A nitrogen-enriched graphene nanomaterial (GN3) for energy storage in supercapacitors, developed by researchers at the Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) of Palacký University Olomouc, has been included in the European Commission’s <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://innovation-radar.ec.europa.eu/innovation/66621">Innovation Radar database as a technology with strong commercial potential</a>. The material has been assessed as highly market-ready, with significant potential to create new markets. Palacký University, which coordinated the prestigious European Innovation Council project TRANS2DCHEM, has also been recognised among the project’s key innovators.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Grafenovy_material_z_Olomouce_se_dostal_mezi_perspektivni_evropske_inovace_0d2a178219.jpg" alt="CATRIN: Graphene nanomaterial developed in Olomouc recognised among Europe’s most promising innovations" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Grafenovy_material_z_Olomouce_se_dostal_mezi_perspektivni_evropske_inovace_0d2a178219.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="480" height="480">Innovation Radar is a European platform that identifies promising innovations and key innovators emerging from research and innovation projects funded by the European Union.“This is a great honour and recognition of our work. The excellent assessment within the Innovation Radar platform demonstrates the potential of CATRIN—and of Palacký University as a whole—to transform scientific discoveries into products with strong commercial potential. Recognition by independent experts highlights the technology’s high level of market readiness, which is exceptional even in the context of other outstanding projects supported by the European Innovation Council,” said Jiří Navrátil, Technology Transfer Coordinator at CATRIN.The nitrogen-enriched graphene electrode material, based on graphene—a two-dimensional material consisting of a single layer of carbon atoms—was developed by researchers in Olomouc seven years ago. It originated from Michal Otyepka’s prestigious European Research Council project focused on the 2D chemistry of fluorographene.In the following years, researchers demonstrated the material’s significant potential for electrical energy storage, particularly in supercapacitors, which represent a promising alternative to today’s widely used lithium-ion batteries. Development of prototype supercapacitors with unique properties began under the prestigious European Innovation Council project TRANS2DCHEM, in collaboration with partners from Bar-Ilan University in Israel and the Italian company ITELCOND. The next logical step was the establishment of the spin-off company Atomiver, which has been operating since 2024.“The continuous growth in global energy consumption and the rapid expansion of electronic devices are driving strong demand for high-performance, stable energy storage components. Our electrode material is unique because it pushes the current limits of commercially available technologies, particularly in terms of volumetric energy density—the amount of electrical energy that can be stored within a given volume. Compared with existing technologies, our material enables several-fold higher energy density. Its inclusion in the Innovation Radar database encourages us to continue developing the technology and bring it closer to commercial production,” said Michal Otyepka, one of the inventors of the technology and co-owner of the spin-out company.The material is protected by several international patents, which have been licensed by Atomiver from Palacký University.“Supercapacitors incorporating our graphene material could one day help ensure the safe operation of large data centres, Internet of Things (IoT) networks, transport systems, grid-scale energy storage, electronics for space applications and implantable medical devices,” added Veronika Šedajová, one of the inventors of the technology.The significance of the technology was previously recognised when Atomiver was selected for the NATO DIANA accelerator programme, one of only 74 companies chosen from more than 2,600 applicants. The company has also received support from CzechInvest through its Technology Incubation programme.“We are currently in intensive discussions with investors, who have shown strong interest in the technology, not least because the electrode material we have developed also has considerable potential for applications in other industries,” said Andrew Hladký, Director of Atomiver.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://innovation-radar.ec.europa.eu/innovation/66621">Innovation Radar</a> serves as a platform for investors, entrepreneurs and the wider public to discover emerging technologies.

