Quality control analytical standards

The accuracy of an analysis can be determined by several procedures. One common method is to analyze a known sample, such as a standard solution or a quality control check standard solution that may be available commercially, or a laboratory-prepared standard solution made from a neat compound, and to compare the test results with the true values (values expected theoretically). Such samples must be subjected to all analytical steps, including sample extraction, digestion, or concentration, similar to regular samples. Alternatively, accuracy may be estimated from the recovery of a known standard solution spiked or added into the sample in which a known amount of the same substance that is to be tested is added to an aliquot of the sample, usually as a solution, prior to the analysis. The concentration of the analyte in the spiked solution of the sample is then measured. The percent spike recovery is then calculated. A correction for the bias in the analytical procedure can then be made, based on the percent spike recovery. However, in most routine analysis such bias correction is not required. Percent spike recovery may then be calculated as follows ... 

The laboratories have a quality manager and quality section. The quahty section prepares all of the analytical quality control (AQC) standards for the laboratories, including spiked and duplicate samples. The quality section is a separate laboratory with a separate supply of deionized water, glassware, balances and chemicals. The latter, wherever possible, are purchased from a different source to those for the analytical sections. These actions ensure a more independent approach to quality control. 

If any individual P falls outside the designated range for recovery, that parameter has failed the acceptance criteria. When this situation occurs, a quality control check standard containing each parameter that failed the criteria must be analyzed independent of the matrix, that is, spiked reagent water, to demonstrate that the laboratory is operating in control. If this second test is failed, the sample results for those parameters are judged to be out of control, and the problem must be immediately identified and corrected. The analytical results for those parameters in the unspiked sample are suspect and may not be reported for regulatory purposes. 

The Reliability of Measurements. The Analysis of Data. The Application of Statistical Tests. Limits of Detection. Quality Control Charts. Standardization of Analytical Methods. 

The reliability of measurements. The arrptysis of data. The application of statistical tests. Limits of detection. Quality control charts. Standardization of analytical methods. Chcmometrics. 

After more than two decades, advances in IHC have provided a feasible approach to performing immunostain-ing on routinely processed tissues, such that this method is now routine for the performance of IHC special stains in surgical pathology laboratories using EEPE tissues (see Appendix lA). However, demands for improved reproducibility and for quantification have led to a growing recognition that IHC has the potential to be more than just a special stain. If properly controlled in all aspects of its performance, IHC can provide a tissue-based immunoassay with the reproducibility and quantitative characteristics of an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test, which not only detects the presence of an analyte (protein or antigen) but also provides an accurate and reliable measure of its relative or real amount (see Quality Control and Standardization section). 

See alsa Carbohydrates Starch. Derivatization of Analytes. Extraction Solvent Extraction Principles. Fluorescence Food Applications. Gas Chromatography High-Temperature Techniques. Lipids Fatty Acids Polar Lipids. Liquid Chromatography Food Applications. Mass Spectrometry Food Applications. Quality Assurance Quality Control Internal Standards. Sample Handling Comminution of Samples. Sampling Theory. 

The method was validated in accordance to the guidelines of the international conference on harmonization (ICH). Data with respect to accuracy, within- and between run precision, recovery, detection and quantitation limits were reported and found to be within the accepted international criteria. Neither endogeneous substances nor the commonly used dmgs were found to interfere with the retention times of the analytes. Standard solutions of the dmg and quality control preparations at high and low level concentrations were demonstrated to be stable at room temperature and/or -20°C for long and short periods of time. 

The analysis was performed by XRF method with SR. SRXRF is an instrumental, multielemental, non-destructive analytical method using synchrotron radiation as primary excitation source. The fluorescence radiation was measured on the XRF beam-line of VEPP-3 (E=2 GeV, 1=100 mA), Institute of Nuclear Physics, Novosibirsk, Russia. For quality control were used international reference standards. 

The quality control of galvanic anodes is reduced mainly to the analytical control of the chemical composition of the alloy, to the quality and coating of the support, to an adequate joint between support and anode material, as well as to restricting the weight and size of the anode. The standards in Refs. 6, 7, 22, 27, 31 refer to magnesium and zinc anodes. Corresponding specifications for aluminum anodes do not exist. In addition, the lowest values of the rest potentials are also given [16]. The analytical data represent the minimum requirements, which are usually exceeded. 

Wegscheider, W., Standardization, Quality Control and Education in Analytical Chemistry, Fresenius J. Anal. Chem. 349, 1994, 784—793. 

Particularly for direct microanalytical techniques using <10 mg of sample for analysis, it is highly desirable to obtain quantitative information on element- and compound-specific homogeneity in the certificates for validation and quality control of measurements. As the mean concentration in a CRM is clearly material-related, the standard deviation of this mean value should represent the element s distribution in this matrix rather than differences in the analytical procedures used. 

Fresh oxamyl standards were prepared for each fortification event. Concentrations of 50 and 400 qg mL analytical-grade oxamyl were prepared in a 20% acetonitrile-80% FIPLC-grade water solution. The solutions were tranferred in 1-mL aliquots into uniquely identified vials so that each vial contained the correct volume of oxamyl standard to fortify one quality control sample. The vials were shipped as needed during the course of the study to each field site. 

