1. Background

The primary objectives of the ANZSDPs are to facilitate the performance of test procedures and to ensure consistency between laboratories using methods selected for their optimal accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and robustness. Secondary objectives are to provide the methods to be used in external proficiency test programmes and to aid the development of documentation for quality systems.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to describe the editorial and approval process for the preparation and publication of ANZSDPs.

3. Scope

This procedure applies to ANZSDPs developed in Australia and New Zealand.

4. Procedure

4.1 Review of Procedures and Nomination of Authors

4.1.1 Selection of Procedures for Drafting

SCAHLS members, having determined the need for a new or revised procedure (see SCAHLS General Policy for ANZSDPs) nominate a senior author and, if necessary, one or more co-authors.

4.1.2 Contractual Arrangements

4.1.2.1

The SCAHLS Executive Officer (EO) forwards a letter of invitation to the nominated senior author requesting acceptance of authorship.

4.1.2.2

On receipt of written acceptance, the EO consults with the senior author to determine an anticipated completion date and the fee payable for the work.
Fees payable are in the range $2000-$5000 with 20% payable on acceptance of authorship and 80% payable when the final draft receives SCAHLS approval. New procedures generally carry a drafting fee of $5000. Modification of an OIE Procedure or revision of an existing Australian Standard Diagnostic Technique (ASDT) or ANZSDP carries a drafting fee of $2000. Fees may be varied, at the discretion of the Editorial Committee, where the work anticipated is disproportionate to the fee scale described.

4.1.2.3

The senior author provides the EO with payee details (including an ABN if necessary) and the names of any co-authors. Co-authors may be specified by the senior author or by SCAHLS members in session. Payments are made to the senior author or the senior author’s institution.

4.1.2.4

The EO provides copies of the SCAHLS General Policy on ANZSDPs and the Standard Operating Procedure for Writing an ANZSDP to the senior author, and sends the senior author’s contact details to the SCAHLS Editor (the Editor).

4.1.2.5

The EO invoices Animal Health Australia (AHA) for the initial 20% of the agreed fee on behalf of the senior author.
Address:
Manager, Animal Health Standards
Animal Health Australia
Suite 15, 26-28 Napier Close
DEAKIN ACT 2600

4.2 Editorial Process

4.2.1

The senior author submits the first draft of the document to the EO, as an email attachment. The email address of the EO is available at the SCAHLS Website (www.scahls.org.au).

4.2.2

The EO forwards the first draft to the Editor and advises the senior author that the document is now in the editorial process until completion.

4.2.3

The edited manuscript is returned to the senior author for revision if required. The Editor works with the senior author to facilitate production of a second draft. This is a collaborative and interactive process with the aim of producing the best document possible at the time of writing. The Editor provides feedback to the senior author on progress throughout the editorial process.

4.2.4

The Editor consults with the senior author (and the SCAHLS Editorial Committee if required) to provide a preliminary final draft.

4.2.5

The Editor provides a copy of the preliminary final draft to the EO.

4.2.6

The EO circulates the preliminary final draft to SCAHLS members and indicates 20 working days for a response. All comments received are provided to the Editor.

4.2.7

The Editor and senior author (and the Editorial Committee if necessary) work together to address the comments provided and prepare a final draft, which is then forwarded to the EO.

4.2.8

The EO circulates the final draft to SCAHLS members and indicates a response time of 5 working days for their approval. A lack of response after 5 working days is taken to indicate approval.

4.2.9

In the event that the final draft is not approved, steps 4.2.7 and 4.2.8 are repeated.

4.2.10

The EO advises the Editor and senior author of SCAHLS approval.

4.2.11

The EO invoices AHA for the remaining 80% of the agreed fee on behalf of the senior author.

4.2.12

The EO invoices DPI Victoria for the agreed fee on behalf of the Editor.

Address:
Project Officer, Chief Veterinary Officer's Unit
Biosecurity Victoria
Department of Primary Industries
475 Mickleham Road
Attwood, Vic 3049

4.2.13

The EO forwards the SCAHLS-approved final draft to the Animal Health Committee for their approval.

4.2.14

Following AHC approval, the EO places the final ANZSDP on the SCAHLS website. This constitutes publication of the procedure.

4.3 Document Control

4.3.1

All AHC-approved ANZSDPs are maintained under document control by the EO. Only the EO, or delegate, will publish ANZSDPs on the SCAHLS Website.

4.3.2

All published ANZSDPs carry an issue date at the bottom of each page. The issue date is the same as the publication date.

4.3.3

The SCAHLS Website carries a revision history (maintained by the EO) for ANZSDPs with the more recent revisions highlighted.

4.3.4

Superseded documents are maintained on the SCAHLS Website for a minimum of 12 months. The EO maintains an archive of all versions of published ASDTs and ANZSDPs.