Proficiency testing

Participation in relevant proficiency testing is an essential part of a laboratory's quality assurance system. UK laboratories undertaking the microbiological examination of official control samples of bivalve molluscs are expected to take part in an appropriate external quality assessment (EQA) scheme as well as any proficiency testing that the NRL may provide.

 

Shellfish EQA scheme

A specialised EQA scheme is available for laboratories that examine bivalve molluscs and other shellfish for classification of shellfish harvesting areas and end-product testing.

The scheme is run by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in conjunction with expert advice from Cefas. The scheme covers the microbiological requirements for bivalve molluscs and other shellfish laid down by the retained Food Hygiene Regulations: i.e. the enumeration of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and detection of Salmonella spp.

Laboratories that examine bivalve molluscs and other shellfish will benefit from participation, and the scheme is of paramount importance for laboratories seeking and maintaining accreditation. All laboratories in the UK testing official control samples of bivalves (including those taken for classification purposes) are required to participate in the scheme; and samples are also sent to a number of laboratories in the rest of Europe and beyond.

The NRL has collaborated with UKHSA and its predecessor organisations on the development of the shellfish scheme and recognises it as an appropriate EQA scheme for laboratories undertaking the microbiological examination of shellfish.

For further information:
Nita Patel
Food and Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit (FEPTU)
Public Health England
61 Colindale Avenue,
London, NW9 5EQ, UK.      
Fax:     +44 (0) 20 8200 8264    
Tel:      +44 (0) 20 8327 7119  
e-mail: foodeqa@ukhsa.gov.uk

UKHSA shellfish EQA scheme
Website: www.gov.uk/government/collections/external-quality-assessment-eqa-and-proficiency-testing-pt-for-food-water-and-environmental-microbiology

Annual reports summarizing the performance of the network of Official Laboratories in the Shellfish EQA scheme are available from the information centre of the NRL website here.

 

NRL proficiency test distributions

The shellfish EQA scheme is based on the use of artificial samples. The NRL supplements the scheme by distributing additional proficiency-test material in the form of either whole shellfish or shellfish homogenates. Distributions are usually undertaken annually. Laboratories that are part of the NRL network will be contacted prior to each distribution and will be expected to participate.

Reports summarizing the performance of the network of Official Laboratories in the NRL proficiency test distributions are available from the information centre of the NRL website here.

 

Troubleshooting guidance

The NRL has provided a troubleshooting guide to assist participants who are experiencing problems with the PT or EQA schemes for E.coli and Salmonella spp.