32002D0657

2002/657/EC: Commission Decision of 12 August 2002 implementing Council Directive 96/23/EC concerning the performance of analytical methods and the interpretation of results (Text with EEA relevance) (notified under document number C(2002) 3044)

Official Journal L 221 , 17/08/2002 P. 0008 - 0036

Commission Decision

of 12 August 2002

implementing Council Directive 96/23/EC concerning the performance of analytical methods and the interpretation of results

(notified under document number C(2002) 3044)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2002/657/EC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Directive 96/23/EC of 29 April 1996 on measures to monitor certain substances and residues thereof in live animals and animal products and repealing Directives 85/358/EEC and 86/469/EEC and Decisions 89/187/EEC and 91/664/EEC(1), and in particular the second subparagraph of Article 15(1) thereof,

Whereas:

(1) The presence of residues in products of animal origin is a matter of concern for public health.

(2) Commission Decision 98/179/EC of 23 February 1998 laying down detailed rules on official sampling for the monitoring of certain substances and residues thereof in live animals and animal products(2) provides that the analysis of samples is to be carried out exclusively by laboratories approved for official residue control by the competent national authority.

(3) It is necessary to ensure the quality and comparability of the analytical results generated by laboratories approved for official residue control. This should be achieved by using quality assurance systems and specifically by applying of methods validated according to common procedures and performance criteria and by ensuring traceability to common standards or standards commonly agreed upon.

(4) Council Directive 93/99/EEC of 29 October 1993 on the subject of additional measures concerning the official control of foodstuffs and Decision 98/179/EC(3) require official control laboratories to be accredited according to ISO 17025 (1) from January 2002 onwards. Pursuant to Decision 98/179/EC, participation in an internationally recognised external quality control assessment and accreditation scheme is required for approved laboratories. Moreover, approved laboratories must prove their competence by regular and successful participation in adequate proficiency testing schemes recognised or organised by the national or Community reference laboratories.

(5) A network of Community reference laboratories, national reference laboratories and national control laboratories operates under Directive 96/23/EC to enhance coordination.

(6) As a result of advances in analytical chemistry since the adoption of Directive 96/23/EC the concept of routine methods and reference methods has been superseded by criteria approach, in which performance criteria and procedures for the validation of screening and confirmatory methods are established.

(7) It is necessary to determine common criteria for the interpretation of test results of official control laboratories in order to ensure a harmonised implementation of Directive 96/23/EC.

(8) It is necessary to provide for the progressive establishment of minimum required performance limits (MRPL) of analytical method for substances for which no permitted limit has been established and in particular for those substances whose use is not authorised, or is specifically prohibited in the Community, in order to ensure harmonised implementation of Directive 96/23/EC.

(9) Commission Decision 90/515/EEC of 26 September 1990 laying down the reference methods for detecting residues of heavy metals and arsenic(4), Commission Decision 93/256/EEC of 14 May 1993 laying down the methods to be used for detecting residues of substances having a hormonal or a thyrostatic action(5), and of Commission Decision 93/257/EEC of 15 April 1993 laying down the reference methods and the list of the national reference laboratories for detecting residues(6), as last amended by Decision 98/536/EC(7) have been re-examined before in order to take account of developments in scientific and technical knowledge, have been found outdated in their scope and provisions and should accordingly be repealed with this Decision.

(10) In order to allow methods for the analysis of official samples to be adapted to the provisions of this Decision, a transitional period should be laid down.

(11) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Subject matter and scope

This Decision provides rules for the analytical methods to be used in the testing of official samples taken pursuant to Article 15(1), second sentence, of Directive 96/23/EC and specifies common criteria for the interpretation of analytical results of official control laboratories for such samples.

This Decision shall not apply to substances for which more specific rules have been laid down in other Community legislation.

Article 2

Definitions

For the purpose of this Decision the definitions in Directive 96/23/EC and in the Annex to this decision shall apply.

Article 3

Analytical methods

The Member States shall ensure that official samples taken pursuant to Directive 96/23/EC are analysed using methods that:

(a) are documented in test instructions, preferably according to ISO 78-2 (6);

(b) comply with Part 2 of the Annex to this Decision;

(d) comply with the relevant minimum required performance limits (MRPL) to be established in accordance with Article 4.

Article 4

Minimum required performance limits

The present Decision shall be reviewed to progressively establish the minimum required performance limits (MRPL) of analytical methods to be used for substances for which no permitted limit has been established.

Article 5

Quality control

The Member States shall ensure the quality of the results of the analysis of samples taken pursuant to Directive 96/23/EC, in particular by monitoring tests and/or calibration results according to Chapter 5.9 of ISO 17025 (1).

Article 6

Interpretation of results

1. The result of an analysis shall be considered non-compliant if the decision limit of the confirmatory method for the analyte is exceeded.

2. If a permitted limit has been established for a substance, the decision limit is the concentration above which it can be decided with a statistical certainty of 1 - α that the permitted limit has been truly exceeded.

3. If no permitted limit has been established for a substance, the decision limit is the lowest concentration level at which a method can discriminate with a statistical certainty of 1 - α that the particular analyte is present.

4. For substances listed in Group A of Annex I to Directive 96/23/EC, the α error shall be 1 % or lower. For all other substances, the α error shall be 5 % or lower.

Article 7

Repeal

Decisions 90/515/EEC, 93/256/EEC and 93/257/EEC are repealed.

Article 8

Transitional provisions

The methods for the analysis of official samples of substances listed in Group A of Annex I to Directive 96/23/EC, which satisfy the criteria set out in Decisions 90/515/EEC, 93/256/EEC and 93/257/EEC may be used for up to two years after this Decision enters into force. Methods currently applied for substances listed in Group B of Annex I to Directive 96/23/EC shall comply with this Decision at the latest five years after the date of application of this Decision.

Article 9

Date of application

This Decision shall apply from 1 September 2002.

Article 10

Addressees

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 12 August 2002.

For the Commission

David Byrne

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 125, 23.5.1996, p. 10.

(2) OJ L 65, 5.3.1998, p. 31.

(3) OJ L 290, 24.11.1993, p. 14.

(4) OJ L 286, 18.10.1990, p. 33.

(5) OJ L 118, 14.5.1993, p. 64.

(6) OJ L 118, 14.5.1993, p. 75.

(7) OJ L 251, 11.9.1998, p. 39.

ANNEX

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA, OTHER REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR ANALYTICAL METHODS

1. DEFINITIONS

1.1. Accuracy means the closeness of agreement between a test result and the accepted reference value (2). It is determined by determining trueness and precision.

