The PinPoint Interlaboratory Split Sample (P.I.S.S.) Challenge helps clinical and forensic laboratories maintain the accuracy and reliability of their testing. When commercially available proficiency tests (PTs) are unavailable, CLIA-certified labs may face challenges in assessing the robustness of their quality systems. Split sample analysis serves as an alternative assessment method, allowing laboratories to compare their results with those of a reference laboratory and other participating labs, thus ensuring consistent and high-quality testing.
The P.I.S.S. Challenge, organized by PinPoint Testing’s COLA/CLIA-certified laboratory, is an interlaboratory blinded split sample competency test. Participating commercial laboratories analyze blinded urine samples containing over 160 spiked drugs. Labs submit their positive findings, including confirmed drug concentrations, in a standardized template to a PinPoint data analyst. Results are compiled, and within 30 days each lab receives a comprehensive report comparing their performance to that of peer laboratories.
The challenge is offered twice per year (April and October).
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IMPORTANT DATES
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- October 7: Enrollment open.
- October 21: Enrollment closes. Challenge sets will be built.
- October 22: Challenge sets shipped to participating labs. Allow 1–2 business days for delivery.
- November 20: Results submission deadline. Submit your completed results by end of day via your account portal. Late submissions received without prior notice are subject to a $250.00 late fee. If you anticipate difficulty meeting the deadline, please contact us in advance (exceptions may be made).
- November 27: Final reports distributed to all participants.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Q: What analytes will be included in the challenge?
A: Click here to see your full list of analytes: P.I.S.S. Challenge Standard Analyte List
Q: The analyte list does not contain all of the drugs in my panel. Can we add analytes?
A: Yes. We can manufacture a supplemental set of samples for your lab for an additional charge of $275.00. Supplemental sets require additional production time and custom reporting. Supplemental sets must be confirmed before ordering. Submit a Supplemental Set request and our team will contact you within 4-5 business days.
Q: Why is there an additional fee for late submissions?
A: In order to provide laboratories with accurate peer-comparison results, we require all submissions by the deadline. We understand that unplanned equipment downtime and other factors may be out of your control please contact us early so we can plan accordingly.
Q: How do I process the samples when they arrive?
A: Process the samples as you would any other urine sample received in your lab, following your laboratory’s approved SOPs for urine testing.
Q: How do I report my results?
A: Use the reporting template provided to you upon enrollment. Report values as you would for any other sample you process. When you’re done, log in to the PinPoint Testing account created when you enrolled, go to My Account → Submit Results, and upload your completed template by the results submission deadline.
Q: Who do I contact if I have questions about the final report?
A: PinPoint Testing has highly qualified consultants on staff who can help you interpret your results. Reach out to Isabel.Ritter@PinPointTesting.com with any questions.
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PinPoint Testing is NOT an accredited ISO 17043 proficiency test provider. Samples are not to be used for clinical therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.
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