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8 Analytical Chemistry and Quality
Fig. 8.7. General scheme of
Quality Assurance activities
in the context of Analytical
Chemistry. For details, see text
Quality Assurance activities are cyclical in nature and have three time landmarks, namely: before, during and after the analytical process (see Fig. 8.8).
Quality Control is performed before and during the analytical process, whereas
Quality Assessment is done during and after it. Corrective actions are instituted
a posteriori and lead to renewal or changes in control activities. All these activities are planned or designed at the beginning and subject to documenting and
archiving operations; specific actions are also taken in between the two time
extremes.
In practice, the quality systems applied to the analytical laboratory can be
approached in different manners the most important of which are adherence to
standards and compliance with legislation. Figure 8.9 shows the primary frameQUALITY CONTROL
QUALITY
ASSURANCE
ACTIVITIES
Fig. S.S. Cyclic approach to the planning of Quality Assurance activities based on the course
of the analytical process in the laboratory as the time framework