While it may have become boring or cost-prohibitive to some discovery-based
labs, it is not without significant challenges to perform on a
high-throughput, routine basis on a wide variety of biological materials.
We have seen decreased support for AAA among many manufacturers of AAA
instruments, likely due to the saturation of the market for new purchases.
As the existing instruments age, and as new, less experienced ranks of AAA
analysts join our testing labs, the results obtained with this method may
drift away from previously-established expectations for method performance.
I feel that the ABRF is in the unique and important position to provide
ongoing world-wide performance data for this kind of basic method, just as
it does for the more cutting-edge methods. If we begin to document a trend
downward in average performance, it may even trigger renewed interest among
manufacturers to once again invest in AAA as a technology.
Just as a note: I'd put my money where my mouth is and personally volunteer
for this Committee, but I am currently active in the QCC. However, I am
making phone calls and bending the arms of some colleagues behind the scenes
to step up to the plate!
Nadine Ritter
Director of Analytical Services
BioReliance (formerly MA BioServices)
nritter@bioreliance.com