Emerald Scientific Proficiency Test Approved For Lab Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance

    SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA, April 04, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- ILC/PT programs measure how accurately an individual lab performs. It also compares results among labs for an indicator of variability and performance improvement. The ILC/PT, used in many other industries like food safety and pharma, is a critical tool for quality assurance. Quality assurance is a requirement in many states and has long been a requirement for testing labs seeking ISO 17025 accreditation.

In Washington for example, certified quality assurance testing laboratories are required to participate in proficiency testing (PT) as provided by WAC 314-55-1025. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board has recently approved the Emerald Test, for all 5 testing categories, as an approved program and in 4 of the 5 categories the Emerald Test is currently the only approved program. Details are available on the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board website.

Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc., a third-party accreditation service for ISO/IEC 17025 has determined The Emerald Test meets the audit criteria for the proficiency test participation requirement for accreditation. This is very important for the industry because without a qualifying PT, ISO accreditation would not be possible for cannabis testing labs.

Cannabis testing labs across the United States are signing up for the Spring 2017 Emerald Test Inter-lab Comparison and Proficiency Test (ILC/PT), in an effort to advance quality assurance in the industry, meet regulatory requirements and gain ISO 17025 accreditation. Labs interested in joining the program have until April 7 to register through the The Emerald Test website.

"The Emerald Scientific PT ensures that the cannabis testing labs are performing their function to the best of their ability," said Reggie Gaudino Ph.D., Vice President of Science, Genetics and Intellectual Property at Steep Hill Labs. "Any lab that isn't participating and exceeding the minimal passing requirements should be viewed as suspect. It's that important."

"Cannabis testing labs are the custodians of quality and safety for the cannabis industry," Gaudino continued. "The end consumer relies on the information we put out there to make decisions about what to buy and why. If we are not doing our best to ensure the quality of our science is beyond reproach, then we are failing the consumer as being the custodians of quality and safety assurance."

Emerald Scientific's spring 2017 program has expanded from 5 to 6 tests. Two tests, one for residual solvents and the other for pesticides, offer more comprehensive testing than previous versions. The other tests include 2 microbial panels and a Potency Test, which measures 5 cannabinoids including THC, THCA, CBD, CBDA, and CBN. New this spring is the Heavy Metals Test, which is offered in 2 parts, one solution for cannabis heavy metals and the other in a hemp matrix.

All data analysis for the tests will be handled by the American Oil Chemists' Society, an organization with decades of experience in proficiency testing and inter-lab comparisons.

"AOCS is pleased to be contributing to the nationwide proficiency testing program offered by Emerald Scientific," said Cynthia Ludwig, Director of Technical Services for AOCS. "Reports will be generated following ISO 13528:2015 guidelines and will assist labs in evaluating their results, providing proficiency evidence for accreditations and leading to safer, more consistent products for patients."

More than 60 labs are expected to participate. Results will be released at the National Cannabis Industy Association's Cannabis Business Summit and Expo on June 13, 2017. For more information please visit www.emeraldtest.com or email [email protected].

Emerald Scientific is the leading supplier of high quality reagents, supplies, equipment, and services to the cannabis industry.

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