Data-Driven Testing and Improvements: Patrick Bird Discusses Method Development

As one of the first presentations in the Analytical Track at Cannabis Science Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, Patrick Bird, Senior Manager of Scientific Affairs at bioMérieux, presented “Innovative Method Development to Meet the Needs for the Cannabis Industry."

In this in-depth and informative discussion, Bird offered an unprecedented explanation of optimizing method development. In a recent interview with Cannabis Science and Technology, Bird offered insight into this topic: "We've not done this in the past...I know a lot of method developers are hesitant to present raw data into the public atmosphere. And we decided to take that challenge head on."

Bird discussed the importance of data-driven decision making in cannabis testing, emphasizing the need for data to inform regulatory decisions and drive laboratory testing standards and, in particular, the need for more rapid methods for detecting yeast and mold. He presented on the evaluation and validation of a method developed by bioMérieux for mold count in cannabis flower, explaining how data was collected—using a third-party laboratory—to modify the method for detecting the yeast and mold. He outlined the experiment and results, noting no statistical difference between the previous and the new methods.

He also highlighted the importance of certification for the cannabis industry and proposed modifications to the method to achieve a faster turnaround time for laboratories, something commonly sought after in the cannabis industry, he explained. The current method involves a 72-hour turnaround time, but the goal for this method was a 48-hour turnaround time. Bird also presented a thorough analysis of microbiological testing data to evaluate the accuracy of different methods, emphasizing the need for media and replication, and discussed the need for certification and expansion of a rapid method.

Bird ended the presentation explaining the next steps in this method development process. “For our standpoint, we've now collected all of this external data, we know the method can work, we actually have to take this forward and go get it certified. Before we can actually sell this as a 48-hour test, we need to have it AOAC certified so that we're in compliance with the states.” Additionally, he explained, they will also need to perform more inclusivity and exclusivity testing, pressure test the method with a wider range of panels, and test the method on other cannabis products such as distillate, gummies, and pre-rolls.

An expert in several areas of analytical cannabis, Bird recently discussed the benefits of good manufacturing practices in the industry and mitigating contamination in an exclusive interview with Cannabis Science and Technology. Bird is also the author of the Feature Article, “Let’s Talk About It: Cannabis Remediation,” in the January/February issue of Cannabis Science and Technology, which explains four key areas growers should focus on to mitigate the need for excessive remediation.