Frequently asked questions

• National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) of the European Union are required to participate. If they do not, they must inform the EURLMB and justify the reasons. The European Commission covers the cost of their participation.
• Official laboratories may participate if the PT program is made available to them and they cover the cost.
• Laboratories from third countries may participate upon consultation and authorization by the European Commission, and must cover the cost.
• Private laboratories are not allowed to participate in the PTs organized by the EURLMB. 

National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) designated by EU Member States are required to participate in the proficiency tests organized by the EURLMB. This participation is essential to ensure their technical competence in the analysis of marine biotoxins.

If a laboratory does not participate or delegates participation to another NRL, it must formally justify the decision to the EURLMB, explaining the reasons and ensuring that the quality of official control is not compromised. 

• On the official EURLMB website, where the annual PT program, schedules, and participation instructions are published.
• Through direct communications sent by the EURLMB to National Reference Laboratories (NRLs), usually via official email.
• In the EURLMB private area, accessible only to members of the NRL network and the European Commission.

National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) are officially designated by each country’s competent authority. They must have proven technical expertise in marine biotoxins analysis, appropriate infrastructure, and a commitment to coordinating and training official laboratories. NRLs also collaborate actively with the European Reference Laboratory (EURLMB).

National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) should contact the European Union Reference Laboratory for Marine Biotoxins (EURLMB) directly. Technical assistance is requested via official email, describing the analytical issue or specific need. The EURLMB prioritizes urgent cases or those affecting official control activities.

European legislation sets maximum limits for several groups of marine biotoxins that may accumulate in shellfish and other seafood:

1. Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxins
   • Saxitoxins and related compounds
   • Can cause severe neuromuscular paralysis
2. Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) toxins
   • Domoic acid
   • Associated with neurotoxic effects and memory loss
3. Lipophilic toxins
   • Okadaic acid and dinophysistoxins (cause diarrhetic shellfish poisoning – DSP)
   • Yessotoxins
   • Azaspiracids 

Accredited laboratories can be found on the official website of the national accreditation body of the respective country. These bodies certify that laboratories comply with international standards such as ISO/IEC 17025, which is essential for testing marine biotoxins and phytoplankton.

General steps:

1. Go to the official website of the national accreditation body.
2. Look for the section called “Search for accredited bodies” or similar.
3. Select the type of organization: “Testing laboratory”.
4. Use keywords like “marine biotoxins” or “phytoplankton”.
5. Filter by ISO/IEC 17025 and relevant sector.
6. Check the certificate or technical annex to see the scope of accreditation. 

Certified Reference Materials (CRM) are substances or products with a known, stable, and documented composition, characterized using technically valid procedures. These materials are accompanied by a certificate that specifies their properties, assigned values, associated uncertainty, and traceability to recognized standards.

CRMs are essential tools in analytical laboratories and are used to:

• Validate analytical methods.
• Calibrate instruments.
• Perform internal quality control.
• Assess the technical competence of personnel and laboratories.

The production of CRMs must comply with the requirements of the international standard ISO 17034, which defines the general criteria for the competence of reference material producers. This standard ensures the reliability of assigned values, metrological traceability, and quality throughout the production process. 

Information regarding the availability and acquisition of certified reference materials used in marine biotoxin analysis is published on the website of the European Union Reference Laboratory for Marine Biotoxins (EURLMB). This resource provides access to:

• Types of available materials.
• Specialized suppliers.
• Technical documentation and certificates of analysis.