First protocol revision

There are some guidelines on the requirements for proficiency testing schemes. The most important is the new ISO/IEC 17043 Conformity assessment - General requirements for proficiency testing . It describes the development and operation of a PT scheme with all quality management requirements related to that. The first version of the International Harmonized Protocol for the Proficiency Testing of (Chemical) Analytical Laboratories was a result of a joint workshop of lUPAC, ISO and AOAC and was published in 1993. A 2nd, revised version was published in 2006. This protocol also sets out the requirements for the provider and for the PT scheme itself. 

When a new SOP is to be written or when an outdated one is to be revised, some very important protocols must be considered. First, the scientists who will be conducting the work must be involved. They are most familiar with the laboratory facilities and equipment and can most likely provide very useful input. Second, a standard format must be followed so that all SOPs look alike and provide information the company employees and laboratory auditors expect. The format typically includes a document number, a descriptive title, a revision number, an effective date, a statement of purpose, a statement of scope, the procedure itself, references (such as the... 

Validation protocols are required to describe the objective, methodology, and acceptance criteria for installation, operational, and performance qualifications. They are written to ensure test methods, and acceptance criteria are reviewed and approved before qualification of protocols. In practical terms, there are several stages for the production of protocols. First, an acceptable format needs to be agreed. No universal format exists for protocols, but to some extent, the type of equipment, the size of the project, and the personal preferences will dictate the protocol style. However, some norms have been established. Like other controlled documents, protocols are assigned unique reference numbers and revision numbers. They are titled and numbered on every page and have a particular place for approval signatures. Other common elements in protocols tend to be brief descriptions of the item being qualified and a clear statement of responsibilities. 

Another interesting point about AppleTalk is that it s fairly simple. Most Macintosh computers already include AppleTalk, so it is relatively inexpensive. It will assign itself an address. In its first revision (Phase I), it allowed a maximum of 32 devices on a network. With its second revision (Phase II), it supports faster speeds and multiple networks with EtherTalk and TokenTalk. EtherTalk allows AppleTalk network protocols to run on Ethernet coaxial cable (used for Mac II and above). TokenTalk allows the AppleTalk protocol to run on a Token Ring network. 

In recommending assays, the existence of an internationally standardised protocol is an important factor for the credibility of a given test. Coupled to this, however, is the recognition that there can be a considerable time delay before standardisation is attained and in any case current standard tests have not been fully developed for contaminated soil assessment. Even when tests become standardised, developments do not cease and methods can change on the basis of improved knowledge. For example, a revision of the OECD terrestrial plant growth test (OECD, 2000) first published in 1984 (OECD, 1984) has been... 

The second date corresponds to a first revision ofthe protocol, which must be done, at least, every five years. GC gas chromatography, MS Mass Spectrometry, ESR electron spin resonance, TL Thermoluminescence. 

The first standard to be published by the JCAMP organization was that for IR spectroscopy. The final published protocol had gone through many revisions with the instrument... 

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