NFI-PTM 24-2016
Proficiency Testing Report
Microbiological Analysis
NFI-PTM 24-2016: Enterococci (Fecal Streptococci) (cfu/g)
in Lyophilized Cultures
October 2016
NFI-PTM 24-2016
หนา้ ข
CONTENTS
SUMMARY A
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Proficiency Testing 1
1.2 Enterococci (Fecal Streptococci) 1
2. TEST MATERIALS
2.1 Sample Preparation 2
2.2 Homogeneity 2
2.3 Stability 2
2.4 Sample Distribution 3
3. REPORTING 3
4. STATISTICAL EVALUATION OF RESULTS
4.1 Calculation of the assigned value, X and standard uncertainty of
the assigned value, uX
4
4.2 Standard deviation for proficiency assessment,σ̂ 5
4.3 Calculation of robust Z-Score 5
4.4 Z-Score assessment criteria 5
5. REFERENCES 6
6. RESULTS
Table 1 Result summary of participants’ Z-Score for Enterococci (Fecal Streptococci)
(cfu/g) in lyophilized cultures
7
Table 2 Statistics summary 10
Figure 1 Z-Score values for Enterococci (Fecal Streptococci) (cfu/g) in lyophilized
cultures
11
7. TECHNICAL COMMENTS 12
8. CONTACT DETAILS 12
9. APPENDIX
Table 3 Homogeneity and stability data 13
Table 4 Technical information in relation to the methods 14
COMMITTEE 15
NFI-PTM 24-2016
Page A
SUMMARY
This summarizes the microbiological proficiency testing program of NFI-PTM 24-2016:
Enterococci (Fecal Streptococci) (cfu/g) in Lyophilized Cultures. There were 48 laboratories
participating in this program. The test materials were quality controlled to ensure that consistent
levels were achieved throughout the batch by conducting homogeneity test prior to dispatch.
Stability testing was conducted at the end of shelf life which was the deadline for all laboratories to
run the test – to ensure the integrity of the test materials.
Forty eight laboratories submitted their results which were assessed statistically in the
form of a robust Z-Score for performance evaluation for each laboratory. The overall competency
evaluation was that there were 47 laboratories (97.9%) had satisfactory performance with Z≤ 2,
and 1 laboratory (2.1%) had questionable performance with 2 < Z< 3.
This proficiency testing program accomplished with smooth operation as expected, and
every participating laboratory benefits and acquires valuable information for advancement whatever
the performance result is.
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Proficiency Testing
Proficiency testing (PT) is a valuable tool for quality assurance of testing and measurement.
It is a requirement of accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 that laboratories take part in proficiency testing
schemes. PT involves the use of interlaboratory comparisons for determination of laboratory
performance with the purpose of producing laboratory results of greater reliability. Whatever the
performance result is, every participating laboratory benefits and acquires valuable information for
further advancement in all degrees of their current performance.
For the improvement and satisfaction to the requirement of ISO/IEC 17025 of laboratories,
hence the Division of Proficiency Testing Services, Department of Laboratory Services, National
Food Institute (NFI) provides PT program to follow the international standard ISO/IEC 17043: 2010,
Conformity Assessment – General Requirements for Proficiency Testing. This program was named
“Microbiological Analysis NFI-PTM 24-2016: Enterococci (Fecal Streptococci) (cfu/g) in
Lyophilized Cultures ” with the focus on enterococci (fecal streptococci) since it is one of the best
indicator of health risk in salt water used for recreation and as a useful indicator in fresh water as well.
To ensure performance confidentiality of all participants, a series of Laboratory Number is
used in place of participant’s name. A unique Laboratory Number is assigned to each laboratory.
NFI offers Internet access for proficiency testing at ‘http://pt.nfi.or.th’ for fast, convenient
and easy access for participants to register, submit form/ data/ test result/ request, view other
information, and communicate with the provider. All participants are encouraged to utilize all on-line
features and more for complete and clear action for their own advantage.
1.2 Enterococci (Fecal Streptococci)
The enterococci are Gram-positive cocci that often occur in pairs or short chains. The
enterococci and fecal streptococci are the species of Enterococcus and Streptococcus associated with
the gastrointestinal tracts of man and animals and traditionally used as indicator of fecal
contamination.
