Niche PT in the Liver: The Challenge of the Complex Matrix in Proficiency Tests 2026

Food safety and regulatory compliance: analytical excellence through challenging matrices.

In the food analysis sector, liver is known as one of the most difficult matrices. As the main organ for metabolism, it is the primary site where veterinary drug residues accumulate. Proper monitoring of this matrix is essential for reliable data: international regulations set specific Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for different tissues, and liver is often the “critical point” to ensure that products of animal origin are safe for human consumption.

Analyzing liver requires strict extraction protocols due to high levels of enzymes and interfering compounds. To support laboratories in this technical challenge, Progetto Trieste has included several Proficiency Tests (PTs) dedicated to this essential matrix in the 2026 programme.

Our 2026 PT Offer for Liver:

• Deadline for online orders: was January 31st but you are still in time to participate! Don’t miss the chance!
• Shipping Date: March 16th 2026
• Test Material: bovine liver (lyophiolized), 1 sample x 20g (confirmatory) or 1 sample x 10g (screening)
• Molecules under study: betamethasone, dexamethasone, flumethasone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, prednisone, beclomethasone, triamcinolone, triamcinolone acetonide
• Indicative concentrations: < 6ppb
• Price: 371,00€ for confirmatory methods, 332,00€ for screening methods

• Deadline for online orders: March 2nd 2026
• Shipping date: April 13th 2026
• Test Material: bovine liver (lyophilized), 1 sample x 25g (confirmatory) or 1 sample x 10g (screening)
• Molecules under study: 
  • Avermectins: ivermectin, eprinomectin, abamectin, emamectin, doramectin, moxidectin
  • Benzimidazoles: albendazole, albendazole sulfoxide, albendazole sulfone, flubendazole, febantel, fenbendazole, mebendazole, oxybendazole, thiabendazole
  • Salicylanilides: closantel, nitroxinil, rafoxanide
  • Imidazoles: levamisole
  • The presence of levamisole and at least 1 avermectin is guaranteed
• Indicative concentrations: < 200ppb
• Price: 371,00€ for confirmatory methods, 332,00€ for screening methods

• Deadline for online orders: April 1 st 2026
• Shipping date: May 11th 2026
• Test Material: bovine liver (lyophiolized), 1 sample x 20g (confirmatory) or 1 sample x 10g (screening)
• Molecules under study: sulfadiazine, sulfadimethoxine, sulfadoxine, sulfaguanidine, sulfamerazine, sulfamethazine, sulfamethizole, sulfamethoxazole, sulfamethoxypyridazine, sulfamonomethoxine, sulfaquinoxaline, sulfathiazole
• Indicative concentrations: < 200ppb
• Price: 371,00€ for confirmatory methods, 332,00€ for screening methods

• Deadline for online orders: September 1st 2026
• Shipping date: October 19th 2026
• Test Material: bovine liver (lyophilized), 1 sample x 50g
• Molecules under study: arsenic (total), cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, mercury (total), nickel, selenium, zinc. All the molecules will be present.
• Indicative concentrations:
  • As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Hg, Ni <1ppm
  • Mn, Se, Zn < 10ppm
• Price: 261,00€

• Deadline for online orders: October 1st 2026
• Shipping date: November 16th 2026
• Test Material: swine liver (lyophiolized), 1 sample x 20g (confirmatory) or 1 sample x 10g (screening)
• Molecules under study: brombuterol, clenbuterol, cimbuterol, clenpenterol, mabuterol, salbutamol, terbutaline, zilpaterol, isuxsuprine, ractopamine. The presence of isuxsuprine is guaranteed.
• Indicative concentrations: <7ppb o blank
• Price: 384,00€ for confirmatory method, 352,00€ for screening method. Partial participations also available.

Participating in our PTs is more than just receiving a performance evaluation (z-score); it is an opportunity to test your skills against a real and complex matrix, carefully prepared to simulate actual laboratory analysis conditions.

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Your opinion matters

Beyond Liver We are always looking for new ways to support your lab. Liver is key, but the “offal” world is wide. Which other matrices would you like to see in our future PTs? Kidney, heart, or lungs? Share your needs with us!

IF YOU ARE NOT YET CONVINCED…

• Convenience Doubles with Us! For all Progetto Trieste PTs, you can submit 2 sets of results: with a single registration, you will receive the evaluation for 2 laboratory technicians or 2 analytical methods directly in the Final Report.
• SAVE ON SHIPPING COSTS! Order as many PTs as you like from those shipped on the same day: shipping costs remain the same!

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