Fit-for-purpose is a phrase familiar to all users of analytical data, who need to be assured that data provided by laboratories is both appropriate and of the required quality. Quality in the Food Analysis Laboratory surveys the procedures that a food analysis laboratory must consider to meet such requirements. The need to introduce quality assurance, the different quality models that are available and the legislative requirements are considered. Specific aspects of laboratory practice and particular areas of accreditation which may cause problems for analytical laboratories are also discussed. Covering for the first time those areas of direct importance to food analysis laboratories, this unique book will serve as an aid to those laboratories when introducing new measures and justifying those chosen.

The new edition of this widely-used sourcebook details the startlingly array of diagnostic equipment available in the medical laboratory of the nineties, and also covers maintenance and quality assurance for each type of instrument. This book includes 17 completely rewritten chapters and 7 new ones, on nephelometry and turbidimetry, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, automated immunoassay systems, automated blood bank systems, and physician's office laboratory instrumentation.

The second edition of the popular Chromatographic Integration Methods has been completely revised and updated. Written by an expert with many years' experience with two of the world's largest manufacturers of computing integrators, it has been expanded to include a new section on validation of integrators in response to regulatory requirements for quality and validation. A new literature survey, additional diagrams and Author Index have also been added.

Well illustrated and easily read, this is an excellent source book for those who wish to increase their understanding of integrators. Chromatographic Integration Methods describes and discusses both manual and electronic techniques used, with the aim of aiding analysts to obtain more data from their chromatograms, and assist them with understanding how integrators work so that results are never accepted unquestioningly. As with the first edition, this book will be welcomed by all those in the chromatography field, particularly those at the bench.

Series Information:
Garland Encyclopedias in the History of Science

This book is divided into two parts. In the first part we introduce the foundations of special relativity, such as, the inertial frame of reference, the definition of simulataneity, and Einstein's two basic hypotheses. We give the main relativistic effects, e.g. the relativity of simultaneity, velocity addition, length-contraction, the apparent shape of a moving body, time-dilation, Doppler effect, and the Thomas precession, In particular, the simultaneity problem and slow transport of clocks are investigated in detail by means of the test theories of special relativity. In the second part, variant types of experiments performed up to now are analyzed and compared to the predictions of special relativity. This shows that the experiments are a test of the two-way speed of light, but not of the one-way speed of light.

Industrial Analysis with Vibrational Spectroscopy is an integrated work which emphasises the synergy and complementary nature of the techniques of infrared and Raman spectroscopy in industrial laboratories. The book is written in a pragmatic and straight-forward manner and is illustrated throughout with examples of real-world, everyday problems and applications. It provides a developed, realistic insight into industrial analysis with vibrational spectroscopy for both undergraduate and academic researcher, while additionally providing a straight-forward working tool of value to the industrial laboratory worker.

This book deals exclusively and comprehensively with the role of proficiency testing in the quality assurance of analytical data. It covers in detail proficiency testing schemes from the perspectives of scheme organisers, participant laboratories and the ultimate end-users of analytical data. A wide variety of topics are addressed including the organisation, effectiveness, applicability, and the costs and benefits of proficiency testing. Procedures for the evaluation and interpretation of laboratory proficiency, and the relation of proficiency testing to other quality assurance measures are also discussed. Proficiency Testing in Analytical Chemistry is an important addition to the literature on proficiency testing and is essential reading for practising analytical chemists and all organisations and individuals with an interest in the quality of analytical data.

Immunoassay development is a multidisciplinary activity involving a wide range of skills possessed by few laboratories. This presentation of tried and tested methods should enable scientists and researchers in the pharmaceutical and related industries to more rapidly and effectively develop immunoassays upon which their work is becoming heavily dependent.; Important methods are included for preparing Lapten-protein conjugates and raising the necessary antibodies, concentrating on polyclonal sera, as well as methods for the synthesis of radio and enzyme labelled tracers. Particular attention is paid to the requirements of the regulatory authorities such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) with respect to assay validation. Further chapters deal with assay development and optimization, curve fitting and quality control procedures.

Through its clear presentation of the basic concepts, this book quickly enables the reader to understand front-line research papers. It describes the principles of the electrophoresis of nucleic acids through agarose and polyacrylamide gels without resort to complicated protocols and recipes.

Trace Analysis is a highly practical book which deals with the science rather than the paperwork of quality assurance systems. Produced as part of the UK Valid Analytical Measurement (VAM) initiative, it provides the analyst with a systematic approach across the broad spectrum of trace analysis, offering practical advice and guidance on methodology and techniques. The book is structured to take the analyst step-by-step through the stages of any trace analysis. The approach is general, being broken down only into types of analyte. Additional chapters explain the application of groups of techniques to each analyte type. Each section contains references to published material which will allow the analyst to obtain further information on specific topics. Throughout the book, the analyst is reminded of pitfalls which lead to unreliable results. This new book therefore offers invaluable advice to analysts in all areas and at all levels, providing practical 'expert' advice on methodology. It will prove indispensable as a single, comprehensive bench guide for analysts in university, college and industrial laboratories.