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Fecal streptococci have the Lancefield’s Group D antigen. Within the fecal streptococci
group there was a subgroup of species known as enterococci, which differed from other fecal
streptococci by their resistance to 0.4% sodium azide, ability to grow in 6.5% of sodium chloride, at
pH 9.6, and at 10oC and 45
oC.
2. TEST MATERIALS
2.1 Sample Preparation
Test materials were produced in glass vials by adding 1-milliliter solution of skim milk
containing microorganisms of target microorganism as Enterococcus faecalis (DMST 4736) and
background flora as Enterobacter aerogenes (DMST 8841). After freeze drying, the vials were then
sealed with rubber cap topped with an aluminium-crimp seal. Each was labeled with ID numbers and
stored at 4-10°C for homogeneity test, and further steps. The test material per vial was equivalent to
100 g of initial sample after adding 100 milliliters of 0.85% NaCl and mixing well to rehydrate the
sample before laboratory testing.
2.2 Homogeneity
To insure that consistent levels of organisms were achieved throughout the batch of test
materials, homogeneity test was conducted on 12 October 2016. The random number generator from
the website ‘random.org’ was used to randomize the order of the samples. Ten out of all the vials
were randomly picked for homogeneity test by carrying out enterococci (fecal streptococci) (cfu/g) in
duplicate prior to dispatch.
2.3 Stability
To ensure the constancy of the test, materials not being diminished over time and the
transport effect, stability testing was conducted at the end of shelf life. Therefore, five sets of the test
materials at NFI were packaged using the same types of materials (boxes, ice packs, etc.) and
conditions (temperature, length of time, etc.) as those delivered; leaving the selected-random sample
in the box for 24 hours, and then keeping at 4-10°C until the final test or after this date.
On 28 October 2016, the test materials were examined in duplicate for enumeration of enterococci
(fecal streptococci) (cfu/g).
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The work on homogeneity and stability tests was conducted by the supporting laboratory –
Division of Microbiological Laboratory, National Food Institute (ISO/IEC 17025: 2005: DMSC Acc.
No. 1005/42). The homogeneity and stability data were shown in Table 3 in the Appendix.
2.4 Sample Distribution
Upon completion of homogeneity test, foam boxes of test materials with ice packs, and
documents were dispatched on 19 October 2016 to each participant by an express logistics company
with 24-hour guaranteed delivery. Documents enclosed in the box were as follows:
1) Letter of Introduction
2) Test Instruction Sheet
3) Receipt Form
4) Results Form
5) Technical Form
6) On-line Instruction Sheet
Note:
- Filling on-line preferred for 3), 4) and 5).
- Using test methods (materials, procedures, conditions, etc.) consistent with each
laboratory routine practice.
- One vial of test material delivered for each participant.
Participants were required to report and submit their enumeration of the test material in
cfu/g by the closing date – “4 November 2016”.
3. REPORTING
Having finished the calculation of the test result, each participating laboratory, then
submitted its test result by the closing date for analysis, and in the summary report to be made. With
all these data, together with those received through PT provider’s quality control, statistical analysis
for homogeneity test, stability test, and others were carried out according to the standard ISO 13528:
2015.
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The summary results are given in Table 1. Table 2 summarizes the statistics calculated.
Technical data of methods used by each laboratory in relation to accreditation, reference, and others
are summarized in Table 4 in the Appendix.
Interim report and final report could be uploaded to the website pt.nfi.or.th within two
weeks and one month, respectively. After the closing date, while hard copies of interim and final
report could be sent to participants with no internet access by registered mail.
4. STATISTICAL EVALUATION OF RESULTS
Statistical use for this proficiency testing program is robust Z-Score that is based on ISO
13528: 2015.
4.1 Calculation of the assigned value, X and standard uncertainty of the assigned value, uX
4.1.1 Assigned value, X (assigned value for proficiency assessment) was set as the
consensus of the results submitted by participants. The procedure used to derive this consensus
involved some or all of the following:
4.1.1.1 Log transformation of participant results from cfu/g to log10cfu/g.
4.1.1.2 Removal of data that was not considered valid.
4.1.1.3 Derivation of the robust mean (x*) of the final data set using a robust
statistical procedure that calculate by Algorithm A.
4.1.2 Assessment of the standard uncertainty of the assigned value, uX.
p
sux
*
25.1 ×=
Where s* is robust standard deviation calculated by Algorithm A
and p is number of result.
