Why Analytical Work is Required

Measurements affect the daily lives of every citizen. Sound, accurate and reliable measurements, be they physical, chemical or biological, are essential to the functioning of modern society. For these reasons, advanced nations spend up to 6% of their Gross National Product (GNP) on measurements and measurement-related operations. 

Informed debate and decisions on such important matters as the depletion of the ozone layer, acid rain and the quality of waterways all depend on the data provided by analytical chemists. Forensic evidence also often depends on chemical measurements. National and international trade are critically dependent on analytical results. Chemical composition is often the basis for the definition of the nature of goods and tariff classification. In all of these areas not only is it important to get the right answer but it is essential that the user of the results is confident and assured that the data are truly representative of the sample and that the results are defendable, traceable and mutually acceptable by all laboratories. 

The role of the analytical chemist has not changed since the time analysts discovered that naturally occurring products were composite materials. For example, 

Quality Assurance in Analytical Chemistry E. Prichard and V. Barwick 2007 LGC Limited 

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