3. Estimation of method reliability
3.1 Measurement conditions
Fidelity is a measure of the extent to which a method disperses repetitions, and there are many causes of dispersion. Thus, two operators applying the same method to the same sample will obtain different measurements, and we could calculate at least three fidelity values: an overall estimate, an estimate for operator 1 and another for operator 2.
Figure 8 presents a general diagram of all the sources of variation that can affect the dispersion of measurements in a laboratory. It is based on the 5Ms "Material, Manpower, Equipment (or Means), Environment, Method" and draws on the methodology described in the Eurachem guide...
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Estimation of method reliability
Estimation of method accuracy
Bibliography
Software tools
There are few software packages dedicated to method validation. Arlenda ( http://www.arlenda.com/ ) has developed one called "e-noval®". It uses the accuracy profile and produces a certified report. Its originality lies in the fact that it operates via the Internet (Web-based solution): the user copies the data into an Internet interface,...
Websites
AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists): originally American, this association of analysts has become international. In addition to its standardizing role, it validates methods according to various protocols http://www.aoac.org/
EURACHEM, a network of European organizations whose aim is to set up a forum for the traceability...
Standards and norms
Association française de normalisation Afnor
- Water quality – Protocol for initial assessment of method performance in a laboratory - NF T90-210 - 2009
- Exigences générales concernant la compétence des laboratoires d'étalonnages et d'essais - NF EN ISO/CEI 17025 - 2005
- Laboratoires d'analyses de biologie médicale....
International Organization for standardization ISO
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