Investigating Plastic–Metal Interactions in Aquatic Environments Using Laser Ablation ICP–MS and Chemical Markers

<h4>Types of comparisons&nbsp;</h4>Interlaboratory comparisons mean organisation, performance and evaluation of measurements and tests on the same or similar items by two or more laboratories in accordance with predetermined conditions. Comparisons are organised at all scientific levels, but the objectives, protocols and participants vary. In certification trials, the measurements are used to assign values to reference materials. In method validation studies (collaborative trials), the performance, e.g. trueness and precision of methods, is evaluated. The most accurate measurements are compared world-wide in ’key comparisons’.&nbsp;Proficiency testing (PT) schemes – also known as ‘external quality assessment (EQA) schemes’ or ‘laboratory performance studies’ – are one means of assessing the quality of routine measurements. PT schemes are the most common, and perhaps the most important, type of interlaboratory comparisons.&nbsp;<h4>Advantages of PT&nbsp;</h4>Participation in PT enables you to compare your results with those from other laboratories. It can also provide you with:&nbsp;<ul><li>Regular, objective and independent assessment of the quality of your routine analyses;&nbsp;</li><li>Feedback that stimulates improvement of the technical work;</li><li>Comparative information about method and instrument performance;</li><li>An overview of the quality of specific analyses in a sector, country or region.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Limitations of PT&nbsp;</h4>Ideally, PT samples are similar in nature to routine samples, and sufficiently homogeneous and stable not to influence the evaluation of participants’ performance. Due to practical aspects, PT samples are sometimes processed, e.g. stabilised and/or freeze-dried. Participants should be aware of this.&nbsp;PT schemes can be organised and evaluated in many different ways. There is no perfect protocol! For laboratories and their customers, and for accreditation and regulatory bodies, it can be important to know if the same result is judged differently by different PT providers.<h4>Appropriate PT schemes&nbsp;</h4>The huge number of analytes, and the large variety in the way tests are performed, means that it is not always possible to find a scheme that meets a laboratory’s exact requirements. Before signing up for a scheme, carefully check that the test materials, and the analytes and their levels fit your routine measurement procedures. Is the frequency appropriate and does the provider’s report give you sufficient information?&nbsp;<h4>Role of PT in measurement quality&nbsp;</h4>Correct measurements require both internal and external ‘tools’. During the validation step, the performance of the method is established. Subsequent use of control charts will show if the measurements are under statistical control. Many laboratories choose to accredit their services, thereby agreeing to implement a quality management system and accepting regular external audits of their work. Participating in PT is an effective external means to check that the procedures are fit for purpose!&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Proficiency_testing_schemes_and_other_interlaboratory_comparisons_2_7688414cd9.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Proficiency testing schemes and other interlaboratory comparisons" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Proficiency_testing_schemes_and_other_interlaboratory_comparisons_2_7688414cd9.jpg 206w," sizes="100vw" width="848" height="642"><h4>Educational aspects&nbsp;</h4>PT offers opportunities for education and training. Many providers have regular user meetings to discuss results and problem areas. Virtual PT schemes, using digital images of the samples, enable an unlimited number of participants, immediate feedback and repeated assessments.<h4>Accreditation of PT providers&nbsp;</h4>Some providers choose to accredit their PT schemes. The work with organising and evaluating the results will then be assessed according to international guidelines, similar to calibration and testing laboratories.<h4>Use of PT results&nbsp;</h4>Because PT schemes provide an overview of the analytical quality for specific applications, the results are increasingly used by laboratories’ customers, and by accreditation and regulatory bodies. PT helps identify measurement problems, which have a direct impact on trade, environmental monitoring, and health and safety.&nbsp;<h4>More information / further reading&nbsp;</h4>Information about PT providers and schemes can be obtained from your national accreditation body, from the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.eptis.org/">EPTIS website</a> or from other national or international organisations.

