Internal and External Quality Control Schemes in Analytical Chemistry Laboratories

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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION1

PURPOSE OF THE THESIS1

QUALITY CONTROL SCHEME IN THE ANALYTICAL LABORATORIES1

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL3

EXTERNAL ROUND ROBINS4

INTERNAL ROUND ROBINS5

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL STANDARD VERIFICATION6

CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIALS8

INTERNAL QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAM8

QUALITY CONTROL CHARTS IN ANALYTICAL LABORATORIES10

ISO 1702512

CONCLUSION13

FURTHER RESEARCH14

REFERENCES15

Internal and External Quality Control Schemes in Analytical Chemistry Laboratories

Introduction

The issue of quality assurance in the analytical chemistry laboratory has become of great importance in recent years. Quality in the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory introduces the reader to the whole concept of quality assurance. It discusses how all aspects of chemical analysis, from sampling and method selection to choice of equipment and the taking and reporting of measurements affect the quality of analytical data. (Graham, 2009) Finally, the implementation and use of quality systems are covered.

Purpose of the Thesis

The purpose of this short thesis is to explore the schemes of internal and external quality control aspects in analytical chemistry laboratories.

Quality Control Scheme in the Analytical Laboratories

Quality assurance (QA) refers to the full range of practices employed to ensure that laboratory results are reliable. The term encompasses internal and external quality control, but these specific aspects of AQA will be covered later(Leyland, 2010). Quality assurance may be defined as the system of documenting and cross referencing the management procedures of the laboratory. Its objective is to have clear and concise records of all procedures which may have a bearing on the quality of data, so that those procedures may be monitored with a view to ensuring that quality is maintained(Pocklington, 2009). Quality assurance achieves these objectives by establishing protocols and quality criteria for all aspects of laboratory work, and provides a framework within which internal quality control (IQC) and external quality control (EQC) programmes can be effective. It is primarily a management system, and as such is analyte-independent, because it deals with the overall running of the laboratory rather than focusing on individual analyses. (Foster, 2009)

One of the most important components of the quality assurance programme in a laboratory are the comprehensive management documents which should describe, in detail, the management structure of the laboratory. Management documents should specify the role of quality assurance within the laboratory and clearly define who is responsible for each area and activity.

It is important that all staff are adequately trained for the task they have to perform. Training must be documented in order that management and other personnel can verify that staff are competent to conduct the duties required of them.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) provide the core of most of the day to day running of any quality assurance programme. They are the documents describing in detail every procedure conducted by the laboratory. This includes sampling, transportation, analysis, use of equipment, quality control, calibration, production of reports, etc.

Resources are required for regular laboratory work as well as for the additional workload associated with quality assurance. It is essential that these resources, i.e. space, staff, equipment and supplies, are sufficient for the volume of work to be ...