Candidates for 2016 ERP of the Year

ERP PROFILE SUMMARIES

C ONS /W EAKNESSES : The study experienced a number of issues that prohibit interpretation of results. Mold contamination of NIST 2383 compromised the samples resulting in an average measurement ~1/2 of the certified value. Also, only four of the eleven labs have replicate data, therefore repeatability cannot be reliably calculated. For future consideration, the study needs to be repeated. A discussion about the forms analyzed is missing in the manuscript. Intermediate Folic acid solution: gram is probably not the correct unit. (2.5 g/100 ml). Also concentration is expressed in micro liter/mil. The report states that on request of the General Referee a blank sample was included. However, AOAC's Collaborative Study protocol describes the need of a blank sample. This should be corrected. The bias between the certification value of IRMM CRM BCR 421 and the Biacore value needs to be explained. This might be related to the fact that the certified value is based on total folate determined by microbiological assay. However, when mentioned this should be properly described and discussed.

EXPERT REVIEW PANEL VOTE AND RECOMMENDATION

MOTION: Not to move forward to First Action Official Method status. Entered By: Szpylka Second By: Konings Vote: 7 Approved 0 Opposed 0 Abstain

M OTION PASSED

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