Graphene nanomaterial developed in Olomouc recognised among Europe’s most promising innovations

Measurement results are only fit for purpose if the measurement uncertainty (MU) is reliable and has a magnitude small enough for the intended use. The target MU is the maximum admissible uncertainty defined for a specific measurement goal.&nbsp;In compliance assessment, the MU should be small enough to enable identification of deviations from compliance relevant to the interests to be protected (such as public health or industrial productivity). Too large an uncertainty would not provide the required protection, while an uncertainty that is too small could mean the use of unnecessary expensive measurements.&nbsp;The Eurachem/CITAC guide on ‘Setting and Using Target Uncertainty in Chemical Measurement’ suggests how to set upper boundaries for the uncertainty based on the intended use of the result [1].&nbsp;The impact of the MU on decisions is illustrated in a fictional scenario.&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Setting_Target_Measurement_Uncertainty_2_daf2cb4ec8.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Setting Target Measurement Uncertainty" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Setting_Target_Measurement_Uncertainty_2_daf2cb4ec8.jpg 150w," sizes="100vw" width="740" height="770">Mr. Reis is a farmer planning to sell oranges to a juice producer. The juice producer checks oranges for thiabendazole pesticide residues and Brix level (degrees Brix provides a measure of orange juice sweetness). The producer only accepts oranges with thiabendazole residues below 1 mg kg-1 and a Brix level above 55 °Bx, paying more if the Brix level is above 65 °Bx.&nbsp;Mr. Reis contracted Laboratory C to analyse his oranges before shipping them to the producer knowing that the customer also checks the oranges in its laboratory. Mr. Reis was very happy with the results provided by Laboratory C although the pesticide residue analyses were expensive.&nbsp;The producer accepted the oranges but decided to pay less than expected.&nbsp;After asking the juice producer, the detailed results of both laboratories were compared. This showed that although the results were metrologically compatible they supported different decisions on the oranges’ price.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Setting_Target_Measurement_Uncertainty_3_aa7c28e61a.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Setting Target Measurement Uncertainty - Laboratory C" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Setting_Target_Measurement_Uncertainty_3_aa7c28e61a.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="927" height="192"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Setting_Target_Measurement_Uncertainty_4_4588f40881.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Setting Target Measurement Uncertainty - Juice producers Laboratory" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Setting_Target_Measurement_Uncertainty_4_4588f40881.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="911" height="195">The measurement of thiabendazole residues performed by Laboratory C is associated with an extremely low uncertainty making measurements more expensive than necessary. However, the uncertainty associated with the determination of the Brix level is too large, making compliance decisions too uncertain.Measurement results are only fit for the intended use if the measurement uncertainty (MU) is smaller than a maximum acceptable value (i.e. the target MU).&nbsp;Even if the customer or the regulator does not define the target MU, the laboratory should define it to decide if the measurement is fit for the intended use. The Eurachem/CITAC guide [1] suggests the use of different indicators of the measurement quality requirement to define the target MU. Information used to define the target MU is presented from the most likely to become harmonised to the ones supported with less adequate data. The following figure presents this hierarchy of adequacy with numbers from #1 to #9.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Setting_Target_Measurement_Uncertainty_01cd73bb2c.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Setting Target Measurement Uncertainty" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Setting_Target_Measurement_Uncertainty_01cd73bb2c.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="900"><blockquote>Approaches to defining the target MU described in the Eurachem/CITAC Guide, where utg and Utg represent the target standard and expanded uncertainties, respectively. (the numbers in the bottom of the circles identify the sections of the Guide)</blockquote>

Setting Target Measurement Uncertainty

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 10th August 2026? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you application notes by Agilent Technologies, Shimadzu and Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: Accurate and Robust Measurement of Elemental Impurities in Pharmaceuticals by ICP-MS</h3>Implementation of Indian Pharmacopeia General Chapter 5.10 compliant workflow using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=7850">Agilent 7850 ICP-MS</a><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_elemental_impurity_pharma_7850_icp_ms_5994_9312en_agilent_78f5dc61d6.pdf">Full PDF for download</a>&nbsp;</li></ul>Elemental impurity testing is a vital part of pharmaceutical quality assurance because trace metals can enter drug products at various points of the manufacturing process. Impurities may originate from raw materials and excipients, leach from processing equipment, remain as residues from catalysts, or arise through environmental or packaging related contamination. Even at very low concentrations, certain metals pose toxicological risks, making their assessment and control essential for ensuring product safety.