Introduction
This article examines the main use cases for FossConnect™ Sample Matching service and indirect methods in laboratories around the world:
- Calibration maintenance and updates
- Calibration networks
- Incoming sample control
- Quality control of sample results
Calibration maintenance and updates
When using indirect methods such as NIR, FoodScan™2 and FT-IR to determine the protein content of samples the instrument calibrations need routine checks and potential updates to stay updated. This check is made by running samples on both an indirect instrument and a reference instrument such as Kjeltec™ 9 Analyser. The results from both instruments then needs to be matched, compared and analysed to make a decision on the next step. FossConnect™ Sample Matching Service makes this process easy and labor free by matching the results from the two instruments automatically.
See how it works
The two results are next evaluated in FossManager™ by the laboratory responsible who determines whether actions are needed. If the calibration is to be updated this is done easily using FossCalibrator™ and FossManager™ as the indirect and reference results are already matched automatically.
Calibration networks
The Sample Matching Service also opens new possibilities for calibration networks where the reference instruments are located in a central laboratory and the indirect instruments are located at various production sites (food producers, feed producers, dairies etc.). The reference and indirect instruments are, although not in the same physical location, connected in a FossConnect™ network. In day-to-day operation the production sites analyses all their samples on the indirect instruments (satellite instruments). Regularly samples are sent to the central laboratory where the reference analysis is run. The calibrations on the satellite instruments are then updated from the central laboratory when needed. Ring test samples are also shipped from the central laboratory for analysis on the satellite instruments around the world and the calibrations are updated according to the results. In this way the central laboratory can guarantee that a sample measured on any instrument in this calibration network will give the exact same result and thus the exact same label or payment is secured.
Incoming Sample Control
By placing an indirect instrument in the sample registration area one can utilize the many benefits, such as fast screening of labelling parameters and more accurate analysis planning. By screening all incoming samples, the sample amount and analysis method can be adjusted before testing the sample to minimize reruns and improve overall turnaround time (TAT).
By screening each incoming sample for basic parameters such as protein, fat, and moisture it can quickly be determined if the test parameters are to be adjusted before analysis instead of running the standard analysis and then only when the results are not as expected one can perform a rerun with an optimized analysis procedure. An example could be samples with higher fat content needing defatting or samples with a high amount of protein where the sample amount should be reduced before analysis.
Quality Control of Sample Results
Another benefit of screening all incoming samples for basic parameters such as moisture, protein and fat content is the possibility of improved quality control. When all samples are analysed using both an indirect method and Kjeltec™ 9 Analyser the FossConnect™ Sample Matching service can make quality control much easier. The protein result from the indirect method is matched towards the Kjeltec 9 reference result and the two can thus be compared. If the results are different the test can be repeated before sending a sample report to the customer. Hereby saving both time and potential complaints from the customer.