1.2. Alpha (α) error means the probability that the tested sample is compliant, even though a non-compliant measurement has been obtained (false non-compliant decision).

1.3. Analyte means the substance that has to be detected, identified and/or quantified and derivatives emerging during its analysis.

1.4. Beta (β) error means the probability that the tested sample is truly non-compliant, even though a compliant measurement has been obtained (false compliant decision).

1.5. Bias means the difference between the expectation of the test result and an accepted reference value (2).

1.6. Calibration standard means a device for measurements that represents the quantity of substance of interest in a way that ties its value to a reference base.

1.7. Certified reference material (CRM) means a material that has had a specified analyte content assigned to it.

1.8. Co-chromatography means a procedure in which the extract prior to the chromatographic step(s) is divided into two parts. Part one is chromatographed as such. Part two is mixed with the standard analyte that is to be measured. Then this mixture is also chromatographed. The amount of added standard analyte has to be similar to the estimated amount of the analyte in the extract. This method is designed to improve the identification of an analyte when chromatographic methods are used, especially when no suitable internal standard can be used.

1.9. Collaborative study means analysing the same sample by the same method to determine the performance characteristics of the method. The study covers random measurement error and laboratory bias.

1.10. Confirmatory method means methods that provide full or complementary information enabling the substance to be unequivocally identified and if necessary quantified at the level of interest.

1.11. Decision limit (CCα) means the limit at and above which it can be concluded with an error probability of α that a sample is non-compliant.

1.12. Detection capability (CCβ) means the smallest content of the substance that may be detected, identified and/or quantified in a sample with an error probability of β. In the case of substances for which no permitted limit has been established, the detection capability is the lowest concentration at which a method is able to detect truly contaminated samples with a statistical certainty of 1 - β. In the case of substances with an established permitted limit, this means that the detection capability is the concentration at which the method is able to detect permitted limit concentrations with a statistical certainty of 1 - β.

1.13. Fortified sample material means a sample enriched with a known amount of the analyte to be detected.

1.14. Interlaboratory study (comparison) means organisation, performance and evaluation of tests on the same sample by two or more laboratories in accordance with predetermined conditions to determine testing performance. According to the purpose the study can be classified as collaborative study or proficiency study.

1.15. Internal Standard (IS) means a substance not contained in the sample with physical-chemical properties as similar as possible to those of the analyte that has to be identified and which is added to each sample as well as to each calibration standard.

1.16. Laboratory sample means a sample prepared for sending to a laboratory and intended for inspection or testing.

1.17. Level of interest means the concentration of substance or analyte in a sample that is significant to determine its compliance with legislation.

1.18. Minimum required performance limit (MRPL) means minimum content of an analyte in a sample, which at least has to be detected and confirmed. It is intended to harmonise the analytical performance of methods for substances for which no permitted limited has been established.

1.19. Performance characteristic means functional quality that can be attributed to an analytical method. This may be for instance specificity, accuracy, trueness, precision, repeatability, reproducibility, recovery, detection capability and ruggedness.

1.20. Performance criteria means requirements for a performance characteristic according to which it can be judged that the analytical method is fit for the purpose and generates reliable results.

1.21. Permitted limit means maximum residue limit, maximum level or other maximum tolerance for substances established elsewhere in Community legislation.

1.22. Precision means the closeness of agreement between independent test results obtained under stipulated (predetermined) conditions. The measure of precision usually is expressed in terms of imprecision and computed as standard deviation of the test result. Less precision is determined by a larger standard deviation (2).

1.23. Proficiency study means analysing the same sample allowing laboratories to choose their own methods, provided these methods are used under routine conditions. The study has to be performed according to ISO guide 43-1 (3) and 43-2 (4) and can be used to assess the reproducibility of methods.

1.24. Qualitative method means an analytical method which identifies a substance on the basis of its chemical, biological or physical properties.

1.25. Quantitative method means an analytical method which determines the amount or mass fraction of a substance so that it may be expressed as a numerical value of appropriate units.

1.26. Reagent blank determination means the complete analytical procedure applied without the test portion or using an equivalent amount of suitable solvent in place of the test portion.

1.27. Recovery means the percentage of the true concentration of a substance recovered during the analytical procedure. It is determined during validation, if no certified reference material is available.

1.28. Reference material means a material of which one or several properties have been confirmed by a validated method, so that it can be used to calibrate an apparatus or to verify a method of measurement.

1.29. Repeatability means precision under repeatability conditions (2).

1.30. Repeatability conditions means conditions where independent test results are obtained with the same method on identical test items in the same laboratory by the same operator using the same equipment (2).

1.31. Reproducibility means precision under reproducibility conditions (2)(4).

1.32. Reproducibility conditions means conditions where test results are obtained with the same method on identical test items in different laboratories with different operators using different equipment (2)(4).

1.33. Ruggedness means the susceptibility of an analytical method to changes in experimental conditions which can be expressed as a list of the sample materials, analytes, storage conditions, environmental and/or sample preparation conditions under which the method can be applied as presented or with specified minor modifications. For all experimental conditions which could in practice be subject to fluctuation (e.g. stability of reagents, composition of the sample, pH, temperature) any variations which could affect the analytical result should be indicated.

1.34. Sample blank determination means the complete analytical procedure applied to a test portion taken from a sample from which the analyte is absent.

1.35. Screening method means methods that are used to detect the presence of a substance or class of substances at the level of interest. These methods have the capability for a high sample throughput and are used to sift large numbers of samples for potential non-compliant results. They are specifically designed to avoid false compliant results.

1.36. Single laboratory study (in-house validation) means an analytical study involving a single laboratory using one method to analyse the same or different test materials under different conditions over justified long time intervals.

1.37. Specificity means the ability of a method to distinguish between the analyte being measured and other substances. This characteristic is predominantly a function of the measuring technique described, but can vary according to class of compound or matrix.

1.38. Standard addition means a procedure in which the test sample is divided in two (or more) test portions. One portion is analysed as such and known amounts of the standard analyte are added to the other test portions before analysis. The amount of the standard analyte added has to be between two and five times the estimated amount of the analyte in the sample. This procedure is designed to determine the content of an analyte in a sample, taking account of the recovery of the analytical procedure.

1.39. Standard analyte means an analyte of known and certified content and purity to be used as a reference in the analysis.

