Sub-networks of EU reference laboratories
Article 17
1. Where more than one EU reference laboratory is designated for a specific device, category or group of devices or a specific hazard related to a category or group of devices, those EU reference laboratories shall form a sub-network to the EU reference laboratories’ network. 2. The EU reference laboratories may form other sub-networks for specific topics. 3. The sub-networks shall produce and keep up-to-date common procedures for the performance of tasks referred to in Article 100(2), points (a) and (b), of Regulation (EU) 2017/746. 4. At least every two years, the sub-networks shall determine which methods and materials, used for the performance of the tasks referred to in Article 100(2), points (a) or (b), of Regulation (EU) 2017/746, require proficiency tests to ensure the same results in the EU reference laboratories across the sub-network. The sub-networks shall develop a methodology for the proficiency tests. The members of a sub-network shall perform the proficiency tests in accordance with the methodology developed by that sub-network and shall: (a) report the results of the proficiency tests to the sub-network; (b) ensure appropriate follow-up to the proficiency tests, including, if needed, corrective actions to adjust the methods and materials referred to in the first subparagraph to ensure consistency across the sub-network. The sub-network shall inform the EU reference laboratories’ network of the results of and any follow-up to the proficiency tests.