Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our scientific consulting and independent expert opinion services. If you require further information, please contact us.
Scientific Consulting Services
Jump to Independent Expert Opinion Services
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PN Scientific Consulting provides independent scientific consulting in food allergen testing, food authenticity, GMO testing, cleaning validation, analytical method validation and verification, laboratory troubleshooting, ISO/IEC 17025 technical support, and laboratory quality systems.
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PN Scientific Consulting supports food manufacturers, commercial testing laboratories, biotechnology companies, research organisations, government agencies, and regulatory bodies throughout Australia and New Zealand.
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Yes. Independent technical support is provided for the planning, review, validation, verification, and optimisation of analytical methods, including ELISA, real-time PCR, and lateral flow assays. Services are tailored to regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and the intended application of the method.
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Yes. Independent reviews assess whether a validation study has been appropriately designed, scientifically conducted, and is fit for its intended purpose. Reviews may include statistical evaluation, interpretation of performance characteristics, and identification of technical limitations.
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Yes. Scientific support is available to investigate assay performance issues including sensitivity, specificity, precision, accuracy, matrix interference, false positive or false negative results, unexpected variability, and overall method performance.
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Yes. Cleaning validation consulting includes protocol development and review, allergen cleaning validation, residue verification methods, swab and rinse sampling strategies, interpretation of results against predefined acceptance criteria, and scientific advice to support effective cleaning validation programs.
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Yes. PN Scientific Consulting provides technical support for laboratories implementing new analytical methods or expanding their scope of accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025. Services include analytical method selection, validation and verification planning, technical data review and analysis, preparation and review of validation reports, development and review of SOPs and related technical documentation, staff training, and technical support for method-specific accreditation submissions.
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Yes. Tailored workshops and technical training are available in analytical method validation, ELISA, real-time PCR, laboratory quality systems, ISO/IEC 17025, and interpretation of analytical data.
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Yes. Independent reviews of standard operating procedures (SOPs), validation reports, technical procedures, laboratory records, and quality documentation are available to improve scientific quality, regulatory compliance, and technical consistency.
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Fees are charged on an hourly basis or as a fixed quotation, depending on the scope and complexity of the project. A detailed fee schedule is available upon request.
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Contact PN Scientific Consulting to discuss your project. An initial confidential discussion will help define the scope of work, determine the most appropriate approach, and provide a fixed quotation or hourly estimate before work commences.
Independent Expert Opinion Services
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An independent scientific expert provides objective, evidence-based scientific opinion to assist solicitors, courts, tribunals, insurers, regulators, and organisations in understanding complex scientific and laboratory issues. All opinions are prepared independently, impartially, and in accordance with the applicable Expert Witness Code of Conduct.
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Instructions are accepted in matters involving food allergen testing, food authenticity, GMO testing, laboratory analysis, analytical method validation, ISO/IEC 17025, laboratory quality systems, analytical reliability, and interpretation of laboratory evidence.
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Instructions are accepted from solicitors, barristers, insurers, government agencies, regulatory authorities, corporations, and private organisations requiring independent scientific expertise throughout Australia and New Zealand.
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Yes. Instructions are accepted from any party provided there is no conflict of interest. All expert opinions are prepared independently, objectively, and in accordance with the applicable Expert Witness Code of Conduct, irrespective of the instructing party.
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Yes. Independent expert reports are prepared for litigation, arbitration, mediation, regulatory investigations, and dispute resolution in accordance with the applicable Expert Witness Code of Conduct and relevant court requirements.
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Yes. Independent technical reviews of expert reports, laboratory reports, analytical methods, scientific literature, and supporting scientific evidence are undertaken where instructed.
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Yes. Early scientific review can help solicitors, insurers, organisations, and other instructing parties understand the strengths, limitations, and evidential significance of laboratory findings before deciding whether further scientific investigation or a formal expert opinion is required. Early engagement can assist in identifying key scientific issues, clarifying technical evidence, and supporting informed decision-making throughout the dispute resolution process.
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Yes. Where instructed, attendance is available at joint expert meetings (expert conclaves), mediation, arbitration, tribunals, and court proceedings.
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Every instruction is subject to a conflict-of-interest assessment before acceptance. Opinions are based solely on scientific evidence, established principles, and professional expertise, irrespective of the instructing party.
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Yes. All instructions and client information are treated as confidential, subject to legal obligations and the applicable Expert Witness Code of Conduct.
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Fees are charged in accordance with a published fee schedule and are based on the scope of work, documentation to be reviewed, report preparation, conferences, and court attendance. A detailed fee schedule is available upon request.
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Contact PN Scientific Consulting to discuss your matter. A preliminary confidential discussion can help determine whether the matter falls within the areas of expertise offered by PN Scientific Consulting. Before accepting instructions, a conflict-of-interest assessment is completed, and the scope of work, fees, and terms of engagement are agreed.
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