1.40. Substance means matter of particular or definite chemical constitution and its metabolites.

1.41. Test portion means the quantity of material drawn from the test sample on which the test or observation is carried out.

1.42. Test sample means a sample prepared from a laboratory sample and from which test portions will be taken.

1.43. Trueness means the closeness of agreement between the average value obtained from a large series of test results and an accepted reference value. Trueness is usually expressed as bias (2).

1.44. Units means those units described in ISO 31 (20) and Directive 71/354/EC (19).

1.45. Validation means the confirmation by examination and the provision of effective evidence that the particular requirements of a specific intended use are fulfilled (1).

1.46. Within-laboratory reproducibility means precision obtained in the same laboratory under stipulated (predetermined) conditions (concerning e.g. method, test materials, operators, environment) over justified long time intervals.

2. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR ANALYTICAL METHODS

Analytical methods or combinations of methods other than those described below may only be used for screening or confirmatory purposes if it can be proven that they fulfil the relevant requirements established in this Decision.

2.1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

2.1.1. Handling of samples

Samples shall be obtained, handled and processed in such a way that there is a maximum chance of detecting the substance. Sample handling procedures shall prevent the possibility of accidental contamination or loss of analytes.

2.1.2. Performance of tests

2.1.2.1. Recovery

During the analysis of samples the recovery shall be determined in each batch of samples, if a fixed recovery correction factor is used. If the recovery is within limits, the fixed correction factor may then be used. Otherwise the recovery factor obtained for that specific batch shall be used, unless the specific recovery factor of the analyte in the sample is to be applied in which case the standard addition procedure (see 3.5) or an internal standard shall be used for the quantitative determination of an analyte in a sample.

2.1.2.2. Specificity

A method shall be able to distinguish between the analyte and the other substances under the experimental conditions. An estimate to which extent this is possible has to be provided. Strategies to overcome any foreseeable interference with substances when the described measuring technique is used, e.g. homologues, analogues, metabolic products of the residue of interest have to be employed. It is of prime importance that interference, which might arise from matrix components, is investigated.

2.2. SCREENING METHODS

Only those analytical techniques, for which it can be demonstrated in a documented traceable manner that they are validated and have a false compliant rate of < 5 % (â-error) at the level of interest shall be used for screening purposes in conformity with Directive 96/23/EC. In the case of a suspected non-compliant result, this result shall be confirmed by a confirmatory method.

2.3. CONFIRMATORY METHODS FOR ORGANIC RESIDUES AND CONTAMINANTS

Confirmatory methods for organic residues or contaminants shall provide information on the chemical structure of the analyte. Consequently methods based only on chromatographic analysis without the use of spectrometric detection are not suitable on their own for use as confirmatory methods. However, if a single technique lacks sufficient specificity, the desired specificity shall be achieved by analytical procedures consisting of suitable combinations of clean-up, chromatographic separation(s) and spectrometric detection.

The following methods or method combinations are considered suitable for the identification of organic residues or contaminants for the substance groups indicated:

Table 1

Suitable confirmatory methods for organic residues or contaminants

>TABLE>

2.3.1. Common performance criteria and requirements

Confirmatory methods shall provide information on the chemical structure of the analyte. When more than one compound gives the same response, then the method cannot discriminate between these compounds. Methods based only on chromatographic analysis without the use of spectrometric detection are not suitable on their own for use as confirmatory methods.

Where used in the method, a suitable internal standard shall be added to the test portion at the beginning of the extraction procedure. Depending on availability, either stable isotope-labelled forms of the analyte, which are particularly suited for mass-spectrometric detection, or compounds that are structurally related to the analyte shall be used.

When no suitable internal standard can be used, the identification of the analyte shall be confirmed by co-chromatography. In this case only one peak shall be obtained, the enhanced peak height (or area) being equivalent to the amount of added analyte. With gas chromatography (GC) or liquid chromatography (LC), the peak width at half-maximum height shall be within the 90-110 % range of the original width, and the retention times shall be identical within a margin of 5 %. For thin layer chromatography (TLC) methods, only the spot presumed to be due to the analyte shall be intensified; a new spot shall not appear and the visual appearance shall not change.

Reference or fortified material containing known amounts of analyte, at or near either the permitted limit or the decision limit (non-compliant control sample) as well as compliant control materials and reagent blanks should preferably be carried through the entire procedure simultaneously with each batch of test samples analysed. The order for injecting the extracts into the analytical instrument is as follows: reagent blank, compliant control sample, sample(s) to be confirmed, compliant control sample again and finally non-compliant control sample. Any variation from this sequence shall be justified.

2.3.2. Additional performance criteria and other requirements for quantitative methods of analysis

2.3.2.1. Trueness of quantitative methods

In the case of repeated analyses of a certified reference material, the guideline ranges for the deviation of the experimentally determined recovery corrected mean mass fraction from the certified value are as follows:

Table 2

Minimum trueness of quantitative methods

>TABLE>

When no such CRMs are available, it is acceptable that trueness of measurements is assessed through recovery of additions of known amounts of the analyte(s) to a blank matrix. Data corrected with the mean recovery are only acceptable when they fall within the ranges shown in Table 2.

2.3.2.2. Precision of quantitative methods

The inter-laboratory coefficient of variation (CV) for the repeated analysis of a reference or fortified material, under reproducibility conditions, shall not exceed the level calculated by the Horwitz Equation. The equation is:

>REFERENCE TO A GRAPHIC>

where C is the mass fraction expressed as a power (exponent) of 10 (e.g. 1 mg/g = 10-3). Examples are shown in the table 3.

Table 3

Examples for reproducibility CVs for quantitative methods at a range of analyte mass fractions

>TABLE>

For analyses carried out under repeatability conditions, the intra-laboratory CV would typically be between one half and two thirds of the above values. For analyses carried out under within-laboratory reproducibility conditions, the within-laboratory CV shall not be greater than the reproducibility CV.

In the case of substances with an established permitted limit, the method shall achieve within-laboratory reproducibility not greater than the corresponding reproducibility CV at a concentration of 0,5 × the permitted limit.

2.3.3. Performance criteria and other requirements for mass spectrometric detection

Mass spectrometric methods are suitable for consideration as confirmatory methods only following either an on-line or an off-line chromatographic separation.

