Determination of Niacin in Infant Formula by Solid-Phase Extraction/Liquid Chromatography: Peer-Verified Method Performance–Interlaboratory Validation

Abstract

Abstract This paper reports the results of the interlaboratory peer validation study of AOAC Peer-Verified Method (PVM) 1:2000 for the determination of niacin in infant formula by solid-phase extraction/liquid chromatography. We have used a Data Quality Objectives (DQO) approach to address not only method variability and robustness but also accuracy of data through the use of an appropriate reference material in conjunction with the interlaboratory validation study. Our DQO included the following: (1) statistical agreement of analytical results and quantitative recovery between 2 collaborating laboratories; (2) the repeatability relative standard deviation (RSDr) values and the HORRAT (Horwitz ratio) obtained (1.07), which satisfied the criteria of the Horwitz “limits of acceptability” at the analyte level present; (3) validation of lack of interference; and (4) accuracy agreement within assigned values for a certified reference material. National Institute of Standards and Technology Standard Reference Material (NIST SRM) 1846 Infant Formula, with a certified value of 63.3 ± 7.6 μg/g for niacin content, was used as a test material for collaborative study and accuracy assessment. Niacin values obtained by the originating laboratory were 59.7 ± 4.0 μg/g (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4 μg/g with a relative standard deviation [RSD] of 6.7%) and by the peer laboratory were 56.6 ± 6.6 μg/g (95% CI = 4.1 μg/g, with an RSD of 11.7%). Statistical evaluation using the means equivalence test showed that nicotinic acid values obtained by the peer laboratory were equivalent to those values obtained by the originating laboratory. Linear calibration curves and quantitative recovery were obtained. Integration of the PVM process with a readily available certified reference material gives the user confidence in the accuracy of the data generated by the method through traceability to the reference material used.