Author
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Wolf, Wayne |
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Submitted to: Pittsburgh Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 5/10/1996 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Although a formal position on traceability has not been developed, AOAC INTERNATIONAL has expressed a strong support of this concept via the format of its Technical Division on Reference Materials(TDRM). The AOAC mission statement has been expanded from promotion of method validation to also include promotion of quality measurements in the analytical sciences. This arose from needs to obtain accuracy statements in application of AOAC Offi Methods of Analysis. The AOAC collaborative study process embodies the traditional analytical approach which focuses on agreement of results using prescribed procedure. From a metrology viewpoint, agreement on content of desired measurand in a common sample by a variety of procedures gives confidence of the true value. This common sample can then be used as a reference material to assess the practice of other analysts to make similar determinations. If these common samples are nationally or internationally recognized standards, they constitute the means for traceability. The real impact on improving analytical measurements is to focus not only on the procedures detailing how the measurements are made, but also on the quality the practice of these procedures. Practicing our profession as analysts, w proudly detail the AOAC or other standard procedure utilized. Do we also always adequately examine our practice of that procedure? Performance of a method is the proper practice of validated prescriptive procedures. We all know the importance of the role of reference materials as an important part Quality Control. The activities of the TDRM to promote availability of thes reference materials provides a practical focal point for analytical measurement traceability. |
