Improtance of Laboratory Validations and Accurate Descriptions of Analytical Procedures for Drug Residues in Foods

Abstract

Among drug residue analysts, strong disagreements about the validity and interpretation of analytical data or the superiority of one analytical procedure over another frequently occur. I have frequently observed these differences between persons or groups involved in the interpretation of data from the monitoring of animal food products for drug residues, or the selection of drug residue procedures for interlaboratory evaluation and approval. These disagreements can consume considerable time, result in unfavorable publicity, and cause considerable confusion among persons with good intentions. Often these disagreements result from the (1) lack of data and agreement on evaluation criteria, (2) careless use of language, or (3) the absence of adequate interpretation of analytical data. I think we need to pause periodically and remind ourselves of some of (1) the laboratory data and practices needed to establish the performance characteristics of analytical methods, (2) the importance of taking the time to generate this data, and (3) the need to accurately and effectively communicate the performance characteristics of analytical procedures. These performance characteristics need to be understood by the persons asking for the analyses and those who will make decisions based on the resulting analytical data.