Homogeneity check of agricultural and food industries samples using near infrared spectroscopy

Samples distributed in proficiency testing schemes (PTS) need to be homogeneous in order to be sure that if a laboratory has a result different from the other laboratories, its error can be attributed to its analysis method and not to its sample. This control must be done according to the ISO 13528 draft standard before sending the samples to the laboratories. It can be done by determining homogeneity targets by sub-contracting to accredited laboratories using reference methods, but this engenders logistic and financial problems. That is why a homogeneity check using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR) has been developed for agricultural and food industries samples prepared for PTS at Bipea (Bureau Interprofessionnel d'Etudes Analytiques). To evaluate the homogeneity among samples, this procedure involves a comparison of NIR spectra, the determination of global homogeneity criteria and the use of control charts. The method of control developed and carried out at Bipea allows the rapid and easy monitoring of the performance of the sample preparation.