Determination and Identification of Nicarbazin, Measured as 4,4′-Dinitrocarbanilide (DNC), in Chicken Tissues by Liquid Chromatography With Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Final Action 2013.07

BACKGROUND: AOAC Method 2013.07 was adopted as First Action in 2013. Since then, the method has been used in numerous residue depletion studies with favorable comments from analysts. OBJECTIVE: To analyze data from residue depletion studies to support Final Action status. METHOD: Ten residue depletion studies were conducted during May 2014 through May 2019. For each study, harvested incurred tissues were analyzed for nicarbazin using AOAC Method 2013.07 in 1 of 4 laboratories. Each analytical run included one or more fortified quality control test portions. The data from these known fortified matrix test portions were analyzed for reproducibility and repeatability. RESULTS: For muscle tissues, relative recovery was 90.4% (95% CI 83.8 to 97.5); RSD(r) was 5.4% (95% CI 3.8 to 9.2); and RSD(R) was 7.9%. In the liver, values were 94.5% (95% CI 91.1 to 98.0), 5.8% (95% CI 4.1 to 9.9), and 6.8%, respectively. In the kidney, values were 91.5% (95% CI 85.3 to 98.1), 5.2% (95% CI 3.7 to 8.8), and 9.0%, respectively. In skin with adhering fat, values were 94.5% (95% CI 89.2 to 100.1), 8.9% (95% CI 6.3 to 15.1), and 8.9%, respectively. In all cases, repeatability and reproducibility were within acceptable limits. CONCLUSIONS: The data and positive feedback support the transition of AOAC Method 2013.07 from First Action to Final Action. HIGHLIGHTS: Final action status is supported by data collected during routine use of the method rather than a traditional multi-laboratory collaborative study. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using the pC-metamer, and then transformed back to the traditional C-metamer.