The Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST) applauds the appointment of one of its microbiologists, Nicole Brassard, as vice chair of the Proficiency Analytical Testing Programs Board (PAT Board) of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). Board members voted unanimously on the appointment.

The purpose of the AIHA’s PAT program is to demonstrate a laboratory’s competence by providing objective evidence of its ability to produce data that is both accurate and repeatable.

Nicole Brassard has an M.Sc. in microbiology and has worked in the field since 1983. Her areas of expertise include medical, environmental and air microbiology as well as laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing. She served as a member of the PAT Board before being appointed its vice chair.

On behalf of the entire staff of the IRSST, President and CEO Marie Larue congratulated Ms Brassard on her appointment. “The appointment of a member our staff to the executive committee of the AIHA’s PAT Board is welcome recognition of the scientific rigour and quality of analysis of IRSST laboratories and of the expertise of its researchers, professionals and technicians,” says IRRST President and CEO Marie Larue. “The IRSST already participates in the PAT program—a key program because it assures interested parties that the performance of the laboratories to which they entrust the analysis of their samples is up to scratch and that appropriate health and safety decisions on workplace exposure to biological agents can be made on the basis of the results obtained.”

Under the bylaws of the AIHA, Ms Brassard will become ipso facto chair of the PAT Board after serving as its vice chair for one year.