Introducing students to basic lab techniques and illustrating core chemical principles Prepared by John H. Nelson and Kenneth C. Kemp, both of the University of Nevada, this manual contains 43 finely tuned experiments chosen to introduce students to basic lab techniques and to illustrate core chemical principles. In the 14th Edition, all experiments were carefully edited for accuracy, safety, and cost. Pre-labs and questions were revised and new experiments added concerning solutions, polymers, and hydrates. Each of the experiments is self-contained, with sufficient background material, enabling students to conduct and understand the experiment. Each has a pedagogical objective to exemplify one or more specific principles. Because the experiments are self-contained, they may be undertaken in any order, although the authors have found in their General Chemistry course that the sequence of Experiments 1 through 7 provides the firmest background and introduction. To assist the student, the authors have included pre-lab questions for the student to answer before starting the lab. The questions are designed to help the student understand the experiment, to learn how to do the necessary calculations to treat their data, and as an incentive to read the experiment in advance.

Molecular Methods in Plant Pathology covers methods in phytopathology at the molecular level, including PCR techniques, electron microscopy, tissue culturing, and the cloning of disease-resistant genes. Phytopathologists, botanists, horticulturists, and anyone working in agriculture will find this a useful reference on biophysical, biochemical, biomolecular, and biotechnological methods.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of antibody technology. It discusses in detail the new generation of engineered antibodies and the latest developments in immunoassay techniques and applications, as well as describing conventional methods of antibody production and use. Antibody Technology will bring the reader up-to-date with current methods, helping the reader to make informed decisions on the best approach to a given task with regard to cost, time and final application.

This introductory text covers all the major groups of microbes with most emphasis being placed on the bacteria and the fungi. The principles and practice of culture techniques are described, including isolation from the natural environment, methods for the safe handling of microbes in the laboratory and dealing with culture obtained from collections.

Designed to enable newcomers to electrophysiology to choose appropriate preparations and techniques for in vitro studies in vertebrate neurobiology. Emphasizes techniques involving the glass micropipette and other recently developed methods, supplementing easy-to-follow instructions with illustrative schemes, examples of original records, photomicrographs, key word listings, comprehensive reference tables and a list of suppliers and key equipment and reagents.

Praise for the First Edition "essential reading for any physical scientist who is interested in performing biological research." Contemporary Physics "an ambitious text.... Each chapter contains protocols and the conceptual reasoning behind them, which is often useful to physicists performing biological experiments for the first time." -Physics Today This fully updated and expanded text is the best starting point for any student or researcher in the physical sciences to gain firm grounding in the techniques employed in molecular biophysics and quantitative biology. It includes brand new chapters on gene expression techniques, advanced techniques in biological light microscopy (super-resolution, two-photon, and fluorescence lifetime imaging), holography, and gold nanoparticles used in medicine. The author shares invaluable practical tips and insider's knowledge to simplify potentially confusing techniques. The reader is guided through easy-to-follow examples carried out from start to finish with practical tips and insider's knowledge. The emphasis is on building comfort with getting hands "wet" with basic methods and finally understanding when and how to apply or adapt them to address different questions. Jay L. Nadeau is a scientific researcher and head of the Biomedical Engineering in Advanced Applications of Quantum, Oscillatory, and Nanotechnological Systems (BEAAQONS) lab at Caltech and was previously associate professor of biomedical engineering and physics at McGill University.

Laboratory Design Handbook describes the process, motivation, constraints, challenges, opportunities, and specific design data related to the creation of a modern research laboratory. The information presented is based on a large pool of experience in the development of new and renovated laboratory buildings for universities, teaching hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, start-up biotechnology companies, and other types of industrial technology.

This book presents a summary of the application and instrumentation of cell electrophoresis. The method of making cell purification and characterization possible according to the cellular negative surface charge density is discussed, and ideas for future developments are explained. The negative electrostatic forces at cell surfaces provide information about cell-cell interaction, blood vessel sealing, cytokine actions, cell transformation, ion transport phenomena, and other biological phenomena. Recalculations of the physical principles of cell electrophoresis reveal possibilities for removing disruptive factors caused by electrical current, heat, and sedimentation. The introduction of computer technology, the performance of simultaneous two-parameter measurements, and the application of cell-friendly but current-inert buffer systems render the method more reliable and efficient.

