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8 Analytical Chemistry and Quality
• Planning the Seminar
• Definition of standard. Types of standards: generic and specific.
• Comment on the framework nature of ISO 9000 standards.
• Comment on EN-45000 in direct relation to laboratory quality.
• Comment on GLPs and the official publications through which they are
issued.
• Discuss:
- The significance of the regulatory framework.
Compulsoriness: voluntary and "forced" compliance.
Difficulties encountered in directly applying this regulatory framework
to chemical metrology.
Advantages and disadvantages of the regulatory framework in relation
to analytical quality.
Difference between "accreditation" and other processes such as "certification" and "homologation".
Seminar 8.3
Discussing the Results of a Proficiency Test
• Learning objective
• To encourage students to take part in a simulated proficiency test.
• To emphasize the significance of interlaboratory exercises in general, and
proficiency testing in particular, with a view to improving analytical
quality.
• Literature
• "Proficiency Testing in Analytical Chemistry", R.E. Lawn, M. Thompson
and R. F. Walker, Royal Society of Chemistry, London, 1997.
• ISO Guide 43 (1984): "Development and Operation of Laboratory
Proficiency Testing".
• General discussion
Comment on the following aspects:
(1) Credibility of the sponsor.
(2) Preparation and characteristics of the material.
(3) Participation: instructions, submitting the material, using one or several
methods, delivery of results, costs, etc.
(4) Processing the results: indicators used.
(5) Conclusions: qualification and ranking oflaboratories.
(6) Continuity: performance indicators.
(7) Advantages and disadvantages of proficiency testing.
• Practical approach
Thirty laboratories took part in a proficiency test organized by a non-profit
excellence laboratory. Participants were supplied with a food sample with a fat
8 Analytical Chemistry and Quality
• Planning the Seminar
• Definition of standard. Types of standards: generic and specific.
• Comment on the framework nature of ISO 9000 standards.
• Comment on EN-45000 in direct relation to laboratory quality.
• Comment on GLPs and the official publications through which they are
issued.
• Discuss:
- The significance of the regulatory framework.
Compulsoriness: voluntary and "forced" compliance.
Difficulties encountered in directly applying this regulatory framework
to chemical metrology.
Advantages and disadvantages of the regulatory framework in relation
to analytical quality.
Difference between "accreditation" and other processes such as "certification" and "homologation".
Seminar 8.3
Discussing the Results of a Proficiency Test
• Learning objective
• To encourage students to take part in a simulated proficiency test.
• To emphasize the significance of interlaboratory exercises in general, and
proficiency testing in particular, with a view to improving analytical
quality.
• Literature
• "Proficiency Testing in Analytical Chemistry", R.E. Lawn, M. Thompson
and R. F. Walker, Royal Society of Chemistry, London, 1997.
• ISO Guide 43 (1984): "Development and Operation of Laboratory
Proficiency Testing".
• General discussion
Comment on the following aspects:
(1) Credibility of the sponsor.
(2) Preparation and characteristics of the material.
(3) Participation: instructions, submitting the material, using one or several
methods, delivery of results, costs, etc.
(4) Processing the results: indicators used.
(5) Conclusions: qualification and ranking oflaboratories.
(6) Continuity: performance indicators.
(7) Advantages and disadvantages of proficiency testing.
• Practical approach
Thirty laboratories took part in a proficiency test organized by a non-profit
excellence laboratory. Participants were supplied with a food sample with a fat