Proficiency testing schemes and other interlaboratory comparisons

We are excited to announce that registration for the 12th International Symposium on Recent Advances in Food Analysis (RAFA 2026), along with the call for abstracts and travel grants for young scientists, is now officially open!<h3>Key dates</h3><ul><li>May 31, 2026: Application for Young scientist travel grant</li><li>June 30, 2026<ul><li>Application for participation as a Sponsor or Exhibitor or Media partner</li><li>Abstract submission for oral presentation</li><li>Reduced registration fee</li></ul></li><li>August 31, 2026: Abstract submission for poster presentation</li><li>September 30, 2026: Last minute posters submission</li><li>November 3 - 6, 20026: 12th International Symposium on Recent Advances in Food Analysis (RAFA 2026) in Prague, Czech Republic</li></ul><h3>Registration</h3><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://rafa.easyevent.eu/tickets/">Registration for RAFA 2026 is OPEN!</a>Early-bird registration until 30 June, 2026</blockquote>After successful submission of your registration, you will receive by e-mail (i) an automatic confirmation of receipt indicating the total amount of payment due (either for bank transfer or for on-line payment by card), (ii) login to Member section where you can administrate your profile, submit your abstracts, and from September 2026 register for satellite events, workshops and seminars. If it will not be delivered within a few minutes after submission of your registration please contact us at RAFA2026@vscht.cz.As soon as payment of registration fee is processed, you will also receive by e-mail (iii) confirmation of payment.<h4>Important notice:</h4>Registration fee of those who have submitted an abstract for oral or poster presentation has to be received until September 30, 2026, otherwise these contribution(s) will not be included into the Book of Abstracts and the Conference programme.<h4>Registration Fees</h4><ul><li>Smart rate (Until 30 June, 2026): € 655</li><li>Regular registration (Until 30 September, 2026): € 855</li><li>Late registration (From 1 October, 2026): € 955</li><li>Student rate*&nbsp;<ul><li>Until 30 June, 2026: € 465</li><li>From 1 July, 2026: € 605</li></ul></li></ul>* The proof of student status (e.g. copy of a student identify card) is requested as an attachment of the registration form.<h5>The regular registration fee will include:</h5><ul><li>Attendance at all scientific sessions, workshops, seminars, vendor seminars and other satellite events</li><li>Access to the poster and exhibition area</li><li>Conference kit (name badge, conference bag, conference documents, certificate of participation, certificate of presentation on request)</li><li>Final programme</li><li>E-Book of Abstracts</li><li>Coffee breaks</li><li>Buffet luncheons</li><li>Welcome drink</li></ul>In the registration form you can register free of charge for the welcome drink and you can also order ticket(s) for the conference dinner (€ 85).Please note that your registration is firm when your payment has been received.<h3>Abstract submission</h3><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://rafa.easyevent.eu/tickets/">CALL for ABSTRACTS is OPEN!</a>In order to submit an abstract, you must first register to attend RAFA 2026. After registration you will receive an access to the Member section where you can submit your abstract(s).</blockquote>&nbsp;After successful submission of your abstract you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt of submitted abstract via e-mail. If it will not be delivered within a few minutes after submission of your abstract please check at first your spam box-mail and then contact us at RAFA2026@vscht.cz.Please ensure that your abstract does not contain spelling, grammatical or scientific errors. Even though modifications of your submitted abstract will be allowed in the Abstract section of the Member section until the deadline for the abstract submission, please be confident on the lack of errors in your final version prior to starting the submission process.The abstract will be reproduced exactly as submitted. No proofreading will be done, although some corrections may be requested by the reviewers.If you need to withdraw your abstract, a written statement reflecting the reasons for this decision must be sent to RAFA2026@vscht.cz no later than September 30, 2026.<h4>Important notice:</h4><blockquote>1 registered participant can submit no more than 2 abstracts.</blockquote>To apply for a young scientist’s oral presentation, as an indication please respect the rule that you should be born in 1991 or later.The text of the abstract should be limited to 3000 characters including spaces. Tables and pictures are not allowed.Abstracts of oral presentations and posters will be included into the "e-Book of Abstracts" only after receipt of the conference registration fee. Any payment of the registration fee has to be received until September 30, 2026, otherwise contribution(s) will not be included into the e-Book of Abstracts and the Conference programme.<h3>Special opportunities for young scientists:</h3><ul><li>Dedicated slots for oral presentations within the main scientific programme</li><li>Competitive travel grants for young scientists</li><li>Award(s) for the best poster presentation(s)</li></ul>Whether you are a PhD student or an early-career researcher, RAFA 2026 offers a unique opportunity to present your work, gain international exposure and connect with leading experts in the field.Be part of this inspiring scientific event and join us in Prague!

