The definition of Quality applied to Analytical Laboratories

In the case of a laboratory providing analytical results, quality can be understood as the degree of compliance to the requirements of the customers. Therefore, the customer shall be requested to be specific in regard to:

• what type of material has been brought for analysis?

  The type of material (sample matrix) will allow to define the type of interferences that can be expected, the expected detection limits (since there will be more or less attenuation/scatter/enhancement effects), the availability of calibration or not, among other figures of performance.



• which elements need to be analyzed?

  The list of required elements will address the analyst into the selection of proper excitation/measurement conditions.



• what is the expected concentration/weight fraction of the elements in the sample?

  The stated concentration/weight fraction allows to select a method with sufficient sensitivity and detection limits.



• what is the expected uncertainty for the results?

  One of the main figures to define the fitness of a given method for the purpose the results are expected.