AOAC CASP Meeting

Aspergillus species • A common mold that produces spores that become airborne. • The spores are easily spread through air currents and are found in most environments, both indoors and outdoors. • Most people breathe in the spores everyday without getting sick. • People with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing aspergillosis. • Infections start in the lungs and can quickly lead to infection. Infections can be serious and sometimes fatal.

• Aspergillus contaminates cannabis flowers and plants. • Individuals who consume cannabis through smoking are at higher risk for infection

Definitions • POD, Probability of Detection.— The portion of positive analytical outcomes for a qualitative method for a given matrix at a given analyte level or concentration • dPOD CP – This difference in POD values between presumptive and confirmed results • LPOD – The POD value obtained from combining all valid collaborator data sets for a given matrix at a given analyte level or concentration • LCL, Lower confidence limit.— Calculated to determine 95% confidence interval of various POD values • UCL, Upper confidence limit.— Calculated to determine 95% confidence interval of various POD values • CFU, Colony forming unit.— Number of viable microorganisms, presented per a specific quantity. (ex. CFU/mL) • MPN, Most probable number.— Method used to estimate contamination levels