2.3.3.1. Chromatographic separation

For GC-MS procedures, the gas chromatographic separation shall be carried out using capillary columns. For LC-MS procedures, the chromatographic separation shall be carried out using suitable LC columns. In any case, the minimum acceptable retention time for the analyte under examination is twice the retention time corresponding to the void volume of the column. The retention time (or relative retention time) of the analyte in the test portion shall match that of the calibration standard within a specified retention time window. The retention time window shall be commensurate with the resolving power of the chromatographic system. The ratio of the chromatographic retention time of the analyte to that of the internal standard, i.e. the relative retention time of the analyte, shall correspond to that of the calibration solution at a tolerance of ± 0,5 % for GC and ± 2,5 % for LC.

2.3.3.2. Mass spectrometric detection

Mass-spectrometric detection shall be carried out by employing MS-techniques such as recording of full mass spectra (full scans) or selected ion monitoring (SIM), as well as MS-MSn techniques such as Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM), or other suitable MS or MS-MSn techniques in combination with appropriate ionisation modes. In high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), the resolution shall typically be greater than 10000 for the entire mass range at 10 % valley.

Full scan: When mass spectrometric determination is performed by the recording of full scan spectra, the presence of all measured diagnostic ions (the molecular ion, characteristic adducts of the molecular ion, characteristic fragment ions and isotope ions) with a relative intensity of more than 10 % in the reference spectrum of the calibration standard is obligatory.

SIM: When mass spectrometric determination is performed by fragmentography, the molecular ion shall preferably be one of the selected diagnostic ions (the molecular ion, characteristic adducts of the molecular ion, characteristic fragment ions and all their isotope ions). The selected diagnostic ions should not exclusively originate from the same part of the molecule. The signal-to-noise ratio for each diagnostic ion shall be >= 3:1.

Full scan and SIM: The relative intensities of the detected ions, expressed as a percentage of the intensity of the most intense ion or transition, shall correspond to those of the calibration standard, either from calibration standard solutions or from spiked samples, at comparable concentrations, measured under the same conditions, within the following tolerances:

Table 4

Maximum permitted tolerances for relative ion intensities using a range of mass spectrometric techniques

>TABLE>

Interpretation of mass spectral data: The relative intensities of the diagnostic ions and/or precursor/product ion pairs have to be identified by comparing spectra or by integrating the signals of the single mass traces. Whenever background correction is applied, this shall be applied uniformly throughout the batch (see 2.3.1, paragraph 4) and shall be clearly indicated.

Full scan: When full scan spectra are recorded in single mass spectrometry, a minimum of four ions shall be present with a relative intensity of >= 10 % of the base peak. The molecular ion shall be included if it is present in the reference spectrum with a relative intensity of >= 10 %. At least four ions shall lie within the maximum permitted tolerances for relative ion intensities (Table 5). Computer-aided library searching may be used. In this case, the comparison of mass spectral data in the test samples to that of the calibration solution has to exceed a critical match factor. This factor shall be determined during the validation process for every analyte on the basis of spectra for which the criteria described below are fulfilled. Variability in the spectra caused by the sample matrix and the detector performance shall be checked.

SIM: When mass fragments are measured using other than full-scan techniques, a system of identification points shall be used to interpret the data. For the confirmation of substances listed in Group A of Annex I of Directive 96/23/EC, a minimum of 4 identification points shall be required. For the confirmation of substances listed in Group B of Annex I of Directive 96/23/EC, a minimum of 3 identification points are required. The table below shows the number of identification points that each of the basic mass spectrometric techniques can earn. However, in order to qualify for the identification points required for confirmation and the sum of identification points to be calculated:

(a) a minimum of at least one ion ratio shall be measured, and

(b) all relevant measured ion ratios shall meet the criteria described above, and

Table 5

The relationship between a range of classes of mass fragment and identification points earned

>TABLE>

Footnotes:

(1) Each ion may only be counted once.

(2) GC-MS using electron impact ionisation is regarded as being a different technique to GC-MS using chemical ionisation.

(3) Different analytes can be used to increase the number of identification points only if the derivatives employ different reaction chemistries.

(4) For substances in Group A of Annex 1 to Directive 96/23/EC, if one of the following techniques are used in the analytical procedure: HPLC coupled with full-scan diode array spectrophotometry (DAD); HPLC coupled with fluorescence detection; HPLC coupled to an immunogram; two-dimensional TLC coupled to spectrometric detection; a maximum of one identification point may be contributed, providing that the relevant criteria for these techniques are fulfilled.

(5) Transition products include both daughter and granddaughter products.

Table 6

Examples of the number of identification points earned for a range of techniques and combinations thereof (n = an integer)

>TABLE>

2.3.4. Performance criteria and other requirements for chromatography coupled to infrared detection

Adequate peaks: Adequate peaks are absorption maxima in the infrared spectrum of a calibration standard fulfilling the following requirements.

2.3.4.1. Infra-red detection

Absorption maximum: This shall be in the wavenumber range 4000-500 cm-1.

Intensity of absorption: This shall not be less than either:

(a) a specific molar absorbance of 40 with respect to peak base line; or

(b) a relative absorbance of 12,5 % of the absorbance of the most intense peak in the region 4000-500 cm-1

when both are measured with respect to zero absorbance, and 5 % of the absorbance of the most intense peak in the region 4000-500 cm-1 when both are measured with respect to their peak base line.

Note:

Although adequate peaks according to (a) may be preferred from a theoretical point of view, those according to (b) are easier to determine in practice.

The number of peaks in the infrared spectrum of the analyte whose frequencies correspond with an adequate peak in the spectrum of the calibration standard, within a margin of ± 1 cm-1 is determined.

2.3.4.2. Interpretation of infra-red spectral data

Absorption shall be present in all regions of the analyte spectrum which correspond with an adequate peak in the reference spectrum of the calibration standard. A minimum of six adequate peaks is required in the infrared spectrum of the calibration standard. If there are less than six adequate peaks (7), the spectrum at issue cannot be used as a reference spectrum. The "score", i.e. the percentage of the adequate peaks found in the infrared spectrum of the analyte, shall be at least 50. Where there is no exact match for an adequate peak, the relevant region of the analyte spectrum shall be consistent with the presence of a matching peak. The procedure is only applicable to absorption peaks in the sample spectrum with an intensity of a least three times the peak to peak noise.

2.3.5. Performance criteria and other requirements for the determination of an analyte using LC with other detection techniques

2.3.5.1. Chromatographic separation

An internal standard shall be used if a material suitable for this purpose is available. It shall preferably be a related standard with a retention time close to that of the analyte. The analyte shall elute at the retention time that is typical for the corresponding calibration standard under the same experimental conditions. The minimum acceptable retention time for an analyte shall be two times the retention time corresponding to the void volume of the column. The ratio of the retention time of the analyte to that of the internal standard, i.e. the relative retention time of the analyte, shall be the same as that of the calibration standard in the appropriate matrix, within a margin of ± 2,5 %.

