Proficiency testing carried out by the European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites

Abstract

The European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites (EURLP) organises proficiency testing (PT) for the National Reference Laboratories for Parasites (NRLs) of the member states and for public and private laboratories performing official controls in European and extra-EU countries, in order to assess their competence and to improve laboratory performance. Since its appointment in July 2006, the EURLP organised almost 50 PTs on different methods to detect and identify foodborne parasites. According to the Commission Regulation (EC) 2075/2005, all animals which are potential carriers of Trichinella spp. larvae, shall be tested at the slaughterhouse by one of the methods reported in the Regulation 2075/2005. The EURLP organised eight PTs (once a year) on detection of Trichinella larvae in a panel of meat balls, made by minced pork or horse meat spiked with Trichinella larvae. Moreover, PTs on the identification of Trichinella parasites by molecular methods were organised; samples consisted of Trichinella larvae preserved in 95 % ethanol. The EURLP organised PTs to test the competence of NRLs to detect Anisakidae larvae in fish fillets. PTs were also organised to test the competence of NRLs to detect Echinococcus sp. worms or their parts in the intestinal mucosa of canids, definitive hosts of these parasites. All PTs were qualitatively evaluated; a quantitative evaluation was also performed, when appropriate, in order to provide participants with a useful tool to improve their performance.