Evaluation of mouse bioassay results in an inter-laboratory comparison for paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins

An inter-laboratory comparison of the AOAC mouse bioassay for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxicity in shellfish was carried out among 25 Chinese laboratories to examine the overall performance for PSP testing in China, and to analyze the main factors affecting the performance of this method. The toxic scallop Patinopecten yessoensis collected from coast of Bohai Sea, China, was used as a test sample in the comparison study. The results were reported and evaluated using robust statistical methods. The z scores showed that 80%, 8%, and 12% of laboratories reported satisfactory results, unsatisfactory results, and questionable results, respectively. This evaluation demonstrates that the PSP mouse bioassay is an appropriate method for screening and testing PSP toxicity in shellfish. However, it was found that the experience and skill of technicians, as well as the body weight and health status of mice being used significantly affected the accuracy of the method.

Discussion on Repeatability and Reproducibility of Measuring Method in ISO 5725

This paper discusses the repeatability and reproducibility of the international standard of ISO 5725：1994 Accuracy （trueness and precision） of Measurement Methods and Results, two concepts of ＂inter-laboratory variance＂ and ＂reproducible variance＂ in the standard are questioned, the corresponding improvement idea is introduced, which aims to make this standard more rigorous, scientific and logical.

A statistic comparison of multi-element analysis of low atmospheric fine particles(PM_(2.5)) using different spectroscopy techniques

Over the past few decades,the metal elements(MEs)in atmospheric particles have aroused great attention.Some well-established techniques have been used to measure particlebound MEs.However,each method has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of complexity,accuracy,and specific elements of interest.In this study,the performances of inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry(ICP-OES)and total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy(TXRF)were evaluated for quality control to analyze data accuracy and precision.The statistic methods(Deming regression and significance testing)were applied for intercomparison between ICP-OES and TXRF measurements for same lowloading PM_(2.5)samples in Weizhou Island.The results from the replicate analysis of standard filters(SRM 2783)and field filters samples indicated that 10 MEs(K,Ca,V,Cr,Mn,Fe,Ni,Cu,Zn,and Pb)showed good accuracies and precision for both techniques.The higher accuracy tended to the higher precision in the MEs analysis process.In addition,the interlab comparisons illustrated that V and Mn all had good agreements between ICP-OES and TXRF.The measurements of K,Cu and Zn were more reliable by TXRF analysis for low-loading PM_(2.5).ICP-OES was more accurate for the determinations for Ca,Cr,Ni and Pb,owing to the overlapping spectral lines and low sensitivity during TXRF analysis.The measurements of Fe,influenced by low-loading PM_(2.5),were not able to determine which instrument could obtain more reliable results.These conclusions could provide reference information to choose suitable instrument for the determination of MEs in low-loading PM_(2.5)samples.