By Fiona Cawkell - 26 March 2012

In the food industry, major decisions are made on the basis of analytical results. It is absolutely imperative that the results are right and interpreted correctly. Correct interpretation itself is dependent not only on the result (i.e. the answer) being correct, but also on the right question having been asked in the first place (i.e. the appropriate analysis having been undertaken).

Microbiological analyses have particular issues associated with them that make it difficult to know in isolation how accurate they are. Different techniques could provide very different results, which in turn could lead to erroneous conclusions if there isn't a full understanding of what analysis was carried out and why. Put simply, the analysts in the laboratory must know which tests to apply and must be able to perform the analyses competently. How can you tell if your laboratory is performing adequately? The answer is to participate in a proficiency scheme.

All proficiency schemes typically work by providing participating laboratories with standard samples for the laboratory to analyse 'blind'. Inmicrobiological analysis schemes, the organisers know the level of the microorganisms (and the nature of the cocktail of mixtures) provided, but the test laboratories do not. Each laboratory analyses the sample(s) using its usual methods (which might differ from one laboratory to another) and submits its results to the organiser. The organiser compiles and statistically analyses these results and includes them in a report that also contains the 'true' result and, for each laboratory, a score (called a z-score) reflecting how close it was to the 'true' value.

Different schemes will have different features and allow laboratories to evaluate their performance in detecting/identifying and/or enumerating specific organisms or groups of organisms. We offer two choices of test material - depending on whether you are set up for handling pathogens or not with a choice of frequency ranging from 1 to 6 times per year. In addition, we also offer a tailored scheme which could, for example, allow you to compare the performance of different laboratories within your company.

Some laboratories may only want to report on total viable count (TVC), whereas others may routinely analyse for a whole range of organisms. Depending on the laboratories' requirements, the sample may contain a mixture of pathogens and spoilage organisms, or merely a spoilage cocktail.

The test material is despatched in a new easy-to-open vial. The first contains mixtures of non-pathogenic organisms, for enumerating TVC, coliforms, Enterobacteriaceae, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and moulds , as well as pathogens that are usually quantitatively analysed. The second might additionally contain Salmonella, Listeria, Vibrio and Campylobacter, and is designed for companies who have suitable laboratory facilities and experience with handling pathogens.

Non-toxigenic E. coli O157, thermophilic spores, enumeration of Listeria and osmophilic yeasts and moulds have also recently been added to our samples. A detailed and precise report is returned within 3 weeks of the deadline date which includes charts representing results along with z-scores for all enumeration tests and other statistical information e.g. assigned value, mean etc.

Trend analysis of results is also available upon request. More details on proficiency schemes in general and the Campden BRI scheme in particular are available in a Campden BRI fact sheet. Also available is a pdf download of how to join the new upgraded scheme.

About Fiona Cawkell

Fiona Cawkell has worked for Campden BRI since 1988 having been employed previously in the food industry as a microbiology laboratory manager.

She began her career at Campden in Microbiology Analytical Services as supervisor overseeing contract work before becoming co-founder of Campden Microbiology Proficiency Scheme (CMPS) in 1993. As manager, Fiona and her team have been proactive in developing CMPS to fit the ever demanding requirements of microbiology testing laboratories.

Fiona is also event director for all training in microbiology which includes scheduled training, bespoke training, conferences and seminars.

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