The role of accreditation in ensuring sampling quality

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Measurement Science
• Quality Assurance

Background:

• Accreditation has historically ensured analytical measurement quality.
• There's a growing trend to apply accreditation to primary sampling, the initial stage of the measurement process.
• International standards like ISO/IEC 17025, 17020, and 17024 provide frameworks for accreditation in sampling and personnel certification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of accreditation in ensuring the quality of primary sampling.
• To emphasize the need for a holistic approach to quality in chemical measurements, encompassing sampling, preparation, and analysis.
• To underscore how accreditation provides a robust framework for demonstrating the fitness-for-purpose of chemical measurements.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of existing international standards for the accreditation of sampling organizations (ISO/IEC 17025, 17020).
• Reference to standards for the certification of individual samplers (ISO/IEC 17024).
• Conceptual framework emphasizing a holistic approach to quality management in chemical measurements.

Main Results:

• Accreditation is an effective tool for ensuring the quality of analytical measurements.
• The application of accreditation is expanding to primary sampling processes.
• Accreditation frameworks enable both organizations and individuals to demonstrate competence in sampling and analysis.

Conclusions:

• A holistic approach integrating sampling, sample preparation, and analytical measurement is crucial for fitness-for-purpose chemical data.
• Accreditation offers a comprehensive system for quality assurance across the entire measurement chain.
• Implementing accreditation for sampling enhances the overall reliability and defensibility of chemical measurement results.