Valid Analytical Measurement

< back Training and Education | Analysts/Universities | Competency Evaluation by Benchmarking

Competency Evaluation by Benchmarking

To ensure that results of measurements are fit for purpose there are some basic technical skills that an analyst needs to possess no matter what type of analysis is being carried out. These skill have been identified by a group of analysts from laboratories that are members of the Specialised Organic Chemicals Sector Association (SOCSA) analytical networking group (SANG). This group along with LGC produced the guidance on the skills that need to be acquired when using laboratory equipment (e.g. balances, volumetric glassware and pH). The basic skills set are shown below, each section contains some handy tips and suggestions of practical tests and / or observations that enable the competence of the trainee to be assessed. The level is appropriate for:

the inexperienced analyst (school leaver or graduate);
candidates working towards a vocational qualification;
analysts with responsibility for training staff.

Analysts need to know the accuracy and precision achievable in a routine testing laboratory. Where there are results from round robin exercises available these have been included.

	Rationale and SANG Membership

	General Aspects of working in a laboratory

	Recording, Manipulating and Reporting data

	Weighing

	Pipetting

	Basic skills in Preparing Reagents

	Basic skills in Preparing Solutions of Known Concentration (Chemical standards)

	Titrations

	pH Measurement

	UV measurements on single substances and binary mixtures

Contents:

Analysts/Universities

QA Training Resources

Competency Evaluation

The VAM Web site has been developed by LGC under contract with the UK Department of Trade and Industry as part of the National Measurement System's Valid Analytical Measurement programme.