Title: Harmonised quality criteria for chemical and bioassays Analyses of PCDDS/PCDFS in feed and food Part 2: General considerations, BIOASSAY methods

Auteur(s): Behnisch PA ; Allen R ; Anderson J ; Brouwer A ; brown DJ ; Campbell TC ; Goeyens L ; Harrison RO ; Hoogenboom R ; Van Overmeire I ; Traag W ; Malisch R ;  ; 

Year: 2001

Journal: Organohalogen Compounds

Subject(s): feed ; dioxin ; TEQ ; bioassay ; analysis ; dioxin-like compounds ;  ; 

Summary: Given the wide variation in methodology (different chemical analyses and bioanalytical methods) and uncertainty regarding quality assurance and control across laboratories, harmonisation of general acceptance criteria for dioxin TEQ analyses in feed/food is needed. Consistent quality assurance across these various methods will assist in comparing these state-of-the-art analytical methods. General principles should be valid not only for GC/MS methods, but also for bioassays. GC/MS methods are applied as quantitative assays which should provide exact qualitative and quantitative information on congeners of interest, whereas bioassays are predominantly intended as high throughput screening assays which should detect elevated levels. Therefore, if the same quality criteria (QCs) are used for bioassays, cost and time advantages that the bioassays provide would be reduced. However, harmonisation of acceptance criteria for dioxin analysis is needed to allow free trade if tolerances are developed. Therefore, in two parts quality criteria are presented: in part 1 for GC/MS methods, in part 2 for bioassays. In this expert round table, guidelines for cell culture and kit based bioassays for measuring dioxin-like compounds will be discussed to clarify specific technical questions associated with applying QCs for these biomethods.