RAFA 2026 - Registration & Call for Abstracts are now OPEN

Article

Events

Academy

Video

Food

Scientific article

Science and research

RAFA provides an overview of contemporary trends in ANALYTICAL & BIOANALYTICAL STRATEGIES IN FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY CONTROL and discusses CHALLENGES / NOVEL APPROACHES IN FOOD AND NATURAL PRODUCTS ANALYSIS.

Recent Advances in Food Analysis (RAFA)

Eurachem is a European network promoting international traceability of chemical measurements and good analytical practice. It provides expert guidance, supports method validation, uncertainty evaluation, proficiency testing, and facilitates discussion on technical and policy issues in analytical quality.

Eurachem

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

LabRulez

Metrohm

Agilent Technologies

C&EN

Do you think time-consuming tasks in ICP-MS are inevitable? Something that has to be accepted as part of routine operations? Find out how ICP-MS 7850 helps you easily meet your analytical requirements while simplifying laboratory workflow and improving performance and satisfaction for analysts and laboratory managers.
The intelligence embedded in the ICP-MS 7850 provides a more efficient way to perform metal analysis by reducing unnecessary wasted time so that your staff can focus on activities that generate greater value for the laboratory.
<h5>WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Simplify the preparation of your samples and standards</li>
<li>Facilitate the implementation of analytical methods and the handling of the instrument</li>
<li>Improve confidence in your results whatever the matrix analyzed</li>
<li>Maintenance operations and reduce instrument downtime</li>
<li>Optimize and obtain better instrument and samples’ insights</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Raimund Wahlen (Product Specialist, Agilent Technologies, Inc., USA)
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: The new Agilent 7850 ICP-MS - Free your workflows from common time traps 

The new Agilent 7850 ICP-MS - Free your workflows from common time traps 

The smarter way to avoid time traps in your laboratory.

Agilent 7850 ICP-MS - Free your workflows from time traps 

This webinar offers an overview of the possibilities of NIRS for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of personal care products, e.g., creams, hairspray, detergent ingredients, and soap, as implemented at Colgate Palmolive.

Personal care products analysis

Possibilities of NIRS for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of personal care products, e.g., creams, hairspray, detergent ingredients, and soap.

Personal care products analysis by NIRS

This webinar hosted by the European Pharmaceutical review together with Metrohm shows how near-infrared spectroscopy can be used as a PAT tool in the real-time monitoring of the moisture content in different types of dryers.

NIRS: Moisture in dryers

How near-infrared spectroscopy can be used as a PAT tool in the real-time monitoring of the moisture content in different types of dryers.

Learn how near-infrared spectroscopy can be used as a PAT tool from raw material identification to integrated process applications.

NIRS as a PAT tool

Learn how near-infrared spectroscopy can be used as a PAT tool from raw material identification to integrated process applications.

Titration and near-infrared spectroscopy in perfect synergy. Learn how you can monitor polymer production processes effectively.

NIRS and titration

Learn how you can monitor polymer production processes effectively.

Learn about the benefits of near-infrared spectroscopy in conjunction with Karl Fischer titration for fast and robust water determination in personal care products and cosmetics.

NIRS for water determination

Learn about the benefits of near-infrared spectroscopy in conjunction with Karl Fischer titration for fast and robust water determination.

