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Proficiency testing for quality assurance of allergens methods
1Central Science Laboratory, Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LZ, UK. l.owen@csl.gov.uk
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
|April 4, 2009
Summary
Proficiency testing ensures analytical result quality via external checks. Allergen analysis presents unique challenges, impacting quantitative results and requiring method validation for accurate food safety testing.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Quality Control
Background:
- Proficiency testing (PT) is a critical external quality control measure for analytical laboratories.
- It involves comparing laboratory results against independently set criteria to assess analytical performance.
- Traditionally, PT assumes normally distributed data, but challenges arise with complex analyses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the challenges in proficiency testing for allergen analysis.
- To discuss the impact of method variability on quantitative allergen measurements.
- To present case studies illustrating issues in allergen measurement methods.
Main Methods:
- Proficiency testing schemes involving multiple laboratories analyzing specific analytes.
- Data collation and statistical analysis to determine assigned values and z-scores.
- Analysis of factors influencing quantitative results, such as ELISA kits and analyte targets.
Main Results:
- Allergen analysis in PT can yield results dependent on ELISA kit brands, analyte targets, and detection limits.
- Multimodal data distributions in PT may prevent the establishment of a reliable assigned value or z-scores.
- Over 40 PTs for allergen analysis have been conducted, driving method development and improvement.
Conclusions:
- Standard PT approaches may be insufficient for complex allergen matrices.
- Method validation and consideration of matrix effects are crucial for accurate allergen quantification.
- Continued development of PT schemes is necessary to address evolving challenges in food allergen testing.
