Journal Published Online: 01 November 1986
Volume 14, Issue 6

Precision Testing of Standardized Microbiological Methods

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

Tests performed on identical materials in identical circumstances do not yield identical results. This is attributed to unavoidable random errors inherent in every test procedure. Repeatability and reproducibility have been found sufficient for describing the precision of a method. Examples of interlaboratory precision experiments in the field of food microbiology are presented, which also demonstrate the different types of reference material that can be used. With a fluid, microbiologically stabilized by freezing, repeatability of aerobic and Enterobacteriaceae plate counts (expressed in 10log-units) appeared to be 0.28; reproducibility was 0.37 for both plate counts. The repeatability of Staphylococcus aureus plate counts varied between 0.26 and 0.52, reproducibility between 0.31 and 0.84, depending on the method of enumeration and the testing procedure. It is concluded that microbiological methods should be evaluated by precision tests, carried out on an international scale.

Author Information

Beckers, HJ
Section of Food Hygiene, Laboratory for Water and Food Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health and Environmental Hygiene, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
Pages: 3
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JTE10349J
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE10349J