Quality Assurance in Analytical Chemistry

The application of Quality Assurance (QA) techniques has led to major improvements in the quality of many products and services. Fortunately these techniques have been well documented in the form of guides and standards and nowhere more so than in the area of measurement and testing, particularly chemical analysis. Training of analysts and potential analysts in quality assurance techniques is a major task for universities and industrial and government laboratories. Re-training is also necessary since the quest for improvements in quality seems to be never ending. The purpose of this book is to provide training material in the convenient form of PowerPoint slides with notes giving further details on the contents of the slides. Experts in the relevant topic, who have direct experience of lecturing on or utilising its contents, have written each chapter. Almost every aspect of QA is covered from basic fundamentals such as statistics, uncertainty and traceability, which are applicable to all types of measurement, through specific guidance on method validation, use of reference materials and control charts. These are all set in the context of total quality management, certification and accreditation. Each chapter is intended to be self-contained and inevitably this leads to some duplication and cross-references are given if there is more detailed treatment in other chapters.

From the reviews:

"This textbook is part of the EURACHEM initiative aiming at promoting best laboratory practices … . On the way for high quality measurements there are external quality assurance (QA) requirements on the quality management system … and external QA measures (e.g., interlaboratory tests). This book covers all these topics … in a form that can be used for training, teaching and continuing studies. … The book will serve as an advanced textbook for analytical chemistry students … and excellent source of course materials for lecturers." (International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, 2005)

"This book is aimed to give a help to get started, because it provides basic information in all fields that are of interest for quality assurance in chemical measurement regarding management as well as technical requirements. It is also very valuable for all those leaving the university to get ready for the job interview … . This practical guidebook is highly recommended to managers and experienced staff in industry, and service laboratories, advanced students in analytical chemistry … professionals, quality and proficiency testing consultants." (Advances in Food Science - AFS, Vol. 26 (2), 2004)

"The book’s topic Quality assurance (QA) in analytical chemistry is a focus of the activities of many laboratories in industry and research institutions. … provides a good introduction to many aspects of QA and a comprehensive overview of the capabilities of quality promoting tools. … This book can be recommended to scientists, technical personnel and students … . the book is particularly useful for teachers. For the staff of an analytical laboratory, it is a mine of information, inspiration and practical advice." (A. Zschunke, Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Vol. 381, 2005)

"This advanced EURACHEM textbook is designed for training, teaching and continuing studies providing an in-depth buteasy to understand coverage of Quality Assurance in Chemical Measurement. The CD-ROM accompanying the book contains course materials of ten experienced specialists in the field … . It is the aim of this book to give a help to get started. … It is also very valuable for all those leaving the university, before they seek their first employment and to get ready for the job interview." (Metrohm–Information, Vol. 34 (1), 2005)

"This book takes a novel … approach to presenting a topic as potentially difficult as QA. The book is based on about 700 PowerPoint slides and all are presented in hardcopy printout form. … There is often a good sequence of slides that presents enough information … . this book has a place on the shelf of most analytical labs who operate under appropriate QA regulations, or who have NATA registration. The CD will certainly be a useful resource … ." (P. Marriott, Chemistry in Australia, June, 2004)

"This book is addressed to laboratory analysts (experts and invoices) and their trainers or teachers. Each book chapter is written by an expert in the corresponding field. The accompanying CD contains more than 700 Power Point slides, ready for use as training tools … . In addition, the accompanying CD might be a very useful tool for trainers. … The book and CD together contain sufficient material for at least a one-week QA training course." (Andreas Roth, Quality Assurance Journal, Vol. 8 (3), 2004)

"The application of quality assurance techniques has lead to major improvements in many products and services. This advanced textbook is designed for training of analysts and potential analysts in these techniques. … Each chapter has been written by experts in the field, who have direct experience of lecturing on or utilising the techniques. … The accompanying CD contains over 700 PowerPoint slides, which can be used for presentations." (LabPlus International, Vol. 18 (1), 2004)

M. Koch: Basic Statistics.- B. Wenclawiak: Glossary of Analytical Chemistry Terms (GAT).- B. Wenclawiak: Fit for Purpose - A customers view.- R. Kraus: Accreditation - ISO/IEC 17025.- E. Hadjicostas: ISO 9000: 2000 Quality Management System.- M. Valcarcel: Accreditation or Certification for Laboratories?- E. Hadjicostas: Good Laboratory Practice.- E. Hadjicostas: Total Quality Management and Cost of Quality.- M. Koch: Quality Manual.- M. Koch: Basic Statistics.- R. Kraus: Calibration and Detection Limits.- I. Papadakis: Metrology in Chemistry and Traceability of Analytical Measurement Results.- E. Hadjicostas: Validation of Analytical Methods.- A. Williams: Measurement Uncertainty.- M. Koch: Control Charts.- I. Papadakis: (Certified) Reference Materials.- M. Koch: Interlaboratory Tests.