Anthelmintics in bovine milk and muscle: interlaboratory studies among EU National Reference Laboratories

The paper describes in detail how to evaluate interlaboratory studies for the measurement of authorised and non-permitted veterinary drugs. Examples of different kinds of evaluation will be presented including the results of two interlaboratory studies for anthelmintics in bovine milk and muscle. As compared to an interlaboratory study 2008, a clear development regarding the proficiency of the laboratories of the European Residue Control System could be noted in 2009. As a result of this development, the percentage of false-negative and false-positive results had decreased considerably. The described improvements in the analysis of the included anthelmintics were also reflected in the overall assessment. While in 2008 ten (38.5?%) out of 26 NRLs fulfilled the proficiency criteria of the interlaboratory study, this number had increased to fourteen (53.8?%) by 2009. In some cases, the correct quantification needed to be improved.