Need for Method Performance Evaluation

The harmonization of measurements and technical specifications is a continuous process, and is achieved either by means of Community Directives or the establishment of European Norms. However, this does not solve all the problems. Indeed, the measurements and analyses required for the implemen- 

Quality issues related to analytical measurements have been described in full detail in several books [1-3] and highlighted several principles, e.g. validation of methods, quality assurance protocols incorporating the use of CRMs, independent assessment of method performance by participation in proficiency testing schemes, and accreditation. Method performance studies also represent a very important aspect to evaluate the state-of-the-art of a particular type of analysis at the development stage e.g. for testing the applicability of a standard method) or to improve the quality of measurements, e.g. prior to the certification of reference materials. 

In order to eliminate disputes arising from doubtful measurements, the Commission of the European Communities established the Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) about 25 years ago to encourage and support technical collaboration between the laboratories of EC Member States. In this way, the Community helped laboratories in the Member States to provide accurate and reliable measurements in those sectors which are vital to the Community as a whole trade, agriculture, food, industrial products, environment, health and consumer protection [4]. 

This collaborative effort on measurements was substantially increased within the second Framework Programme (Applied Metrology and Chemical Analysis, 1987-1992). It was likely to expand since the Community had embarked on an ambitious programme to unify its internal market. Major efforts were indeed required to harmonize a wider range of technical standards and measurements throughout the Community so that companies could be sure they were competing on equal terms in each Member State. In this context, it became essential that the accuracy of results be proven wherever the measurements or analyses were performed. The establishment of laboratory networks was a successful tool for the improvement of the quality of a wide variety of measurements performed in Europe. In turn, these collaborative efforts facilitated European cohesion. 

To pursue this action within the Third Framework Programme (1990-1994), the European Community has implemented the Measurements and Testing programme which, by addressing the issues highlighted above, aimed to contribute to the harmonization and improvement of methods of measurement and analysis when these methods were not sufficiently accurate and labora- 

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