Watch this on-demand webinar to learn more about the advantages of NIRS: Receive multiple parameters (e.g., moisture, viscosity, hydroxyl value) in less than one minute and reduce costs of your QC lab up to 90%!

Reduce costs in QC labs

Learn more about the advantages of NIRS: Receive multiple parameters (e.g., moisture, viscosity, hydroxyl value).

Are you an analyst, manager, or reviewer who follows the social distancing guidelines but need to get work done without full access to your lab? Especially important today, Remote Access is a key feature that can increase productivity, reduce compliance costs and can be an integral part of a disaster recovery plan.
This virtual seminar introduces options using &quot;Thin Client technology which enables all Masshunter, ChemStation or OpenLab CDS products to be accessed outside the lab, whether this is at from nearby desks, across sites, or from home. 
<h3>Key Learning Objectives</h3>
<ul>
<li>See how OpenLab can help laboratory analysts increase productivity, work more efficiently as well as reduce compliance costs.</li>
<li>See how OpenLab can help laboratories reduce implementation/upgrade times and clear out bench space by reducing the need for in-lab computers.</li>
<li>See how Analysts continue to do their work even when physical access to the laboratories is restricted or very limited.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Who Should Attend</h3>
<ul>
<li>Lab Managers/Supervisors</li>
<li>IT professionals</li>
<li>Laboratory Analysts</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Mike Ratto (Informatics Application Specialist, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Alexandra Taylor (Associate Editor, C&amp;EN)
</blockquote>

C&EN: Agilent OpenLab Remote Access Solutions to increase productivity

Agilent OpenLab Remote Access Solutions to increase productivity

The pharma industry is undergoing constant evolution, requiring implementation of more efficient process while experiencing more stringent regulatory requirements.
The ability to be fast to market, while maintaining a strong understanding of your product, is critical.
At Agilent, we understand your analytical requirements.
<h3>Thursday, 18th February - Live Broadcast</h3>
<h5>1. 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. CET The fundamentals of dissolution</h5>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Owain McKenzie (EMEA Dissolution Business Team Manager, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<h5>2. 12:00 p.m. – 01:00 p.m. CET Minimize Regulatory Risk by moving to a Customized Instrument Qualification Solution</h5>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Garry Wright (European Laboratory Compliance Specialist, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<h5>3. 03:00 p.m. – 04:00 p.m. CET Dissolution best practices and qualification</h5>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Owain McKenzie (EMEA Dissolution Business Team Manager, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Agilent 1st Pharma Virtual Symposium

Agilent Pharma Virtual Symposium - Day 2

Manage Entire Workflows and Your Entire Lab. Join us to explore Agilent SLIMS, the perfect fit for your laboratory processes.
SLIMS combines the best of a laboratory information management system (LIMS) and an electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) to enable end-to-end solutions and manage all content and all context in the laboratory. SLIMS is an ideal complement to Agilent software. It integrates with simple and complex instruments and supports workflows for Analytical, NGS, Biobanks, and R&amp;D labs. It is flexible and configurable, helping you increase your lab’s productivity.
<h3>Key Learning Objectives:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Introduce the Agilent SLIMS Lab Workflow Platform. </li>
<li>Each session will be focused on a different application i.e. Analytical, NGS, and Biobanks.</li>
<li>See how SLIMS can interact with the rest of the Lab and enables a digital lab</li>
<li>Discover how Agilent workflow solutions enable an end-to-end solution that can manage all lab content, context, and results</li>
</ul>
<h3>Who Should Attend:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Lab Managers</li>
<li>Quality Managers</li>
<li>IT Managers</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Karim Saied (SLIMS Field Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Karim recently joined Agilent Technologies in 2019 as a Field Application Engineer. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, he graduated in 2019 from the University of Lausanne with a Master’s degree in Molecular Life Sciences with a specialization in bioinformatics. Passionate about the business side also, he joined the SLIMS Enterprise Pre-Sales Team.
</blockquote>