Agilent Technologies Creates Specialized Training Program In China For Melamine Analysis In Milk, Milk Products

Main Category: Medical Students / Training
Also Included In: Biology / Biochemistry;  Medical Devices / Diagnostics;  Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 02 Oct 2008 - 10:00 PDT

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Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) announced today it has created a specialized training program to address the current melamine crisis in China. The program will be available in early October and is part of Agilent University, a multifaceted education program for Agilent's customers in China.

The four-day training program will cover melamine-testing methods using new, specialized sample-preparation components on gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS), liquid chromatograph (LC), and liquid chromatograph/triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (LC/MS/MS) instruments. The program will be offered in Agilent training centers and customer sites in China.

Within days of the melamine outbreak in China, Agilent began to provide core melamine-testing products and expertise to testing organizations. Initial demand has been for instruments and sample-preparation materials. Sample preparation uses a solid-phase extraction method where contaminants are isolated from food samples prior to analysis. Agilent scientists worked closely with Chinese chemists to develop the sample preparation method needed to separate melamine from dairy products.

"Agilent has been actively delivering supplies, instrumentation and expertise where needed to assist with this food safety crisis," said Mu Yiping, country manager, Life Sciences and Chemical Analysis, Greater China. "Our melamine training program addresses an urgent need that will assist China's laboratories with testing processes using the most technologically advanced instruments and supplies. Building on the analytical method development Agilent created for last year's melamine outbreak in pet food, we have been able to quickly build a comprehensive testing program for milk and milk products."

Melamine is an organic chemical commonly used in plastics and fertilizer. It can be added to milk and other food products to create a false increase in the measurement of protein content. Melamine is being blamed for widespread formation of kidney stones and cases of kidney failure throughout China.

Agilent University is a multifaceted education program for Chinese customers in the analytical chemistry and biological fields, and is part of Agilent's Life Sciences and Chemical Analysis business unit. The University offers instrument operation training, solution training and a certification program. Agilent's customers in China can obtain more information at http://www.agilent.com/chem/university.

For specifics about melamine detection methods developed by Agilent, please visit http://www.agilent.com/chem/melamine. For further information on Agilent's food safety products and services please visit http://www.agilent.com/chem/foods.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 20,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $5.4 billion in fiscal year 2007. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at http://www.agilent.com.

Agilent Technologies