A Practical Guide to Instrumental Analysis covers basic methods of instrumental analysis, including electroanalytical techniques, optical techniques, atomic spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermoanalytical techniques, separation techniques, and flow analytical techniques. Each chapter provides a brief theoretical introduction followed by basic and special application experiments. This book is ideal for readers who need a knowledge of special techniques in order to use instrumental methods to conduct their own analytical tasks.

A Practical Guide to the Study of Calcium in Living Cells describes popular techniques along with helpful do's and don'ts and computer programs. The volume enables investigators to evaluate confocal images, use the latest dyes, and design Calcium buffers appropriate to their research needs. This book is designed for laboratory use by graduate students, technicians, and researchers in many disciplines, ranging from molecular to cellular levels of investigation.
Key Features
* Describes techniques for detection of [Ca2+]i: Ca2+ - sensitive microelectrodes
* fluorescent dyes
* luminescent proteins
* Includes techniques for perturbing intracellular Ca2+
* Covers detailed methodology plus problems and pitfalls of each technique
* Contains a practical guide to preparing Ca2+ buffers with an easy-to-use computer program
* Color plates illustrate techniques such as
* Confocal ratio-imaging
* Use of aequorin

The Stannic Oxide Gas Sensor presents a comprehensive overview of the background science and technology of the subject, including practical information on its applications and the electronic circuits with which it is associated. The book explains the chemistry of the device and covers typical methods of fabrication. Sensitivity and selectivity are addressed, and the problems of drift with ambient temperature, relative humidity, and time are fully discussed.
The book also presents examples of industrial, commercial, and domestic applications. It explains the design of appropriate electronic circuits and describes methods for testing and characterizing sensors. Advantages and disadvantages of sensors are assessed as well.

There is currently a high level of interest in Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), which, when successfully implemented, can revitalize the operations of a laboratory and contribute significantly to the effectiveness and efficiency of the overall enterprise. LIMS describes the strategy, planning, resources, and activities needed to integrate LIMS and its supporting technologies into an organization. It covers all aspects of implementation and management and has the benefit of not being product specific. This book will not date as it is not restricted to a particular software product, hardware platform, or technical automation approach. Instead it deals with the issues, expertise, organization, and resources that contribute to the successful implementation of LIMS. The author has wide experience of automated laboratory systems in the chemical, pharmaceutical, environmental, and biotechnology industries, and for the past 15 years has been intimately involved in every aspect of LIMS implementations including justification, system selection, installation, project management, developing, training, validation, performance optimization, and maintenance. LIMS contains numerous illustrations and tables to highlight concisely the major points and concepts discussed in each chapter. The book is essential reading for laboratory, information systems and project managers responsible for the implementation of LIMS and, as it does not require any previous knowledge of computers or laboratory information management systems, is easily accessible to all.

Paul Feyeraband famously asked, what's so great about science? One answer is that it has been surprisingly successful in getting things right about the natural world, more successful than non-scientific or pre-scientific systems, religion or philosophy. Science has been able to formulate theories that have successfully predicted novel observations. It has produced theories about parts of reality that were not observable or accessible at the time those theories were first advanced, but the claims about those inaccessible areas have since turned out to be true. And science has, on occasion, advanced on more or less a priori grounds theories that subsequently turned out to be highly empirically successful. In this book the philosopher of science, John Wright delves deep into science's methodology to offer an explanation for this remarkable success story.

Written by an author with more than 40 years of teaching experience in the field, Experiments in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Second Edition responds to a critical classroom need for material on directed laboratory investigations in biological and pharmaceutical chemistry. This new edition supplies 75 experiments, expanding the range of topics to 22 major areas of pharmaceutical chemistry. These include biochemical groups, botanical classes important to pharmacy, and major drug classifications: Carbohydrates Lipids Proteins Enzymes Inorganics Vitamins Steroids Plant Acids Flavonoids Alkaloids Tannins Resins Glycosides Gums Balsams Volatile Oils Analgesics Anesthetics Sulfa Drugs (Sulfonamides) Psychotropic Drugs Antibiotics Nucleic Acids Sections contain introductions to basic concepts underlying the fields addressed and a specific bibliography relating to each field. Each experiment provides detailed instructions in a user-friendly format, and can be carried out, in most cases, without the need for expensive instrumentation. This comprehensive laboratory manual offers much-needed instructional material for teaching laboratory classes in pharmaceutical chemistry. The breadth of subject matter covered provides a variety of choices for structuring a laboratory course.

Aliphatic and Alicyclic Compounds.

Monocyclic Aromatic Compounds.

Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds and Their Reduction Products.

Steroids.

Five-Membered Ring Heterocycles.

Six-Membered Ring Heterocycles.

Five-Membered Ring Benzofused Heterocycles.

Six-Membered Ring Benzofused Heterocycles.

Bicyclic Fused Heterocycles.

β-Lactam Antibiotics.

Miscellaneous Heterocycles.

Indexes.