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

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Agilent Technologies

Shimadzu Corporation

Even if you have robust quality systems governing your analytical laboratory and a strong data integrity program in place, you may still be nervous about preparing for a regulatory inspection. What will the inspectors want to know? What will they ask? Is your team prepared?
You can ease those fears by attending this two-part webcast. First, we will explain what you should expect during an inspection. Then, we will simulate an inspection to show you, in a realistic scenario, what an inspector might ask, and how you and your team should handle the questions, including when they don’t know all the answers or don’t understand all the questions. We will explain the scope of a data integrity inspection in a regulated laboratory, and our simulation of an inspection of a chromatography data system (CDS) will explain the roles of different people in a multi-person team that includes a laboratory manager and the CDS laboratory administrator.
<h3>What we will cover:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Background on data integrity and a chromatography data system (CDS)</li>
<li>Management involvement in data integrity</li>
<li>Qualification of chromatographs</li>
<li>Validation of analytical procedures</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Learning Objectives:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Understand how data integrity plays a role in your inspection</li>
<li>Understand and answer the questions being asked</li>
<li>Understand the impact of poor analytical decisions</li>
<li>Use systems that can help demonstrate data integrity and regulatory compliance</li>
<li>Use technical controls to enforce operating procedures</li>
</ul>
<h3>Who Should Attend:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Analysts working in a regulated analytical laboratory</li>
<li>Chromatography data system (CDS) administrators</li>
<li>Laboratory managers</li>
<li>Quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) staff</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Bob McDowall (Director, RD McDowall Limited, Bromley, Kent, UK)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Bob McDowall, PhD, is an analytical chemist with over 45 years of experience including 15 years working in the pharmaceutical industry and over 25 years working for the industry as a consultant. He is the director of R D McDowall Ltd, a consulting company offering services on process improvement, implementation of laboratory informatics applications, training staff in regulatory compliance, and qualification of IT infrastructure. Bob is a trained auditor and has been involved with the validation of computerized systems for over 30 years. He edited the first book on LIMS in 1987 and is the author of books on the validation of chromatography data systems and data integrity and data governance in regulated laboratories due to be published in late 2018. He was presented with the 1997 LIMS Award. He is a core industry expert for the GAMP Data Integrity Special Interest Group and was a subject matter expert contributor and reviewer of the 2017 GAMP Guide for Records and Data Integrity. He co-drafted the update to USP &lt;1058&gt; on Analytical Instrument Qualification (AIQ) for public comment that became effective in August 2017.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Paul Smith (Global Compliance Specialist, Agilent Technologies, Cheadle, UK)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Paul is global compliance specialist with Agilent technologies. He has worked for Agilent for 9 years and has 35 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical and analytical area.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Josh Miller (OpenLab Software Marketing – eLearning Expert, Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Josh is a professional chemist with 15 years’ experience in validating, supporting, deploying, and developing the OpenLab software suite of products. He is a true expert with all things OpenLab and has extensive experience with chromatography data system, electronic content management, business process management, instrument control products, and more. He has developed many of the training courses for OpenLab products and has served as an instructor for dozens of formal courses around the globe. In 2009, he created “eFamiliarization” to help customers learn the basics of OpenLab products in an interactive simulation of Agilent software. More recently he has transformed Agilent’s embedded software help systems to better serve customers by putting consistent and searchable content at their fingertips. You may also find a significant collection of video content that he produces to help users learn to use OpenLab products.
</blockquote>

LCGC/Agilent Technologies: Five Essentials for Surviving Your Next Laboratory Inspection: A Quality Control Example, Part 1

Five Essentials for Surviving Your Next Laboratory Inspection: A Quality Control Example, Part 1

This series is ideal for anyone currently working on medicinal cannabis or other cannabis products, looking to expand further as well as those new to this area of research who are eager to learn more.
<h3>Other sessions cover topics such as:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Pesticides analysis</li>
<li>Heavy Metals Analysis</li>
<li>Cannabis Potency Testing</li>
<li>Terpenes and Residual Solvents</li>
</ul>

Pixabay/TinaKru :Shimadzu Cannabis Analysis Series - Sample Prep/Purification Strategies

Five Essentials for Surviving Your Next Laboratory Inspection: A Quality Control Example, Part 1

Shimadzu Cannabis Analysis Series - Sample Prep/Purification Strategies

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RAFA 2026 - Registration & Call for Abstracts are now OPEN

Proficiency testing schemes and other interlaboratory comparisons

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