This document specifies the methodology for the design of an interlaboratory study (ILS) and calculation of precision estimates of a test method specified by the study. In particular, it defines the relevant statistical terms (see Clause 3), the procedures to be adopted in the planning of an ILS to determine the precision of a test method (see Clause 4), and the method of calculating the precision from the results of such a study (see Clauses 5 and 6).




The procedures in this document have been designed specifically for petroleum and petroleum related products, which are normally considered as homogeneous. However, the procedures described in this document can also be applied to other types of homogeneous products. Careful investigations are necessary before applying this document to products for which the assumption of homogeneity can be questioned.