AOAC SPIFAN Stakeholder Program Meeting Book (September 10, 2020)

PROFICIENCY TESTING vs EDUCATION/QUALITY PROGRAM - Program Overview Comparison Education/Quality Program Proficiency Testing

Goals • Improving laboratory expertise • Improving laboratory and method comparability • Identify and address laboratory challenges Outcomes • Insight into method comparability • Improved laboratory practices Best for • New/internal methods, samples • New staff/analysts

Goals • Evaluating participant performance • Meeting accreditation requirements Outcomes

• Pass/fail (Z-score) issued • Corrective action required

Best for

• Established, routine tests • Established staff/analysts

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Slide content courtesy NIST

AOAC INFANT FORMULA ADVISORY TASK FORCE - Education/Quality Program Interest and Feedback • 14 laboratories, 14 countries; China and Taiwan AOAC Sections

• China, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam • Denmark, Germany, New Zealand, Switzerland • Argentina, Bangladesh, Kenya, Uruguay, USA • Program Elements • Methods training, SPIFAN methods required? • Learning from experts, aid in expanding testing scope • Difficulty in finding range of analytes • Nutrient Interest • Vitamins (3), Minerals (1), Full Range of Nutrients (3) • Program Frequency / Cost • 2x per year • Costs and nutrient scope similar to FAPAS/BIPEA to justify • $1200 (USD)

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