2025 AOAC INTERNATIONAL Annual Meeting & Exposition
Town and Country Resort in San Diego, California, USA
$649 members/$749 non-members
This training course is required for all experts and independent laboratory analysts involved in activities for the AOAC Research Institute (RI) Performance Tested Methods℠ (PTM) program and any others interested in method validation. It will include sessions covering the general validation concepts as well as PTM program requirements, plus the technical requirements for microbiology methods and chemistry methods in a variety of matrices. These include selectivity, matrix studies, robustness, and a manufacturing QA assessment. The course will explain the types of validation and their purpose, cover harmonization with other programs including Official Methods of AnalysisSM (OMA) and address the difference between validation and verification in an ISO 17025 context.
Primarily focused on a single lab validation approach, this course will highlight the roles involved, including AOAC Technical Assessors, Volunteer Experts, Expert Reviewers, Independent Laboratories, and Method Developers. It will discuss the development of protocols for new methods, as well as method modifications, and preparation of manuscripts.
Method developers
Independent laboratories
Expert reviewers
Method Developers:
Better understanding of AOAC process.
Improved study designs meeting AOAC and AOACRI requirements.
More concise data collection.
Quicker reviews leading to faster PTM and OMA approvals.
Independent Laboratories:
Part of qualification as a PTM independent laboratory
Improved chances for selection as independent laboratories.
Better understanding of technical requirements and processes for performing studies.
More concise data collection.
Candidates for AOAC Expert Reviewers:
Better understanding of AOAC processes.
Better understanding of current practices and acceptance criteria.
Dr. Sharon Brunelle has worked with the AOAC RI and AOAC INTERNATIONAL since 2003 as a technical consultant coordinating microbiology and chemistry method validation studies in PTM and OMA programs. Brunelle also served as the technical lead for various contract-related and standards development projects within AOAC. She played a major role in developing guidelines for validation of biothreat agent methods and revising guidelines for validation of microbiology methods. Prior to AOAC, she worked for 10 years in diagnostics development and validation, both in food microbiology and clinical oncology. Brunelle earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Delaware and a PhD in biochemistry from Brandeis University. Her postdoctoral work was in medical biochemistry at Rockefeller University and the Picower Institute for Medical Research.
Maria Nelson has worked with the AOAC RI and AOAC INTERNATIONAL since 2003 as a technical consultant coordinating microbiology and chemistry method validation studies in the PTM and OMA programs. Nelson also served as a technical advisor for AOAC contract-related activities and microbiology validation guidelines. She has worked in the biotechnology industry developing a variety of test methods using many techniques, with 6 years specifically in developing and validating microbiological test kits. Nelson earned a bachelor’s degree in bacteriology and a master’s degree in microbiology from the University of California, Davis.
