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central laboratory

Żwirki i Wigury 73
87-100 Toruń


telephone (+48-56) 623-56-98
telephone (+48-56) 639-11-10
fax (+48-56) 639-11-11

 

CENTRAL LABORATORY OF SPHSIS

 

The Central Laboratory of the State Plant Health and Seed Inspection Service provides diagnostic support in areas dealt with by the Service. It is a main diagnostic unit within the Service, with a variety of tasks related to the diagnostic itself (in various disciplines), but also related to co-ordination of diagnostic activity of the Service (including its development) and training.

 

SCOPE OF ACTIVITY

  • phytopahology diagnostics - detection and identification of plant pests, especially quarantine organisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and virus like organisms, insects, nematodes,

  • testing of conventional seed material for the presence of genetic modifications as well as variety identification of cereal, fruit plants and rape,

  • pesticide residue analysis in plant and plant products.

TARGET OF ANALYSIS

Samples for analysis of plants, plant products and objects are taken by official inspectors of the State Plant Health and Seed Inspection Service:

  • from imported consignments,

  • from producers’ farms and storage places in Poland, during routine inspections, within the official control and national monitoring system,

  • on request of producers and owners.

 

LABORATORY FACILITIES

The individual sections, covering main disciplines, are equipped with a full range of high quality scientific and analytical equipment. In addition, the laboratory has been equipped with a quarantine glasshouse, consisting of separate  compartments, and with insect-proof screenhouses which provide appropriate containment conditions for working with harmful organisms.

 

ANALYTICAL  METHODS  AND  PROCEDURES

Analytical protocols have been developed and implemented based on internationally and scientifically accepted procedures, such as the appropriate EU Directives, the recommendations of the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO), the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), and others. In-house methods based on modern analytical techniques are also used for chemical analyses.

Procedures in operation include:

  • direct isolation and identification,

  • isolation and culturing of microorganisms on artificial growing media,

  • biological tests,

  • serological methods (ELISA, immunofluorescence),

  • electrophoretical techniques (inculding Phast-System, A-PAGE, R-PAGE),

  • thin layer chromatography,

  • gas chromatography (GC),

  • liquid chromatography (HPLC),

  • spectrophotometry,

  • molecular techniques (PCR, real-time PCR, FISH).

 

SCIENTIFIC STAFF

Well qualified personnel ensure high quality of analytical examination and results. Experts in particular disciplines have attended a number of  training courses (both domestic and abroad) and maintain numerous contacts with specialists from scientific institutions both in Poland and leading laboratories in the EU Member States. It allows for the enhancement of the professionalism of the staff, experience exchange and following up new developments in plant health laboratories. The competence of the laboratory staff is regularly assessed by participation in proficiency tests.

 

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND ACCREDITATION

The Central Laboratory has implemented a quality system according to the standard PN-EN ISO/IEC 17025 “General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories”. The formal recognition of a demonstration of that competence is in the form of accreditation that has been granted by the Polish Accreditation Centre.

 

REFERENCE FUNCTION

The Central Laboratory as a laboratory with a reference function in the field of phytosanitary diagnostics is responsible for verification of the test results obtained by voivodeship laboratories and co-ordination and supervision of the diagnostic network of SPHSIS. It includes, among others, the organisation and conducting training courses and consultations for SPHSIS staff, implementation of diagnostic protocols and supervision of their proper use as well as checking the level of the competence of the laboratory staff.