General Information on EUPTs
According to Reg. 882/2004/EC the European Union Reference Laboratories (EURLs) have to organize Proficiency Tests (EUPTs).
According to legislation 396/2005/EC all laboratories analysing samples within the framework of official controls on pesticide residues shall participate in the community proficiency test for pesticide residues organised by the DG-SANCO.
On behalf of DG-SANCO, the 4 EURLs responsible for pesticide residues in food and feed annually organize EUPTs individually or in collaboration. These EUPTs are directed to all National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) and all Official Laboratories (OfLs) in the EU Member States. Laboratories outside this EURL/NRL/OfL-Network may be allowed to participate on a case-by-case basis after consultation with DG-SANCO.
The aim of these EUPTs is to obtain information about the quality, accuracy and comparability of the pesticide residue data in food and feed sent to the European Commission within the framework of the national control programmes and the coordinated multiannual community control programme. Participating laboratories will be provided with an assessment of their analytical performance and the reliability of their data - compared to other laboratories.
An EUPT-Scientific Committee (EUPT-SC) has been established consisting of EURL-representatives and renowned experts from various laboratories within the EU-OfL-Network.
EUPT-General Protocol
The EUPT-SC assist the EURLs in the organization and in the evaluation of the EUPT results. The EUPT-SC has also drafted an EUPT-General Protocol containing the general procedures valid for all proficiency tests organized by the 4 EURLs for pesticide residues (LINK to EUPT-General Protocols).
Protocol for Management of Underperformance in Comparative Testing or Lack of Collaboration of NRLs
According to EU Regulation EC/882/2004, the organization and follow up of comparative testing of National Reference Laboratories is a key responsibility for EURLs. That same regulation states the commitment of collaboration of NRLs with the corresponding designated EURLs. In order to ensure an appropriate follow up in case of underperformance or lack of collaboration of NRLs, a protocol for management of underperformance in comparative testings or lack of collaboration of NRLs was developed (LINK to Protocol for Management of Underperformance in Comparative Testing or Lack of Collaboration of NRLs).
Published 09-01-2009, 15:29:01
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