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.

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.

Whether pH is being used to test a sample against a legal requirement or specification; as part of an analytical method; for monitoring and controlling a reaction; as a process control in the chemical industry; or for the environmental monitoring of waste and effluents, it is important that all pH measurements are carried out in a logical and consistent manner, paying careful attention to experimental procedures, in order to obtain reliable results. This guide provides scientists with the knowledge of how to do just that, first by outlining the principles of pH measurement and buffer solutions. pH meters and electrodes are then discussed, including selection criteria and the care of electrodes. Finally, sections on making pH measurements and uncertainty are followed by a set of practical exercises. Measurement of pH is one of the Practical Laboratory Skills Training Guides, a series that aims to make achieving best practice easy. These invaluable manuals will enable both experienced and inexperienced staff to get the essential basics of any experiment right simply by following the clear and easy to use instructions provided. The guides are written by experienced scientists and include minimal theory, plenty of practical exercises in order to assess competence, and trouble shooting information. Other titles are: Measurement of Mass; Measurement of Volume; High Performance Liquid Chromatography; and Gas Chromatography.

This guide explains the best methods for undertaking the measurement of mass, one of the most frequent operations in the analytical laboratory. It is a technique required when obtaining a known quantity of a sample for analysis; for preparation of analytical reagents; and for preparation of calibration standards etc. After an initial discussion of the units of mass and other terminology, the guide goes on to look at the types of balance and their features, followed by coverage of location, calibration, accuracy and use of the balance. Practical exercises are then provided. Measurement of Mass is one of the Practical Laboratory Skills Training Guides, a series that aims to make achieving best practice easy. These invaluable manuals will enable both experienced and inexperienced staff to get the essential basics of any experiment right simply by following the clear and easy to use instructions provided. The guides are written by experienced scientists and include minimal theory, plenty of practical exercises in order to assess competence, and trouble shooting information. The other titles are: Measurement of Volume; Measurement of pH; High Performance Liquid Chromatography; and Gas Chromatography.