GMO Proficiency Test

Rating systems for qualitative (presence/absence) and quantitative results are developed and tested by the ISTA Statistics Committee. Detailed information was published in Seed Testing International Nos. 128 (qualitative rating) and 130 (quantitative rating).

The rating procedure for quantitative results is described in the document: ISTA GMO Proficiency Tests: Rating System for Quantitative Results (STI No. 130 Oct 2005). From PT18 round onwards, a change in the procedure has been made in order to better take into account recognized standards regarding the precision of a quantitative result. 

To obtain further information or clarification, please contact the ISTA Secretariat.

24th ISTA GMO Proficiency Test on Maize (Zea mays) 

The aim of this proficiency test is to evaluate the ability of individual laboratories in assessing the presence and estimating the level of GM seeds in samples of conventional maize (Zea mays) seed. 

Since GMO testing has been included in the ISTA Accreditation Programme, participation in the ISTA Proficiency Tests on GMO is compulsory for those laboratories in the process of accreditation or already accredited for GM seed testing in Maize. 

The ISTA Proficiency Test on GMO Testing is also open to any other laboratory involved in GM seed testing. Your laboratory can select the method appropriate to detect the presence or absence of GM seeds and to quantify their presence in samples of conventional seeds.

The registration fee for the participation is charged in Swiss Francs (CHF) and must be paid prior to submission of the samples to the laboratory. At the moment the registration fee for non-members of ISTA is CHF 1000. The fee covers the costs for seed material, sample preparation, GMO purity check and phytosanitary tests, packaging and shipment. ISTA Member Laboratories do not have to pay a participation fee as this service is covered in their yearly membership fee. They must identify themselves on the registration form by referring to their ISTA member code.

This proficiency test round will include an exercise to report GM results on ISTA Certificates. All ISTA Laboratories accredited for GMO Testing are strongly recommended to participate in this exercise. 

Laboratories interested in participating should please send a completed registration form to the ISTA Secretariat nadine.ettel@ista.ch before November 15, 2024.

Time schedule