42 CFR § 493.1236 - Standard: Evaluation of proficiency testing performance.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t42/s493.1236"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "42 CFR § 493.1236 - Standard: Evaluation of proficiency testing performance."
title_number: 42
title_name: "Public Health"
section_number: "493.1236"
section_name: "Standard: Evaluation of proficiency testing performance."
chapter_name: "CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES"
subchapter_number: "G"
subchapter_name: "STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION"
part_number: "493"
part_name: "LABORATORY REQUIREMENTS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "42 U.S.C. 263a, 1302, 1395x(e), 1395x(s)(3) and (s)(17)."
regulatory_source: "55 FR 9576, Mar. 14, 1990, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "493"
---


# 493.1236 Standard: Evaluation of proficiency testing performance.

(a) The laboratory must review and evaluate the results obtained on proficiency testing performed as specified in subpart H of this part.

(b) The laboratory must verify the accuracy of the following:

(1) Any analyte or subspecialty without analytes listed in subpart I of this part that is not evaluated or scored by a CMS-approved proficiency testing program.

(2) Any analyte, specialty or subspecialty assigned a proficiency testing score that does not reflect laboratory test performance (that is, when the proficiency testing program does not obtain the agreement required for scoring as specified in subpart I of this part, or the laboratory receives a zero score for nonparticipation, or late return of results).

(c) At least twice annually, the laboratory must verify the accuracy of the following:

(1) Any test or procedure it performs that is not included in subpart I of this part.

(2) Any test or procedure listed in subpart I of this part for which compatible proficiency testing samples are not offered by a CMS-approved proficiency testing program.

(d) All proficiency testing evaluation and verification activities must be documented.