If the standard uncertainty uX of the assigned value is too large in comparison with the
standard deviation for proficiency testing σ̂ , then there is a risk that some laboratories will receive
action and warning signals because of inaccuracy in the determination of the assigned value, not
because of any cause within the laboratories. For this reason, the standard uncertainty of the assigned
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value shall be established and shall be reported to laboratories participating in proficiency testing
schemes.
If uX ≤ 0.3σ̂
Then the uncertainty of the assigned value is negligible and need not be included in the
interpretation of the results of the proficiency test.
4.2 Standard deviation for proficiency assessment, σ̂
The standard deviation for proficiency assessment used here has been estimated from the
previous standard deviation of NFI-PT microbiological enumeration program and the advisory group
has agreed that an appropriate value is 0.300 log10cfu/g. This value for σ̂ has been used to calculate
Z-Score in this assessment.
4.3 Calculation of robust Z-Score
Where x is participant’s reported result,
X is assigned value
and σ̂ is standard deviation for proficiency assessment.
4.4 Z-Score assessment criteria
Z ≤ 2 is Satisfactory
2 < Z < 3 is Questionable
Z ≥ 3 is Unsatisfactory
Z-Score = ( log
10 x – log
10 X )
σ̂
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5. REFERENCES
ISO/IEC 17043: 2010. Conformity assessment – general requirements for proficiency testing.
ISO 13528: 2015. Statistical methods for use in proficiency testing by interlaboratory comparison.
Paul, A., H., R., H., Deibel, and L., M., Sieverding. 4th ed., 2001. Chapter 9-Compendium of
Method for the Microbiological Examination of Foods, APHA. (November 2016).
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6. RESULTS
Table 1 Result summary of participants’ Z-Score for Enterococci (Fecal Streptococci) (cfu/g) in
lyophilized cultures
Laboratory Number Result
cfu/g
Result
Log10cfu/g Z-Score
1 4.3E+03 3.633 0.4
2 12000 4.079 1.9
3 3.55E+03 3.550 0.1
4 3700 3.568 0.1
5 3800 3.580 0.2
6 3.6E+03 3.556 0.1
7 3050 3.484 -0.1
8 3.7E+03 3.568 0.1
9 3,500 3.544 0.1
10 2.9E+03 3.462 -0.2
11 7000 3.845 1.1
12 3200 3.505 -0.1
13 3700 3.568 0.1
14 4800 3.681 0.5
15 3300 3.519 0.0
16 3.1E+03 3.491 -0.1
17 2900 3.462 -0.2
18 3100 3.491 -0.1
Note: Z-Score values outside the satisfactory range are shown in bold.
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Table 1 Result summary of participants’ Z-Score for Enterococci (Fecal Streptococci) (cfu/g) in
lyophilized cultures (continued)
Laboratory Number Result
cfu/g
Result
Log10cfu/g Z-Score
19 1.3E+03 3.114 -1.4
20 3600 3.556 0.1
21 2900 3.462 -0.2
22 3100 3.491 -0.1
23 3.1E+03 3.491 -0.1
24 3000 3.477 -0.2
25 3500 3.544 0.1
26 2900 3.462 -0.2
27 3800 3.580 0.2
28 3500 3.544 0.1
29 3300 3.519 0.0
30 2900 3.462 -0.2
31 3000 3.477 -0.2
32 1600 3.204 -1.1
33 2.5E+03 3.398 -0.4
34 4000 3.602 0.3
35 3400 3.531 0.0
36 2900 3.462 -0.2
37 3.0E+03 3.477 -0.2
Note: Z-Score values outside the satisfactory range are shown in bold.
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Table 1 Result summary of participants’ Z-Score for Enterococci (Fecal Streptococci) (cfu/g) in
lyophilized cultures (continued)
Laboratory Number Result
cfu/g
Result
Log10cfu/g Z-Score
38 3600 3.556 0.1
39 3600 3.556 0.1
40 3.2x103 3.505 -0.1
41 3.6x103 3.556 0.1
42 5.2x103 3.716 0.6
43 5.4x102 2.732 -2.6
44 3,000 3.477 -0.2
45 3.3x103 3.519 0.0
46 4,400 3.643 0.4
47 4.9x103 3.690 0.6
48 2.1x103 3.322 -0.7
Note: Z-Score values outside the satisfactory range are shown in bold.