&nbsp;To address these risks, global regulatory bodies—including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and other members of the International Council for Harmonization (ICH)—require manufacturers to perform systematic risk assessments and ongoing monitoring of elemental impurities. The harmonized ICH Q3D guideline provides the framework for this evaluation by defining toxicology based permitted daily exposure (PDE) limits. It also outlines expectations for analytical testing, reporting, and control strategies across a variety of dosage forms.&nbsp;To align with these international regulatory standards, the draft Indian Pharmacopeia (IP) General Chapter 5.10 has been developed to harmonize with the corresponding requirements of the European, Japanese, and U.S. Pharmacopeias.6 Harmonization will ensure that India’s regulatory framework reflects globally accepted best practices for assessing and controlling elemental impurities. It will also ensure that pharmaceutical products manufactured for the Indian and global markets meet internationally aligned safety standards. As part of these harmonized expectations, IP General Chapter 5.10 mandates the quantitative determination of specified elemental impurities using validated, high performance analytical technologies such as ICP MS or ICP OES. These techniques provide the sensitivity, selectivity, and sample throughput required to reliably measure trace-level elemental impurities and demonstrate compliance with PDE based limits.&nbsp;An <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=7850">Agilent 7850 ICP-MS</a> was used in this study to meet the trace level elemental impurity requirements defined in IP General Chapter 5.10. Designed to quantify elements at low concentrations, the 7850 achieves detection limits suitable for accurate, confident measurement of impurities at sub ppb levels. Its advanced ORS4 collision cell technology uses helium (He) mode to effectively remove polyatomic interferences across multiple analytes, enabling reliable measurement of secondary or qualifier isotopes. This capability supports analyte confirmation as required by regulatory guidelines, including IP 5.10, ICH Q2(R1), USP &lt;233&gt;, and USP &lt;1225&gt;. The combination of sensitivity and spectral clarity is essential when testing regulated pharmaceutical products, where accuracy, reproducibility, and compliance with pharmacopeial limits are required.&nbsp;The 7850 ICP-MS delivers robust performance in real-world pharmaceutical environments, where complex matrices and routine, high throughput testing are the norm. The hightemperature plasma improves matrix tolerance, minimizes matrix-induced interferences, and enhances ionization efficiency.8 This capability provides higher and more consistent sensitivity for poorly ionized elements such as As, Cd, and Hg, as well as platinum group elements (PGEs) including Os, Ir, and Pt. The 7850 ICP-MS system’s high matrix tolerance also enables efficient handling of diverse sample types, including active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, and finished dosage forms, without excessive dilution or instrument downtime. Long term signal stability ensures consistent results throughout long analytical runs, minimizing re-analysis and supporting dependable quality control (QC) testing.&nbsp;The 7850 offers streamlined, workflow-based operation with intuitive software and pre-configured method templates that are aligned with pharmacopeial guidelines. Instrument parameters are automatically optimized, simplifying method development, minimizing operator intervention, and ensuring consistent analytical performance.&nbsp;This application note outlines an end-to-end analytical workflow designed to help laboratories comply with the elemental impurity requirements of IP General Chapter 5.10 using ICP MS. Twenty four elements were determined in three types of oral drug products, and the method was evaluated against the performance criteria specified in IP 5.10.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>The analytical approach described in draft Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) General Chapter 5.10 for the determination of elemental impurities in pharmaceutical products was applied in this study using ICP-MS. Three over-the-counter oral tablet drugs were acid digested by microwave, spiked at various J levels, and analyzed for 24 target elements using an Agilent 7850 ICP-MS.&nbsp;The 7850 ICP-MS, equipped with a robust plasma system and the ORS4 collision/reaction cell operating in helium mode, effectively minimized polyatomic interferences and enabled accurate measurement of target isotopes and qualifier ions. Its wide dynamic range detector further supported the analysis of all three oral drug products using a single analytical method and standard operating conditions.&nbsp;Instrument setup and method development were simplified by selecting General Purpose plasma conditions, applying automated lens tuning, and using the ICH/USP preset method in the Agilent ICP-MS MassHunter software.&nbsp;The method met all performance criteria outlined in IP 5.10, including specificity, accuracy, spike recovery, stability, and system suitability for both limit and quantitative procedures. Instrument detection limits were significantly lower than the J values for oral drugs, ensuring reliable quantification of elemental impurities at regulatory control levels.&nbsp;Overall, the results confirm that the 7850 ICP-MS provides a reliable, sensitive, and efficient platform for compliance with IP 5.10 requirements for elemental impurity testing in oral drug products. The simplified method development, robust interference removal, and workflow-based operation significantly reduce analytical complexity while supporting consistent regulatory compliance for routine pharmaceutical quality control laboratories.