PRESS RELEASE
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA, September 14, 2016 – Cannabis testing labs across the United States are signing up for the Fall 2016 Emerald Test Inter-labComparison and Proficiency Test (ILC/PT), in an effort to advance quality assurance in the industry. Labs interested in joining the contest have until September 21 to register
through 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.”
ILC/PT programs measure how accurately an individual lab performs and also compares results among labs for an indicator of variability and performance improvement. Used in many other industries such as food safety and pharma, the ILC/PT is a critical tool for quality assurance. It is now becoming a requirement in many states and has long been a requirement for ISO 17025 accreditation for testing labs.
“Cannabis testing labs are the custodians of quality and safety for the cannabis industry,” Reggie 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 fall 2016 program will have five tests; one measuring five cannabinoids including THC, THCA, CBD, CBDA and CBN, one to screen for pesticides, one for residual solvents and two microbial tests. 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.”
It is expected that over 50 labs will participate, and results will be released at the 2017 Emerald Conference in San Diego.
About Emerald Scientific:
Emerald Scientific provides equipment, reagents, supplies and services to cannabis testing and extraction
labs in the United States. The company also sponsors The Emerald Test, an Inter-laboratory Comparison
Proficiency Testing program in the cannabis industry. For more information about Emerald Scientific,
please visit www.emeraldscientific.com.
CONTACT: Celeste Miranda
TELEPHONE: 805.744.2424
EMAIL: [email protected]