2.3.5.2. Full-scan UV/VIS detection

The performance criteria for LC methods have to be fulfilled.

The absorption maxima in the spectrum of the analyte shall be at the same wavelengths as those of the calibration standard within a margin determined by the resolution of the detection system. For diode array detection, this is typically within ± 2 nm. The spectrum of the analyte above 220 nm shall, for those parts of the two spectra with a relative absorbance >= 10 %, not be visibly different from the spectrum of the calibration standard. This criterion is met when firstly the same maxima are present and secondly when the difference between the two spectra is at no point observed greater than 10 % of the absorbance of the calibration standard. In the case computer-aided library searching and matching are used, the comparison of the spectral data in the test samples to that of the calibration solution has to exceed a critical match factor. This factor shall be determined during the validation process for every analyte on the basis of spectra for which the criteria described above are fulfilled. Variability in the spectra caused by the sample matrix and the detector performance shall be checked.

2.3.5.3. Performance criteria for fluorimetric detection

The performance criteria for LC methods have to be fulfilled.

This applies to molecules that exhibit native fluorescence and to molecules that exhibit fluorescence after either transformation or derivatisation. The selection of the excitation and emission wavelengths in combination with the chromatographic conditions shall be done in such a way to minimise the occurrence of interfering components in blank sample extracts.

The nearest peak maximum in the chromatogram shall be separated from the designated analyte peak by at least one full peak width at 10 % of the maximum height of the analyte peak.

2.3.5.4. Performance criteria for the determination of an analyte by an LC-immunogram

A LC immunogram is not suitable on its own for use as a confirmatory method.

Relevant criteria for LC methods have to be fulfilled.

The pre-defined quality control parameters, e.g. non-specific binding, the relative binding of the control samples, the absorbance value of the blank have to be within the limits obtained during validation of the assay.

The immunogram has to be constructed of at least five fractions.

Each fraction shall be less than half of the peak width.

The fraction with the maximum content of the analyte has to be the same for the suspect sample, the non-compliant control sample and the standard.

2.3.5.5. Determination of an analyte using LC with UV/VIS detection (single wavelength)

LC with UV/VIS detection (single wavelength) is not suitable on its own for use as a confirmatory method.

The nearest peak maximum in the chromatogram shall be separated from the designated analyte peak by at least one full peak width at 10 % of the maximum height of the analyte peak.

2.3.6. Performance criteria and other requirements for the determination of an analyte by 2-D TLC coupled to full-scan UV/VIS spectrometric detection

Two-dimensional HPTLC and co-chromatography are mandatory.

The RF values of the analyte shall agree with the RF values of the standards within ±5 %.

The visual appearance of the analyte shall be indistinguishable from that of the standard.

For spots of the same colour the centre of the nearest spot should be shall separated from the centre of the spot of the analyte by at least half the sum of the spot diameters.

The spectrum of the analyte shall not be visually different from the spectrum of the standard, as described for full-scan UV/VIS detection.

In the case computer-aided library searching and matching are used, the comparison of the spectral data in the test samples to that of the calibration solution has to exceed a critical match factor. This factor shall be determined during the validation process for every analyte on the basis of spectra for which the criteria described above are fulfilled. Variability in the spectra caused by the sample matrix and the detector performance shall be checked.

2.3.7. Performance criteria and requirements for the determination of an analyte by GC in combination with electron capture detection (ECD)

An internal standard shall be used if a material suitable for this purpose is available. It shall preferably be a related substance with a retention time close to that of the analyte. The analyte shall elute at a retention time which is typical for the corresponding calibration standard under the same experimental conditions. The minimum acceptable retention time for an analyte shall be two times the retention time corresponding to the void volume of the column. The ratio of the retention time of the analyte to that of the internal standard, i.e. the relative retention time of the analyte, shall be the same as that of the calibration standard in the appropriate matrix, within a margin of ± 0,5 %. The nearest peak maximum in the chromatogram shall be separated from the designated analyte peak by at least one full peak width at 10 % of the maximum height of the analyte peak. For additional information, co-chromatography may be used.

2.4. CONFIRMATORY METHODS FOR ELEMENTS

Confirmatory analyses for chemical elements shall be based on the concept of unequivocal identification and accurate as well as precise quantification by means of physical-chemical properties unique to the chemical element at hand (e.g. element characteristic wavelength of emitted or absorbed radiation, atomic mass) at the level of interest.

The following methods or combinations of methods are considered suitable for the identification of chemical elements:

Table 7

Suitable confirmatory methods for chemical elements

>TABLE>

2.4.1. Common performance criteria and other requirements for confirmatory methods

Reference or fortified material containing known amounts of analyte, at or near either the maximum permitted limit or the decision limit (non-compliant control sample) as well as compliant control materials and reagent blanks should preferably be carried through the entire procedure simultaneously with each batch of test samples analysed. The recommended order for injecting the extracts into the analytical instrument is as follows: reagent blank, compliant control sample, sample to be confirmed, compliant control sample and finally non-compliant control sample. Any variation from this shall be justified.

In general, most analytical techniques require complete digestion of the organic matrix to obtain solutions prior to determination of the analyte. This can be achieved by using microwave mineralisation procedures, which minimise the risk of loss and/or contamination of the analytes of interest. Decontaminated Teflon vessels of good quality shall be used. If other wet or dry digestion methods are resorted to, documented evidence shall be available to exclude potential loss or contamination phenomena. As an alternative to digestion, separation procedures (e.g. extraction) may under certain circumstances be chosen to separate analytes from matrix components and/or to concentrate analytes in order to introduce them into the analytical equipment.

As regards calibration, be it external or based on the standard addition method, care shall be taken not to exceed the working range established for the analysis. In the case of external calibration, it is mandatory that calibration standards are prepared in a solution that matches as closely as possible the composition of the sample solution. Background correction shall be also applied if required by specific analytical circumstances.

2.4.2. Additional performance criteria and other requirements for quantitative methods of analysis

2.4.2.1. Trueness of quantitative methods

In the case of repeated analyses of a certified reference material for elements, the deviation of the experimentally determined mean content from the certified value shall not lie outside the limit ± 10 %. When no such CRMs are available, it is acceptable that trueness of measurements is assessed through recovery of additions of known amounts of the element to the unknown samples. Attention is drawn to the fact that, unlike the analyte, the added element is not chemically bound in the real matrix and that therefore results obtained by this approach have lesser validity than those achieved through the use of CRMs. Recovery data are only acceptable when they are within ± 10 % of the target value.

