Method Description

1
Method Description Value Documentation
Course Paris March 07
Mark Roe Institute of Food Research WP1.8
Compiler Network and Supporting Task Groups
2
Method Documentation

• Background
• EPIC ENDB
• EuroFIR requirements
• Proposed EuroFIR method documentation
• Overview
• Detail
• Discussion

3
Method documentation in EPIC

• Documentation produced by 10 EuroFIR compilers
  (DK, FR, DE, GR, UK, IT, NL, NO, ES, SE)
• Methods described by a code (ME code) related to
  a method name
• ME codes defined in a thesaurus based on
  Eurofoods recommendations
• Codes further extended by ENDB on ad hoc basis
• ME codes report both analytical methods and
  calculations used to derive values
• Free text description allowed to further document
  methods
• Methods retrospectively linked to components

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Limitations of ENDB method documentation

• ENDB documentation of ME codes limited
• Scope notes not included so codes can only be
  assigned based on method name
• No clear policy on assignment of codes
• Methods may be duplicated
• Closely related methods difficult to group
• e.g. 5 separate codes for atomic absorption
  spectroscopy (AAS, AAS flame, AAS flameless, AAS
  graphite oven, AAS hydride)

5
EuroFIR review of method documentation

• Requirements reviewed by WP1.5
• Existing ME codes not considered in initial
  discussion
• Results presented at London workshop, February 06
• EuroFIR requires a more systematic approach
• Discussion document commented on Feb-Mar 06
• Proposal updated April 06

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EuroFIR requirements for method documentation

• A more systematic approach required
• Should be compatible with existing ME codes
• Should meet requirements of BASIS database
  (WP2.4)
• Should be compatible with development of
  documentation software/existing FCDMS
• Should be user friendly for compilers who do
  not have analytical background
• Methods should be linked to components
• Documentation should be suitable for quality
  index system (WP1.3)

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EuroFIR method documentationoverview

• Method described by

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Method type

• Required field
• Code picked from the Method Types thesaurus
• Provides generic information about the method
  used to determine the value.
• Must be indicated as Unknown if method type
  information not available.

9
Method type thesaurus
10
Method indicator

• Required field
• Method code form MIxxxx
• MI code linked to two fields (Headline level 1
  Headline level 2)
• Headline level 1 generic method (analytical or
  calculated)
• Headline level 2 qualifier (optional)
• e.g. chromatography/HPLC
• MI code linked to components
• MI mapped to ME so compatible with ENDB

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MI Codes - analytical method examples
Component Links Water Nitrogen Sugars
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MI codes calculation method examples
13
Method parameter

• Required/Optional field
• Describes key stages of methods
• Guidelines on use will be given in the method
  indicator thesaurus
• Examples of method parameters
• Time
• Temperature
• Enzyme
• Micro organism
• Column
• Detector
• NCF
• FACF

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Method reference

• Optional field
• Refers to reference describing the method
• Code linked to EuroFIR reference list
• Reference list linked to components
• Further reference details given as properties of
  reference e.g. reference type, acquisition type,
  title, authors etc.

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Additional descriptors

• Method OM System Method OM Identifier
• Optional fields
• OM System field is official methods system code
  e.g. AOAC, NMKL (Nordic)
• OM Identifier specifies official method
  identifier e.g. 985.29 for AOAC "Total Dietary
  Fiber in FoodsEnzymatic-Gravimetric Method".
• Official methods may be defined in a thesaurus of
  validated/official methods linked to components
  (WP1.3)
• Method description
• Optional free-text field describing method in
  additional detail

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Additional analytical method description

• Sample Preparation
• Description of sample prep prior to analysis e.g.
  drying, homogenisation
• Analytical Details
• Description of QA procedures, use of reference
  materials, etc.
• Performance
• Accuracy
• Limit of Detection (LOD)
• Limit of Determination
• Limit of Quantification (LOQ)
• Date of Analysis

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What next?

• Compile thesauri and scope notes
• MI thesaurus
• Official methods thesaurus
• Link MI codes and official methods to components
• Compile EuroFIR reference list
• Agree use of additional method descriptors
• Define Quality Index, with WP1.3