Classification of analytical methods

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Method Validation
• Laboratory Science

Background:

• Establishing ideal analytical methods requires extensive evaluation and collaborative testing, which is time-consuming and costly.
• Existing methods may not always meet the highest standards of validation.
• A practical classification is needed to address the reality of available analytical procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a five-class classification scheme for analytical methods.
• To apply this scheme to methods used by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
• To provide a framework for understanding the varying levels of analytical method validation.

Main Methods:

• Development of a five-class categorization system for analytical methods.
• Application of the classification scheme to a set of NIOSH analytical methods.
• Review of existing literature and published methods from various organizations.

Main Results:

• A five-class system was successfully applied to NIOSH analytical methods.
• The scheme accommodates methods with different degrees of evaluation, from fully validated to unproved.
• It acknowledges the practical limitations and availability of analytical procedures.

Conclusions:

• A practical classification scheme is essential for managing and understanding analytical methods.
• This five-class system offers a useful way to categorize methods based on validation status.
• The approach recognizes the diverse landscape of available analytical techniques and their development stages.