2.4.2.2. Precision of quantitative methods

In the case of repeated analysis of a sample carried out under within-laboratory reproducibility conditions, the intra-laboratory coefficient of variation (CV) of the mean shall not exceed the following values:

Table 8

CVs for quantitative methods at a range of element mass fractions

>TABLE>

2.4.3. Specific requirements for differential pulse anodic stripping voltametry (DPASV)

Complete destruction of organic matter in samples prior to DPASV determinations is of the greatest importance. No broad signals due to the presence of organic materials shall be seen in the voltamograms. Inorganic matrix constituents may influence peak heights in DPASV. Therefore, quantification has to be done by the method of standard additions. Specimens of typical voltamograms of a sample solution shall be supplied with the method.

2.4.4. Specific requirements for atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS)

This technique is basically mono-elemental and requires therefore optimisation of the experimental settings depending on the particular element to be quantified. Wherever possible, results shall be checked qualitatively and quantitatively by resorting to alternative absorption lines (ideally, two different lines shall be selected). Calibration standards shall be prepared in a solution matrix that matches as closely as possible that of the sample measurement solution (e.g. acid concentration or modifier composition). To minimise blank values, all reagents shall be of the highest available purity. Depending on the mode chosen to vaporise and/or atomise the sample, various types of AAS can be distinguished.

2.4.4.1. Specific requirements for flame AAS

The instrument settings shall be optimised for each element. Especially the gas composition and flow rates have to be checked. A continuum source corrector shall be used to avoid interferences caused by background absorption. In the case of unknown matrices, a check shall be made as to whether or not background correction is required.

2.4.4.2. Specific requirements for graphite furnace AAS

Contamination in the laboratory often affects accuracy when working at ultra-trace levels in the graphite furnace. Therefore high purity reagents, deionised water and inert plastic ware for sample and standard handling should be used. The instrument settings for each element shall be optimised. Especially the pre-treatment- and atomisation-conditions (temperature, time) and the matrix modification have to be checked.

Working under isothermal atomisation conditions (e.g. transverse 0heated graphite tube with integrated Lvov platform (8) will reduce the influence of the matrix concerning the atomisation of the analyte. In combination with matrix modification and Zeeman-background correction (9), quantification by means of a calibration curve based upon measuring of aqueous standard solutions will be allowed.

2.4.5. Specific requirements for hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry

Organic compounds containing elements such as arsenic, bismuth, germanium, lead, antimony, selenium, tin and tellurium can be very stable and require oxidative decomposition to obtain correct results for total element content. Therefore, microwave digestion or high-pressure ashing under strong oxidative conditions is recommended. The greatest care shall be devoted to the complete and reproducible conversion of the elements into their corresponding hydrides.

The formation of arsenic hydride in hydrochloric acid solution with NaBH4 depends on the oxidation state of arsenic (As III: fast formation, As V: longer formation period). To avoid a loss of sensitivity for the determination of As V with flow injection technique, caused by the short reaction time in this system, As V has to be reduced to As III after the oxidative decomposition. Potassium iodide/ascorbic acid or cysteine are suitable for this purpose. Blanks, calibration solutions and sample solutions shall be treated in the same way. Working with a batch system allows determining both arsenic species without affecting accuracy. Due to the delayed formation of As V-hydride, calibration shall be performed by peak area integration. The instrument settings shall be optimised. The gas flow, which transfers the hydride to the atomisator, is especially important and shall be checked.

2.4.6. Specific requirements for cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry

Cold vapour is used only in the case of mercury. Due to volatilisation and adsorption losses of elemental mercury, special care is necessary during the whole analysis. Contamination by reagents or the environment has to be avoided carefully.

Organic compounds containing mercury require oxidative decomposition to obtain correct results for total mercury content. For decomposition, sealed systems with microwave digestion or high pressure asher are to be used. Special care is required for cleaning the equipment that had contact with mercury.

Working with the flow injection technique is advantageous. For lower decision limits, adsorption of elemental mercury on gold/platinum adsorber followed by thermal desorption is recommended. Contact of the adsorber or the cell with moisture will disturb the measurement and shall be avoided.

2.4.7. Specific requirements for inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES)

Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (10) is a multi-element method, which allows a simultaneous measurement of various elements. To use the ICP-AES, the samples first have to be digested to decompose organic matrices. Sealed systems with microwave digestion or high pressure ashing shall be used. For a meaningful ICP-AES analysis, the instrument calibration and element or wavelength selection play an essential role. For instrument calibration, in case of linear calibration curves, it is usually necessary to measure calibration solutions of only four concentrations, because ICP-AES calibration curves are generally linear over four to six orders of magnitude of concentration. Calibration of the ICP-AES system should normally be performed with a multi-element standard, which shall be prepared in a solution that contains the same acid concentration as the measurement solution. For the linear curve, the element concentrations shall be checked.

The selection of wavelengths for measurement of the emission from the analytes is appropriate for the concentrations of the elements to be determined. When the analyte concentration falls outside of the working range of an emission line, a different emission line shall be used. At first, the most sensitive emission line (not interfered) shall be chosen, then a less sensitive line. When working at or near the detection limit, the most sensitive line for the respective analyte is usually the best choice. Spectral and background interferences are causing the major difficulties in ICP-AES. Possible interferences are e.g. simple background shift, sloping background shift, direct spectral overlap and complex background shift. Each of these interferences has its own causes and remedies. Depending on the matrices, interference corrections and optimisation of operating parameters shall be applied. Some interferences can be avoided by dilution or by adaptation of the matrices. With each batch of test samples analysed, reference and fortified material containing known amounts of the analyte(s) as well as blank material shall be treated in the same way as the test samples. For testing for a drift, the standard shall be checked e.g. after 10 samples. All reagents and the plasma gas shall be of the highest available purity.

2.4.8. Specific requirements for inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)(11))

The determination of trace elements of average atomic mass, such as chromium, copper and nickel may be subject to strong interference from other isobaric and polyatomic ions. This can be circumvented only when a resolution power of at least 7000-8000 is available. Difficulties associated with the MS techniques include instrumental drift, matrix effects and molecular ion interference (m/z < 80). Multiple internal standardisation covering the same mass range as the elements to be determined is required to correct instrumental drift and matrix effects.

