334
8 Analytical Chemistry and Quality
Proficiency testing ensures quality of results as long as the sponsor is competent, creditable and completely independent of the participating laboratories.
In addition, the interested laboratory should take part in the interlaboratory
tests involved on a regular basis (one or twice a year), and preferably in the types
of analysis it routinely performs.
Box 8.12 summarizes the performance of a proficiency test and the indicators
used to assess its results.
Some authors and experts in Analytical Chemistry compare global assessment based on a CRM with participation in proficiency tests as the result
(and its uncertainty) is compared with the certified value, which is also obtained
in an interlaboratory study.
8.7 Supports of Analytical Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance activities in the laboratory make no sense unless they are supported by management and a consequence of the hierarchical cascade of Fig. 8.4.
In addition, they should be wilfully accepted by the laboratory staff concerned,
which should view quality systems not as an additional burden but as a means of
working under excellence conditions. The mere willingness of those involved is
not enough, however. In fact, the laboratory should be equipped with appropriate technical means and its staff trained to work in the new manner. This
rests on various types of supports that are indispensable with a view to instituting Quality Assurance.
Thus, a quality system under exclusively human control is inconceivable.
Computers play a crucial role in the institution of Quality Assurance. Some
manufacturers - not necessarily connected with analytical equipment - sell
computer software for this purpose. As a rule, the software must be adapted to
the characteristics of the laboratory concerned, so Quality Assurance has to be
implemented in a gradual manner.
The word Qualimetrics encompasses the triple interface among three subjects of a highly topical interest to the analytical laboratory: Computers,
Chemometrics and Quality. In simple terms, Qualimetrics can be defined as the
role that Chemometrics plays or can play in the establishment of Quality Assurance with the support of Computers. Note that this new concept affects two
essential aspects, namely: (a) analytical information proper and (b) the optimization of analytical processes and quality systems.
All chemometric activities have analytical quality as their target. Qualimetrics focuses on those specific aspects of Chemometrics related to the institution of Quality Assurance in a laboratory that may enhance the quality of
the information provided via suitable treatment of primary data and analytical
results. Qualimetrics thus shares Chemometrics' primary aim of enhancing the
analytical information obtained. One facet of Qualimetrics is the computerassisted validation of analytical methods with a view to unequivocally
establishing their accuracy, precision, sensitivity, selectivity, concentration
8 Analytical Chemistry and Quality
Proficiency testing ensures quality of results as long as the sponsor is competent, creditable and completely independent of the participating laboratories.
In addition, the interested laboratory should take part in the interlaboratory
tests involved on a regular basis (one or twice a year), and preferably in the types
of analysis it routinely performs.
Box 8.12 summarizes the performance of a proficiency test and the indicators
used to assess its results.
Some authors and experts in Analytical Chemistry compare global assessment based on a CRM with participation in proficiency tests as the result
(and its uncertainty) is compared with the certified value, which is also obtained
in an interlaboratory study.
8.7 Supports of Analytical Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance activities in the laboratory make no sense unless they are supported by management and a consequence of the hierarchical cascade of Fig. 8.4.
In addition, they should be wilfully accepted by the laboratory staff concerned,
which should view quality systems not as an additional burden but as a means of
working under excellence conditions. The mere willingness of those involved is
not enough, however. In fact, the laboratory should be equipped with appropriate technical means and its staff trained to work in the new manner. This
rests on various types of supports that are indispensable with a view to instituting Quality Assurance.
Thus, a quality system under exclusively human control is inconceivable.
Computers play a crucial role in the institution of Quality Assurance. Some
manufacturers - not necessarily connected with analytical equipment - sell
computer software for this purpose. As a rule, the software must be adapted to
the characteristics of the laboratory concerned, so Quality Assurance has to be
implemented in a gradual manner.
The word Qualimetrics encompasses the triple interface among three subjects of a highly topical interest to the analytical laboratory: Computers,
Chemometrics and Quality. In simple terms, Qualimetrics can be defined as the
role that Chemometrics plays or can play in the establishment of Quality Assurance with the support of Computers. Note that this new concept affects two
essential aspects, namely: (a) analytical information proper and (b) the optimization of analytical processes and quality systems.
All chemometric activities have analytical quality as their target. Qualimetrics focuses on those specific aspects of Chemometrics related to the institution of Quality Assurance in a laboratory that may enhance the quality of
the information provided via suitable treatment of primary data and analytical
results. Qualimetrics thus shares Chemometrics' primary aim of enhancing the
analytical information obtained. One facet of Qualimetrics is the computerassisted validation of analytical methods with a view to unequivocally
establishing their accuracy, precision, sensitivity, selectivity, concentration