Enrollment Deadline |
2/1 |
6/1 |
10/1 |
| Round Open/Sample Ship |
3/1 |
7/1 |
11/1 |
| Results Due |
4/10 |
8/10 |
12/10 |
*Rounds may be delayed if materials are not available to prepare by the shipment date. Please review the LQAP Proficiency Testing Program Schedule for further details.
Are special analytical methods required?
The BePAT program does not require any specific methods. Laboratories should use the methods for preparation and analysis that are routinely employed by the laboratory for preparation and analysis of beryllium. It is recommended that the method used be capable of addressing solubility issues associated with complex forms of beryllium (including metal alloys and oxides).
After I obtain BePAT samples, how long do I have to report results?
BePAT results are due about four weeks after receipt of samples.
What happens after results are submitted?
The results are compiled, evaluated, and an evaluation report is generated. Individual laboratory evaluation reports are issued to each participant in the round.
What are the criteria used for rating my performance?
Results determined to be within 75%-125% of the "accepted value" are rated as acceptable. Data outside of this range are rated as not acceptable. The "accepted value" is determined by theoretical calculations and is confirmed by statistical analysis of reference laboratory data. Blank data are not assigned ratings. The laboratory shall receive a pass/fail score for each BePAT round. The laboratory shall receive a passing score if three (3) of four (4) reported results are acceptable or not more than twenty-five (25) percent of reported results are outliers.
How is proficiency determined?
A laboratory shall be rated proficient for Beryllium if the laboratory has passing scores for two (2) of the last three (3) consecutive PT rounds. A laboratory is rated non-proficient for Beryllium if the laboratory has failing scores in two (2) of the last three (3) consecutive PT rounds.
What happens if my laboratory is non-proficient?
The BePAT program does not offer a retest. An accredited laboratory will be suspended for the FoTs/methods associated with the non-proficient category of testing. They will remain suspended until proficiency is re-established.
Is IHPAT beryllium testing required for accreditation?
Participation in the BePAT program is required for any laboratory seeking accreditation for the testing of beryllium. A laboratory interested in accreditation should participate in at least one round of proficiency testing before they apply for accreditation. Please review Beryllium Accreditation Guidance Document for more information
Who prepares the proficiency testing samples?
The BePAT program is administered by BWXT Y-12, L.L.C. under contract with the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). At the end of each BePAT round, BWXT Y-12, L.L.C. evaluates all laboratory participant results and provides written feedback to each participant laboratory.
Please contact the AIHA Laboratory Quality Assurance Program at (703) 846-0757 for more information about the Beryllium Proficiency Analytical Testing program.
Note: Proficiency testing policies and other documentation included on this website reflect the operations of AIHA Proficiency Analytical Testing Programs, LLC but may refer to the American Industrial Hygiene Association or AIHA since AIHA PAT Programs, LLC programs were once operated by AIHA. Some of these documents may also include the AIHA logos. Please note that these reference documents have been contributed by AIHA for use by AIHA PAT Programs, LLC until the LLC adopts updated versions of the documents.