Complete decomposition of organic matter in samples prior to ICP-MS measurements is required. As in the AAS, after digestion in sealed vessels, volatile elements e.g. iodine are to be transferred to a stable oxidation state. Most severe interference results from molecular ion combinations of argon (plasma gas), hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen (dissolution acids, plasma gas impurities and entrained atmospheric gases) and the sample matrix. Complete digestion, background measurements, appropriate choice of analytical masses sometimes associated with a lower abundance (poorer detection limit) and of dissolution acids, e.g. nitric acid, are required to avoid interferences.

For the elements to be determined, interferences are to be excluded by the appropriate choice of specific analytical masses including confirmation of isotope ratios. Instrument response considering Fano-factors shall be checked for each measurement by the use of internal standards.

3. VALIDATION

Validation shall demonstrate that the analytical method complies with the criteria applicable for the relevant performance characteristics.

Different control purposes require different categories of methods. The following table determines which performance characteristic shall be verified for which type of method.

Table 9

Classification of analytical methods by the performance characteristics that have to be determined

>TABLE>

S = screening methods; C = confirmatory methods; + = determination is mandatory.

3.1. VALIDATION PROCEDURES

This chapter provides examples and/or references for validation procedures of analytical methods. Other approaches to demonstrate that the analytical method complies with performance criteria for the performance characteristics may be used, provided that they achieve the same level and quality of information.

Validation can also be performed by conducting an interlaboratory study such as established by Codex Alimentarius, ISO or the IUPAC (12), or according to alternative methods such as single laboratory studies or in-house validation (13)(14). This part focuses on single laboratory studies (on in-house validation) using a modular approach. This approach consists of:

1. a set of common performance characteristics independent of the validation model used and

2. more specific model-dependent procedures as described in Table 10.

Table 10

Model-independent and model-dependent performance parameters

>TABLE>

3.1.1. Model-independent performance characteristics

Irrespective of the validation approach chosen, the following performance characteristics have to be determined. To minimise the workload, a carefully designed and statistically sound approach can be used to combine experiments performed to determine different parameters.

3.1.1.1. Specificity

For analytical methods, the power of discrimination between the analyte and closely related substances (isomers, metabolites, degradation products, endogenous substances, matrix constituents, etc) is important. Two approaches are necessary to check for interferences.

Therefore, potentially interfering substances shall be chosen and relevant blank samples shall be analysed to detect the presence of possible interferences and to estimate the effect of the interferences:

- select a range of chemically related compounds (metabolites, derivatives, etc.) or other substances likely to be encountered with the compound of interest that may be present in the samples;

- analyse an appropriate number of representative blank samples (n >= 20) and check for any interferences (signals, peaks, ion traces) in the region of interest where the target analyte is expected to elute;

- additionally, representative blank samples shall be fortified at a relevant concentration with substances that are likely to interfere with the identification and/or quantification of the analyte;

- after analysis, investigate whether:

- the presence may lead to a false identification,

- the identification of the target analyte is hindered by the presence of one or more of the interferences, or

- the quantification is influenced notably.

3.1.1.2. Trueness

In this paragraph, the determination of trueness (one component of accuracy) is described. Trueness can only be established by means of certified reference material (CRM). A CRM be used whenever available. The procedure is described in detail in ISO 5725-4 (5). An example is given below:

- analyse six replicates of the CRM in accordance with the test instructions for the method,

- determine the concentration of the analyte present in each sample of the replicates,

- calculate the mean, the standard deviation and the coefficient of variation (%) for these concentrations,

- calculate the trueness by dividing the detected mean concentration by the certified value (measured as concentration) and multiply by 100, to express the result as a percentage.

Trueness ( %) = mean recovery-corrected concentration detected × 100/certified value.

If no CRM is available, instead of trueness, the recovery can be determined as described under 4.1.2.1 below.

3.1.1.3. Applicability/ruggedness (minor changes)

Such studies use the deliberate introduction of minor reasonable variations by the laboratory and the observation of their consequences.

The pre-investigative studies have to be carried out by selecting factors of the sample pre-treatment, clean up and analysis, which may influence the measurement results. Such factors may include the analyst, the source and the age of reagents, solvents, standards and sample extracts, the rate of heating, the temperature, the pH-value as well as many other factors that may occur in the laboratory. These factors should be modified in an order of magnitude that matches the deviations usually encountered among laboratories.

- Identify possible factors that could influence the results.

- Vary each factor slightly.

- Conduct a ruggedness test using the approach of Youden (15)(16). (Other approved methods may be used at this point. The Youden approach, however, keeps the required time and effort to a minimum). The Youden approach is a fractional factorial design. Interactions between the different factors cannot be detected.

- Where a factor is found to influence the measurement results significantly, conduct further experiments to decide on the acceptability limits of this factor.

- Factors that significantly influence the results should be identified clearly in the method protocol.

The basic idea is not to study one alteration at a time but to introduce several variations at once. As an example, let A, B, C, D, E, F, G denote the nominal values for seven different factors that could influence the results, if their nominal values are changed slightly. Let their alternative values be denoted by the corresponding lower case letters a, b, c, d, e, f and g. This results in 27 or 128 different possible combinations.

It is possible to choose a subset of eight of these combinations that have a balance between capital and small letters (Table 11). Eight determinations have to be made, which will use a combination of the chosen factors (A-G). The results of the determinations are shown in Table 11 below as S-Z.

Table 11

Experiment design for ruggedness studies (minor changes)

>TABLE>

For calculations see examples for ruggedness testing in 3.3.

3.1.1.4. Stability

It has been observed that insufficient stability of the analyte or matrix constituents in the sample during storage or analysis may give rise to significant deviations in the outcome of the result of analysis. Furthermore, the stability of the calibration standard in solution should be checked. Usually analyte stability is well characterised under various storage conditions. Monitoring of the storage condition will form part of the normal laboratory accreditation system. When this is not known, examples are given below on how the stability can be determined.

Stability of the analyte in solution:

- Prepare fresh stock solutions of the analyte(s) and dilute as specified in the test instructions to yield sufficient aliquots (e.g. 40) of each selected concentration (around the minimum required performance limit for substances for which no permitted limit has been established or around the permitted limit for other substances. Prepare both solutions of the analyte used for fortification and used in the final analysis solution, and any other solution that is of interest (e.g. derivatised standards).

- Measure the analyte content in the freshly prepared solution according to the test instructions.

