AOAC Research Institute’s Performance Tested Methods℠ (PTM) Program

The AOAC Research Institute (AOAC RI) is a division of AOAC INTERNATIONAL that promotes and conducts activities to help develop, improve, and validate proprietary testing methods.

Performance Tested Methods^SM (PTM) Overview

The Performance Tested Methods^SM (PTM) program validates and certifies proprietary testing methods, which provides users with the confidence they need that the method is appropriate for their use.

The PTM program was developed more than 30 years ago to provide a reliable but fast-paced review to help make the latest technology available to the market quickly. It provides independent third-party review and certification for proprietary test method performance. The certification mark assures users that an independent assessment found that test method performance meets an appropriate standard for its intended use. The PTM program has played a crucial role with emerging health concerns by providing a widely accepted certification in a fast-to-market context. For example, we provided PTM status to five COVID test kits during the global pandemic.

The PTM program process is: 

1. The method developer and an AOAC RI technical consultant prepare a validation outline for validation study protocols in the consulting phase. 
2. AOAC staff reviews the application.
3. The method developer completes its validation study.
4. AOAC RI helps to select an independent lab to complete the independent validation study.
5. AOAC RI facilitates expert peer review of the results of both validation studies. If approved, AOAC RI grants AOAC Performance Tested^SM certification, and the organization is licensed to use the certification mark.
6. The certification is reviewed for renewal the following year.

For all questions, contact the Research Institute at [email protected].