Reliable Odour Measurement

In odour measurement and olfactometry, data quality is critical. For a UKAS-accredited odour laboratory, results support environmental permitting, regulatory compliance and technical decision-making. As a result, they must be consistent, repeatable and defensible.

To ensure this, laboratories do not rely solely on internal checks. They also take part in independent proficiency testing as part of ongoing quality assurance.

Proficiency testing ensures compliance with European odour measurement standard BS EN 13725:2022.

What is Proficiency Testing?

Proficiency testing is a structured, independent comparison between laboratories that perform the same type of analysis.

In practice, this involves analysing identical samples using standardised dynamic olfactometry methods and comparing results to assess consistency.

This helps confirm that:

Ultimately, it is a key part of maintaining confidence in analytical data.

BS EN 13725:2022

The European standard BS EN 13725:2022 governs odour measurement using dynamic olfactometry.

Specifically, it defines how to measure odour concentration and ensures consistency across laboratories. It sets requirements for methodology, panel performance, data quality, repeatability and reporting.

Proficiency testing provides an external check that laboratories apply this standard correctly.

Find out more in our guide to BS EN 13725:2022 and its role in odour measurement.

Why Proficiency Testing Matters

Even when laboratories follow a recognised standard, independent verification is still essential.

Proficiency testing:

For regulators and clients, this provides reassurance that reported odour data is credible and robust.

UKAS-Accredited Odour Laboratory

Silsoe Odours is a UKAS-accredited laboratory. As such, it operates under a quality management system which is independently assessed and regularly audited.

As part of UKAS accreditation, laboratories must demonstrate:

• Competence in performing specific test methods

• Adherence to documented quality systems

• Participation in regular proficiency testing

• Ongoing method validation and control of analytical processes

This means that odour measurements are not only technically correct but also consistently reliable over time.

What This Means for Clients

UKAS accreditation and independent verification ensures that clients can trust odour data in key applications.

For example:

Supporting Your Compliance Needs

At Silsoe Odours, maintaining high-quality, reliable results is central to our work. Our clients rely on accurate odour data to support regulatory and technical decisions. Consistency and technical excellence are, therefore, essential.

By participating in regular inter-laboratory comparisons and maintaining UKAS accreditation for odour testing and sampling processes, we demonstrate that our measurement systems align with international standards.

To understand how accreditation and standards should influence your choice of supplier, read our guide on how to choose the right odour consultant.

We take great care in what we do, so that our clients can be confident in the quality of our work.

For this reason, it’s no surprise that our UKAS-accredited odour laboratory has successfully passed its latest proficiency test. Our team of odour specialists work hard to maintain the excellence of our odour testing throughout the year.

James Sneath, Technical Manager at Silsoe Odours

If you need reliable, compliant odour measurement data, our team can help.
Get in touch to discuss your project or odour testing requirements.

Call: 01525 860222
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