Brandt [200] has extracted tri(nonylphenyl) phosphite (TNPP) from a styrene-butadiene polymer using iso-octane. Brown [211] has reported US extraction of acrylic acid monomer from polyacrylates. Ultrasonication was also shown to be a fast and efficient extraction method for organophosphate ester flame retardants and plasticisers [212]. Greenpeace [213] has recently reported the concentration of phthalate esters in 72 toys (mostly made in China) using shaking and sonication extraction methods. Extraction and analytical procedures were carefully quality controlled. QC procedures and acceptance criteria were based on USEPA method 606 for the analysis of phthalates in water samples [214]. Extraction efficiency was tested by spiking blank matrix and by standard addition to phthalate-containing samples. For removal of fatty acids from the surface of EVA pellets a lmin ultrasonic bath treatment in isopropanol is sufficient [215]. It has been noticed that the experimental ultrasonic extraction conditions are often ill defined and do not allow independent verification. 

The establishment of performance criteria for a given tumor marker test is not a simple process because accuracy and precision are unique for each type of analyte and its application. Establishing methodological limits for accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and specificity often requires standard reference materials, quality control materials, comparative studies, and actual clinical specimens. Accuracy and precision must be measured over the analyte reportable range for which the device is intended to be used. Sensitivity and specificity must be considered with respect to the intended clinical use of the device. Also, the indications for use should be carefully considered in the design of the study protocol. The indications for class II should be to monitor residual tumor after surgery (or radiation), the recurrence of tumor, or response to therapy. A 510(k) must provide clear evidence that the device is accurate, safe, effective, and substantially equivalent to a device legally marketed in the United States. 

With respect to method application, once validation has been satisfactorily completed, there is little question that use of the analytical method in worker safety and re-entry studies falls under the full requirements of the GLP Standards. In addition, there should be an adequate level of quality control measurements taken in conjunction with the specimens so as to provide for a meaningful assessment of accuracy and precision, as well as verification of freedom from artifactual interferences. Along with these measurements there needs to be reasonably rigid data acceptance criteria in place (usually established during validation) which are consistently applied during the course of the specimen analytical phase of the study. 

Aspila et al. [338] reported the results of an interlaboratory quality control study in five laboratories on the electron capture gas chromatographic determination of ten chlorinated insecticides in standards and spiked and unspiked seawater samples (lindane, heptachlor, aldrin, 5-chlordane, a-chlordane, dield-rin, endrin, p, p -DDT, methoxychlor, and mirex). The methods of analyses used by these workers were not discussed, although it is mentioned that the methods were quite similar to those described in the water quality Branch Analytical Methods Manual [339]. Both hexane and benzene were used for the initial extraction of the water samples. 

This is the simplest type of control chart. It is typically used to monitor day-to-day variation of an analytical process. It does so by monitoring the variation of a quality control (QC) sample or standard when measured by the process. Measurement value is plotted on the v-axis against time or successive measurement on the x-axis. The measurement value on the v-axis may be expressed as an absolute value or as the difference from the target value. The QC sample is a sample typical of the samples usually measured by the analytical process,... 

Once analytical results have been produced, invariably a certain amount of manipulation is necessary to translate the results into information that can be understood by the customer. The reporting analyst may have to sort and process a large and varied amount of information in order to produce a small number of final answers. Data from standards may be used to produce calibration curves or calibrate instrument response. Results from quality control samples will have been plotted on charts to ensure that the system was working satisfactorily at the time the measurements were made. Sample data will be quantified by comparison with the standards and suitable corrections made. Then, checks may be made to confirm the results by examining the answers to look for any obvious wrong data. It is... 

Snow, especially its water-soluble fraction, is one of the most sensitive and informative indicators of mass-transfer in the chain air - soil - drinking water. Therefore analytical data on snow-melt samples were selected for inter-laboratory quality control. Inter-laboratory verification of analytical results estimated in all the groups have shown that relative standard errors for the concentrations of all the determined elements do not exceed (5-15)% in the concentration range 0.01 - 10000 microg/1, which is consistent with the metrological characteristics of the methods employed. All analytical data collected by different groups of analysts were tested for reliability and... 

The ability to provide accurate and reliable data is central to the role of analytical chemists, not only in areas like the development and manufacture of drugs, food control or drinking water analysis, but also in the field of environmental chemistry, where there is an increasing need for certified laboratories (ISO 9000 standards). The quality of analytical data is a key factor in successfully identifying and monitoring contamination of environmental compartments. In this context, a large collection of methods applied to the routine analysis of prime environmental pollutants has been developed and validated, and adapted in nationally or internationally harmonised protocols (DIN, EPA). Information on method performance generally provides data on specificity, accuracy, precision (repeatability and reproducibility), limit of detection, sensitivity, applicability and practicability, as appropriate. 

By using the combination of specific method accreditation and generic accreditation it will be possible for laboratories to be accredited for all the analyses of which they are capable and competent to undertake. Method performance validation data demonstrating that the method was fit-for-purpose shall be demonstrated before the test result is released and method performance shall be monitored by on-going quality-control techniques where applicable. It will be necessary for laboratories to be able to demonstrate quality-control procedures to ensure compliance with the EN 45001 Standard,3 an example of which would be compliance with the ISO/AOAC/IUPAC Guidelines on Internal Quality Control in Analytical Chemistry Laboratories.12... 

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