The state of the art of residue analysis: the 6th VDRA symposium 2010

Since the onset of residue analysis (ca 40 years ago) a lot of attention has been paid to the amelioration of analytical methods, for example, lowering the limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) or decision limits (CCα) and detection capabilities (CCβ), including an increase in the number of analytes, shortening runtimes, increasing sample throughput, amongst others. The state of the art in residue analysis, which was presented at the VDRA 2010 symposium (Hormone and Veterinary Drug Residue Analysis) in Ghent is reviewed in this article. From an analytical point of view, the use of ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) hyphenated with accurate mass spectrometry is often used in combination with other (biological) detection systems and ‘omic’ approaches. Through these techniques more xenobiotic substances turn out to be naturally occurring in some matrices and/or circumstances (e.g. thiouracil, chloramphenicol and semicarbazide). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The International Symposium on Hormone and Veterinary Drug Residue Analysis (VDRA) has become one of the leading European meetings for scientific and instrumental advances in residue analysis. Because of its initial location and organizing committee (Prof. C. Van Peteghem, Ghent University, Belgium), it is also called the “Ghent Conference”. The sixth VDRA edition consisted of plenary lectures, presented by invited speakers outstanding in the domain, contributed papers, and a technical exhibition hosted by companies presenting their latest instruments and related products. The Sixth VDRA was held in the new Ufo (University Forum) of Ghent University. In this manuscript the state of the art in residue analysis anno 2010, as brought forward during this symposium is described.