September 28, 2022

The AOAC Research Institute (AOACRI) is updating its policy regarding the payment of laboratories conducting independent testing for the Performance Tested MethodsSM (PTM) and Reviewed and RecognizedSM (R2) programs. Currently, the AOACRI selects and contracts laboratories to conduct independent testing protocols agreed on by the AOACRI (via its Expert Reviewers) and method developers. Method developers are then invoiced for the amount specified in the contract. The AOACRI served as a pass-through entity.

Effective October 1, 2022, the AOACRI will no longer serve as a pass-through company. Method developers will contract directly with laboratories, and payment for independent testing will be made by the method developer directly to the contract laboratory. This new process will stream-line the independent testing portion of the PTM and R2 programs.

Method developers will be responsible for obtaining quote(s) from AOACRI-approved laboratories. A list of AOACRI-approved laboratories is maintained on the AOAC website.

The AOACRI will still retain control of the independent testing through standard agreements that specify the conduct and performance of independent testing.

Please contact Scott Coates, Senior Director, AOAC Research Institute; or Nora Marshall, Senior Manager, AOAC Research Institute.