- Dispense appropriate volumes into suitable containers, label and store according to the scheme:

Table 12

Scheme for the determination of analyte stability in solution

>TABLE>

- The storing time could be selected as one, two, three and four weeks or longer if necessary, e.g. until the first degradation phenomena are observable during identification and/or quantification. The maximum storing time and the optimum storing conditions have to be recorded.

- The calculation of the concentration of the analyte(s) in each aliquot should be carried out by using the solution of the analyte freshly prepared at the time of analysis as 100 %.

>REFERENCE TO A GRAPHIC>

Ci= concentration at time point

Cfresh= concentration of fresh solution

Stability of analyte(s) in matrix

- Whenever possible, incurred samples should be used. When no incurred material is available, matrix fortified with the analyte should be used.

- When incurred material is available, the concentration in the material should be determined while the material is still fresh. Further aliquots of material could be taken after one, two, four and 20 weeks and the concentrations should be determined. The tissue should be stored at least minus 20 °C or lower if required.

- If no incurred material is available, take some blank material and homogenise it. Divide the material into five aliquots. Fortify each aliquot with the analyte, which should preferably be prepared in a small quantity of aqueous solution. Analyse one aliquot immediately. Store the remaining aliquots at least minus 20 °C or lower if required and analyse them after one, two, four and 20 weeks.

3.1.1.5. Calibration curves

When calibration curves are used for quantification:

- at least five levels (including zero) should be used in the construction of the curve,

- the working range of the curve should be described,

- the mathematical formula of the curve and the goodness-of-fit of the data to the curve should be described,

- acceptability ranges for the parameters of the curve should be described.

When serial calibration based on a standard solution is necessary, acceptable ranges shall be indicated for the parameters of the calibration curve, which may vary from series to series.

3.1.2. Conventional validation procedures

The calculation of the parameters in accordance with conventional methods requires the performance of several individual experiments. Each performance characteristic has to be determined for each major change (see under applicability/ruggedness above). For multi-analyte methods, several analytes can be analysed simultaneously, as long as possibly relevant interferences are ruled out previously. Several performance characteristics can be determined in a similar way. So, to minimise workload, it is advised to combine experiments as much as possible (e.g., repeatability and within-laboratory reproducibility with specificity, analysis of blank samples to determine the decision limit and testing for specificity).

3.1.2.1. Recovery

If there is no CRM available, the recovery has to be determined by experiments using fortified blank matrix using, for example, the following scheme:

- select 18 aliquots of a blank material and fortify six aliquots at each of 1, 1,5 and 2 times the minimum required performance limit or 0,5, 1 and 1,5 times the permitted limit,

- analyse the samples and calculate the concentration present in each sample,

- using the equation below, calculate the recovery for each sample,

- calculate the mean recovery and CV from the six results at each level,

- % Recovery = 100 × measured content/fortification level.

This conventional method for the determination of recovery is a variant of the standard addition method described in 3.5, when:

- the sample is considered as a blank sample instead of a sample to be analysed,

- it is considered that yield(1) and recovery(2) are similar for the two test portions,

- the test samples have the same masses and the test portion extracts the same volumes,

- the amount of the calibration standard that is added to the second (spiked) test portion is noted xADD. (xADD = ρA.VA),

- x1 is the measured value for the blank and x2 the measured value for the second (spiked) test portion,

- then, % Recovery = 100 (x2 - x1)/xADD.

When any of the above conditions is (or is supposed) not to be achieved, then the complete procedure for determination of the recovery by mean of the standard addition method as described in 3.5 has to be performed.

3.1.2.2. Repeatability

- Prepare a set of samples of identical matrices, fortified with the analyte to yield concentrations equivalent to 1, 1,5 and 2 times the minimum required performance limit or 0,5, 1 and 1,5 times the permitted limit.

- At each level the analysis should be performed with at least six replicates.

- Analyse the samples.

- Calculate the concentration detected in each sample.

- Find the mean concentration, standard deviation and the coefficient of variation (%) of the fortified samples.

- Repeat these steps on at least two other occasions.

- Calculate the overall mean concentrations and CVs for the fortified samples.

3.1.2.3. Within-laboratory reproducibility

- Prepare a set of samples of specified test material (identical or different matrices), fortified with the analyte(s) to yield concentrations equivalent to 1, 1,5 and 2 times the minimum required performance limit or 0,5, 1 and 1,5 times the permitted limit.

- At each level the analysis should be performed with at least six replicates.

- Repeat these steps on at least two other occasions with different operators and different environmental conditions, e.g. different batches of reagents, solvents etc., different room temperatures, different instruments, etc. if possible.

- Analyse the samples.

- Calculate the concentration detected in each sample.

- Find the mean concentration, standard deviation and the coefficient of variation ( %) of the fortified samples.

3.1.2.4. Reproducibility

When reproducibility has to be verified, laboratories should participate in collaborative studies according to ISO 5725-2 (5).

3.1.2.5. Decision Limit (CCα)

The decision limit has to be established according to the requirements for identification or identification plus quantification as defined under "Performance criteria and other requirements for analytical methods" (part 2).

In the case of substances for which no permitted limit has been established, CCα can be established:

- either by the calibration curve procedure according to ISO 11843 (17) (here referred to as critical value of the net state variable). In this case blank material shall be used, which is fortified at and above the minimum required performance level in equidistant steps. Analyse the samples. After identification, plot the signal against the added concentration. The corresponding concentration at the y-intercept plus 2,33 times the standard deviation of the within-laboratory reproducibility of the intercept equals the decision limit. This is applicable to quantitative assays only (α = 1 %),

- or by analysing at least 20 blank materials per matrix to be able to calculate the signal to noise ratio at the time window in which the analyte is expected. Three times the signal to noise ratio can be used as decision limit. This is applicable to quantitative and qualitative assays.

In the case of substances an with established permitted limit, CCα can be established:

- either by the calibration curve procedure according to ISO 11843 (17) (here referred to as critical value of the net state variable). In this case blank material shall be used, which is fortified around the permitted limit in equidistant steps. Analyse the samples. After identification, plot the signal against the added concentration. The corresponding concentration at the permitted limit plus 1,64 times the standard deviation of the within-laboratory reproducibility equals the decision limit (α = 5 %),

- or by analysing at least 20 blank materials per matrix fortified with the analyte(s) at the permitted limit. The concentration at the permitted limit plus 1,64 times the corresponding standard deviation equal the decision limit (α = 5 %).