Reference materials play an important role in analytical chemistry, where they are used by analysts for a variety of purposes, including: checking and calibrating instruments; validating methods and estimating the uncertainty of analytical measurements; checking laboratory and analyst performance; and internal quality control. This book provides guidance and information for the users of certified reference materials (CRMs), explaining how they can best be used to achieve valid analytical measurements and improve quality in the analytical laboratory. General information on CRMs and how they are produced sets the scene for readers. The statistics relating to CRM use are then explained in an easy-to-understand manner, and this is followed by sections covering the main uses of CRMs. Detailed worked examples are used throughout. Structured and comprehensive in coverage, this book will be welcomed by all users of certified reference materials.

The Analytical Methods Committee of the Royal Society of Chemistry has for many years been involved in national and international efforts to establish a comprehensive framework for achieving appropriate quality in chemical measurement.

This handbook attempts to select or define robust procedures that ensure the best use of resources and enable laboratories to generate consistent, reliable data. Written in concise, easy-to-read language and illustrated with worked examples, it is a guide to current best practice and establishes a control framework for the development and validation of laboratory-based analytical methods. Topics include samples and sampling, method selection, equipment calibration and qualification, method development and validation, evaluation of data and statistical approaches for method performance and comparison.

Valid Analytical Methods and Procedures will be welcomed by many organisations throughout the world who are required to prove that the validity of their analytical results can be established beyond reasonable doubt.

Toxicology has made tremendous strides in the sophistication of the models used to identify and understand the mechanisms of agents that can harm or kill humans and other higher organisms. Non-animals or in vitro models started to gain significant use in the 1960s. As a result of the increased concern over animal welfare, economic factors, and the need for greater sensitivity and understanding of mechanisms, interest in in vitro models has risen. This volume demonstrates that there now exists a broad range of in vitro models for use in either identifying or understanding most forms of toxicity. The availability of in vitro models spans both the full range of endpoints (irritation, sensitization, lethality, mutagenicity, and developmental toxicity) and the full spectrum of target organ systems (including the skin, eye, heart, liver, kidney and nervous system). Chapters are devoted to each of these speciality areas from a perspective of presenting the principal models and their uses and limitations.

For all the emphasis on particle counting, there are extremely few pub lications of the technology - until now. A Practical Guide to Particle Counting for Drinking Water Treatment is a user's manual poised to re medy this problem with insight into every area of particle counting, f or both the system designer and the treatment operator The coverage f eatures an overview of particle counting, including the basic principl es of operation, application in the treatment process, and the fundame ntals of installation, operation, maintenance, data collection, and sy stem integration. It provides understanding of the general equipment s pecifications that help you make intelligent choices in equipment sele ction for a given application and of the underlying technology to help you make the most of your particle counting system.

It is widely recognised that students on present-day chemistry courses need to develop a portfolio of practical skills. Progressive Development of Practical Skills in Chemistry is the second in a series of publications from the Royal Society of Chemistry which are directed towards the early part of an undergraduate chemistry programme. This book features a variety of practical activities, spanning a wide range of chemistry. Activities are arranged in order of increasing skills development and demand, and each is accompanied by a guide for demonstrators. A technical guide is also included detailing all reagent and equipment requirements. Trialled in universities across the UK pre-publication, students and lecturers will welcome this book as an aid to the development of skills in degree courses.

Experts from The Jackson Laboratory and around the world provide practical advice on everything from how to establish a colony to where to go for specific mutations. Systematic Approach to Evaluation of Mouse Mutations includes information on medical photography, grafting procedures, how to map the genes and evaluate the special biological characteristics of the mice.

In spite of the wide variety and complexity of biological materials, nucleic acids are ubiquitous. DNA is becoming the bioanalyte of choice due to the vast amount of information embedded in its sequence, its robust chemical nature and the range of highly sensitive analytical techniques that have been developed. The results of such analyses can have an important impact on our society both commercially and in terms of the quality of life. Absolute confidence in the data generated is therefore of the utmost importance. This book, produced by LGC as part of the VAM (Valid Analytical Measurement) Programme, introduces the issues of validation and quality to the bioanalytical community, specifically addressing DNA-based analyses. It aims to raise awareness of the factors that can influence the validity of DNA analysis and the production of quality data. Emphasis is placed on VAM principles, as well as additional challenges that are associated with the analysis of real samples, for example, complex food matrices or forensic samples that have been subjected to environmental insult. Information is collated from a variety of sources including literature, discussions and LGC research, and offers constructive advice where possible.

Water is the most basic need of mankind. Drinking water is considered the most essential use of water in life. Therefore it must be free of pathogens, toxins and carcinogens.

Absolutley pure water does not exist in nature. Surface water absorbs particles, carbon dioxide and other gases and mixes with silt and inorganic matters from the environment. When treated and untreated domestic and industrial waste is discharged into natural bodies of water the situation becomes even more complex. Thus human waste, drinking water and communicable diseases are directly related.

Water contamination is measured by the level of pollutants present in a sample. Regular analytical estimation of wastewater is the answer. This manual emphasizes the importance of water purity for drinking and domestic purposes, different types of water and their utilization in various activities, the water quality requirements and criteria of International and Governmental Agencies, and simple estimation procedures and the significance of each analytical test.

Quality Assessment of Water and Wastewater describes methods for ascertaining the quality and contamination levels of waters from a range of sources like ground, surface, potable water supplies, marine, beaches, swimming pools and other recreational facilities, and domestic and industrial wastewater. It includes important derivatives used in the preparation of standard solutions, data analysis, interpretation and units of expressions of the results. It also discusses all major pollutants - their origins and impact on the environment and health - with the basic chemistry of their analysis and complete methodology explained systematically.

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 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.

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.

Series Information:
Garland Encyclopedias in the History of Science

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.