Environmental Molecular Isotope-Dilution Mass Spectrometry: Meretricious vs Genuine Performance

Decades' worth of built-up assumptions and subsequently adopted beliefs about analytical measurements shaped critical perceptions of what constitutes performance. When it comes to environmental molecular isotope-dilution-based methodologies, more specifically, they led to decisions and actions that elevated the risk of achieving quality through mediocrity rather than fit-for-purpose quality through accountability. To effect real changes, we must start with exposing the deep-seated─often untested and unexamined─tacit views on performance and, when possible, make visible the underlying thinking. If we are sincere about accepting the fact that changes are needed and candidly question our assumptions, perhaps we can change the counterproductive unspoken notion that "flexibility" and "responsibility" are mutually exclusive. With the help of specific observations and facts, this article's reasoning shows that a performance paradigm shift is a necessity to generate trustworthy data by different laboratories under a performance-based measurement system.