This book deals exclusively and comprehensively with the role of proficiency testing in the quality assurance of analytical data. It covers in detail proficiency testing schemes from the perspectives of scheme organisers, participant laboratories and the ultimate end-users of analytical data. A wide variety of topics are addressed including the organisation, effectiveness, applicability, and the costs and benefits of proficiency testing. Procedures for the evaluation and interpretation of laboratory proficiency, and the relation of proficiency testing to other quality assurance measures are also discussed. Proficiency Testing in Analytical Chemistry is an important addition to the literature on proficiency testing and is essential reading for practising analytical chemists and all organisations and individuals with an interest in the quality of analytical data.

Quality assurance and accreditation in analytical chemistry laboratories is an important issue on the national and international scale. The book presents currently used methods to assure the quality of analytical results and it describes accreditation procedures for the mutual recognition of these results. The book describes in detail the accreditation systems in 13 European countries and the present situation in the United States of America. The editor also places high value on accreditation and certification practice and on the relevant legislation in Europe. The appendix lists invaluable information on important European accreditation organizations.

Analytical chemical results touch everyones lives can we eat the food? do I have a disease? did the defendant leave his DNA at the crime scene? should I invest in that gold mine? When a chemist measures something how do we know that the result is appropriate? What is fit for purpose in the context of analytical chemistry? Many manufacturing and service companies have embraced traditional statistical approaches to quality assurance, and these have been adopted by analytical chemistry laboratories. However the right chemical answer is never known, so there is not a direct parallel with the manufacture of ball bearings which can be measured and assessed. The customer of the analytical services relies on the quality assurance and quality control procedures adopted by the laboratory. It is the totality of the QA effort, perhaps first brought together in this text, that gives the customer confidence in the result. QA in the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory takes the reader through all aspects of QA, from the statistical basics and quality control tools to becoming accredited to international standards. The latest understanding of concepts such as measurement uncertainty and metrological traceability are explained for a working chemist or her client. How to design experiments to optimize an analytical process is included, together with the necessary statistics to analyze the results. All numerical manipulation and examples are given as Microsoft Excel spreadsheets that can be implemented on any personal computer. Different kinds of interlaboratory studies are explained, and how a laboratory is judged in proficiency testing schemes is described. Accreditation to ISO 17025 or OECD GLP is nearly obligatory for laboratories of any pretension to quality. Here the reader will find an introduction to the requirements and philosophy of accreditation. Whether completing a degree course in chemistry or working in a busy analytical laboratory, this book is a single source for an introduction into quality assurance.

Fit-for-purpose is a phrase familiar to all users of analytical data, who need to be assured that data provided by laboratories is both appropriate and of the required quality. Quality in the Food Analysis Laboratory surveys the procedures that a food analysis laboratory must consider to meet such requirements. The need to introduce quality assurance, the different quality models that are available and the legislative requirements are considered. Specific aspects of laboratory practice and particular areas of accreditation which may cause problems for analytical laboratories are also discussed. Covering for the first time those areas of direct importance to food analysis laboratories, this unique book will serve as an aid to those laboratories when introducing new measures and justifying those chosen.

knowledge. This material provided has been collected from different sources. One important source is the material available from EURACHEM. Eurachem is a network of organisations in Europe having the objective of establishing a system for the international tra- ability of chemical measurements and the promotion of good quality practices. It provides a forum for the discussion of common problems and for developing an informed and considered approach to both technical and policy issues. It provides a focus for analytical chemistry and quality related issues in Europe. You can find more information about EURACHEM on the internet via “Eurachem –A Focus for Analytical Chemistry in Europe” (http://www.eurachem.org). In particular the site Guides and Documents contains a number of different guides, which might help you to set up a quality system in your laboratory. The importance of quality assurance in analytical chemistry can best be described by the triangles depicted in Figs. 1 and 2. Quality is checked by testing and testing guaranties good quality. Both contribute to progress in QA (product control and quality) and thus to establishing a market share. Market success depends on quality, price, and flexibility. All three of them are interconnected. Before you can analyse anything the sample must be taken by someone. This must be of major concern to any analytical chemist. There is no accurate analysis wi- out proper sampling. For correct sampling you need a clear problem definition. There is no correct sampling without a clear problem definition

First printed in 1978, this latest edition takes into account the expansion of new analytical procedures and at the same time the diversity of the techniques and the quality and performance characteristics of the procedures. This new volume will be an indispensable reference resource for the coming decade, revising and updating additional accepted terminology.

Analytical chemical results touch everyone's lives: Can we eat the food? Do I have a disease? Did the defendant leave his DNA at the crime scene? Should I invest in that gold mine? When a chemist measures something, how do we know that the result is appropriate? What is "fit for purpose" in the context of analytical chemistry? Quality Assurance for the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory explains the practices that chemistry laboratories adopt so that we all can have confidence in the answers to these questions.