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Table 2 Statistics summary
Assigned Value Standard Deviation
for Proficiency Assessment
Number of Result
Robust Mean, x* (log10cfu/g)
Robust Standard Deviation, s*
Standard Uncertainty, u
X
Derived from σ̂
48 3.524 0.079 0.014 Retrospective
data 0.300
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7. TECHNICAL COMMENTS
It is very important to find errors and correct them. For this proficiency testing program there
are two main viewpoints to be considered by those in need of improvement:
7.1 Reporting, calculation of the test result and the data transfer
The laboratory must carefully calculate the test result, e.g. multiplication of the dilution
and checking of the data transfer before reporting.
7.2 Analytical technique
The laboratories must be careful to all details in the testing process, such as incubation
temperature, and incubation time.
NFI is pleased to provide further detail, and welcome any discussion regarding the
proficiency testing.
8. CONTACT DETAILS
Upon receiving the final report, if there is any question regarding the proficiency testing
assessment incurs, written notification should be submitted to the project coordinator by one of the
following channels:
Mail: Project coordinator
Division of Proficiency Testing Services,
Department of Laboratory Services, National Food Institute,
2008 Soi Arun Ammarin 36, Arun Ammarin Rd., Bangyeekhan, Bangphlat, Bangkok
10700 THAILAND.
Fax number: 0 2883 5022/ 0 2886 8088 ext. 5555
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: Contact-Us Form at http//:pt.nfi.or.th
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9. APPENDIX
Table 3 Homogeneity and stability data
Enterococci (Fecal Streptococci) (log10 cfu/g)*
Sample No. Homogeneity (x)
Sample No. Stability (y)
Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 1 Replicate 2
1 3.663 3.613 1 3.505 3.556
2 3.663 3.580 2 3.580 3.602
3 3.491 3.580 3 3.623 3.519
4 3.602 3.580 4 3.556 3.623
5 3.556 3.415 5 3.672 3.580
6 3.623 3.643 - - -
7 3.580 3.447 - - -
8 3.613 3.505 - - -
9 3.580 3.580 - - -
10 3.602 3.602 - - -
mean 3.576 3.582
SS 0.032 -
yx − - 0.006
σ̂ 0.300 0.300
0.3σ̂ 0.090 0.090
SS ≤0.3σ̂ PASS -
yx − ≤0.3σ̂ - PASS
Note: *Compendium of Method for the Microbiological Examination of Foods (APHA),
4th ed., 2001, Chapter 9.
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Table 4 Technical information in relation to the methods
Accredited Laboratory Number
Yes 1 3 4 5 7 9 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
22 23 24 27 29 32 35 36 37 38 39 41
42 44 48
No 2 6 8 10 11 20 21 25 26 28 30 31 33
34 40 43 45 46 47
Reference Laboratory Number
APHA 8 9 10 12 13 14 16 20 21 22 24 34 37
38 44 47
Compact Dry 2
Compendium of Methods for The Microbiological
Examination of Foods
7 18 25 30 32 40
Nordic Committee on Food Analysis (NMKL) 1 3 4 5 6 11 15 17 19 23 27 28 29 31
33 35 36 39 41 42 43 45 46 48
Nordic Committee on Food Analysis (NMKL),
NordVal: 047
26
Media: Selective Plating Laboratory Number
Compact Dry 2 26
Enterococcus Agar 4 19 43 48
KF Streptococcus Agar 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 16 18 20 21 22 24
25 30 32 37 38 40 44 46 47
Slanetz and Bartley Medium 1 5 6 11 15 17 23 27 28 29 31 33 34
35 36 39 41 45
Slanetz and Bartley Medium, Bile Aesculin 42
TSA, Slanetz 3
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COMMITTEE
Technical consultants
1. Mrs. Nitaya Pirapatrungsuriya Vice President, Department of Laboratory Services
2. Mrs. Prachern Nakpan Manager, Division of Microbiological Laboratory
Statistician consultant
1. Chutima Waisarayutt, Ph.D. Department of Agro-Industrial Technology
Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University
Operators
1. Miss Tanaporn Borisut Manager, Division of Proficiency Testing Services
(Statistician)
2. Miss Kuntida Duangsee Senior Analyst, Division of Proficiency Testing Services
3. Miss Thatsanee Kansan Scientist, Division of Proficiency Testing Services
(Coordinator)
Proficiency testing provider accreditation
ISO/IEC 17043: 2010: BLA-DSS Acc. No. PTP-0002
Approved by
(Mrs. Nitaya Pirapatrungsuriya)
Technical Manager
30 November 2016