Protocol, method validation qualitative analysis

The preparation and execution should follow a validation protocol, in which the scope of the method and its validation criteria should first be defined (46). The scope of the analytical method should be clearly understood since this will govern the validation characteristics that need to be evaluated. For example, if the method is to be used for qualitative trace residue analysis, there is no need to examine and validate its linearity over the full dynamic range of the equipment. The scope of the method should also include the different types of equipment and the locations where the method will be run. In this way, experiments can be limited to what is really necessary. For example, if the method is intended for use in one specific laboratory, there is no need to include other laboratories and different equipment in the validation experiments. 

As an analytical approach to residue analysis, immunoassay methods are not well characterized, and no validation protocols have been established. The Association of Official Analytical Chemists, whose primary purpose is validation of analytical methods, established a Task Force on Test Kits and Proprietary Methods (2), which has addressed some of the issues relating to immunoassay methods. The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry s Commission on Food Chemistry has established a Working Group on Immunochemical Methods, whose first project is to develop draft guidelines on criteria for evaluation, validation, and quality control for r o-immunoassay methods (10). Similar guidelines for EIAs will also be developed. These documents will assist in development and standardization of requirements for precision for both between-laboratories and within-laboratory andyses, accuracy, and ruggedness, and— for qualitative methods— false positive and false negative rates. 

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