<h3>2. Shimadzu: Evaluation of Particle Size in Chocolate —Evaluation of Particle Size Distribution and Coarse Particles that Affect Texture</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_00624_en_ea48de171d.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h5>User benefits</h5><ul><li>The solid particle size distribution in chocolate can be easily measured using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=SALD-2300">SALD-2300</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=iSpect+DIA-10">iSpect DIA-10</a> enables not only the measurement of particle size distribution but also, the number concentration of particles in a specified particle size range.</li></ul>Particle size distribution is one of the physical properties that describe the characteristics of materials and products containing particulate matter. In some cases, the difference in characteristics can be described simply by the average particle size. In other cases, the amount of particles above a certain size is important. The values to be noted vary depending on the type of material, product, and its intended use.&nbsp;Here, chocolate is taken as an example of a product where particle size control is important. An example is presented of measuring the particle size distribution and the quantity of particles within a specific size range to assess the texture of chocolate.&nbsp;When performing chocolate quality control, the particle size distribution is generally evaluated using a laser diffraction-type particle size distribution analyzer. In this article, in addition to using the SALD-2300 Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analyzer, the iSpect DIA-10 Dynamic Particle Image Analysis System is also employed to show the possibility of a slightly different evaluation approach to investigating the relationship between particle size/concentration and texture.<h4>Measurement of Particle Size Distribution by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=SALD-2300">SALD-2300&nbsp;</a></h4>Chocolate is solid at room temperature. Therefore, it must be dissolved (dispersed) in a solvent to measure the particle size distribution of the solid particles contained within it. Samples must also be diluted to a concentration suitable for the particle size distribution measuring analyzer. Isopropanol was selected as the dispersant because it can dissolve oil and fat and disperse the solid particles to measure the particle size distribution of just the solid particles in the chocolate.&nbsp;Two commercial milk chocolate samples were used: sample F and sample UF. Taste tests were conducted by several individuals (including the author), and comparisons were made prior to measurement. The taste tests focused on texture differences and the smoothness on the palate and tongue. The results showed that although there were differences among individuals, most perceived sample UF as smoother than sample F, while sample F feltslightly rough.<h4>Particle Size and Number Concentration Measurement by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=iSpect+DIA-10">iSpect DIA-10&nbsp;</a></h4>So far, the particle size distribution of two types of chocolate has been measured using the SALD-2300, and the relationship between the results and the texture has been examined. Next, we considered the measurement results obtained using the iSpect DIA-10.&nbsp;The iSpect DIA-10 is different from general image analysis type particle size measurement equipment, and it has the advantage of being able to detect almost all particles within the measurement range. As a result, it is possible to accurately calculate the number concentration in the measurement solution.From the SALD-2300 measurement results, it is clear that the sample contains about 20 to 30 percent particles that are below 5 µm, which is the minimum measurement size of iSpect DIA-10. Therefore, it is not possible to capture the number concentration of all particlesin the sample.&nbsp;On the other hand, since no particles exceed the measurement limit of 100 µm and almost all particles in the coarse particle region can be detected, it is possible to calculate the number concentration of particles above a certain size.&nbsp;The results of measurements of samples F and UF using the iSpect DIA-10 are presented below. The dispersion procedure is the same as that for the SALD-2300 shown in Table 1, but the final concentration is equivalent to that of 0.1 g of chocolate dispersed in 1000 mL of isopropanol due to a further 50 times dilution during measurement.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>In this article, the particle size distribution of chocolate was measured using two instruments, the SALD-2300 and the iSpect DIA-10, and introduced the relationship between these results and the texture perceived when the chocolate was eaten. By looking at the results of the two measurement methods together, it is believed that a more in-depth analysis is possible.&nbsp;In particular, the results of the number concentration of coarse particles measured using the iSpect DIA-10 are considered useful for evaluating texture based on the quantity of coarse particles. This can be expected to be effective in the food field and other fields where the abundance of small quantities of coarse particlesisimportant.<h3>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: From waste to performance: Reactive extrusion upcycling validated by rheology and chemical (FTIR) imaging</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/from_waste_to_performance_an1803_en_8b501f445c.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Global plastic production exceeds 400 million tons annually, with polypropylene among the most widely used polymers. This high volume of polymer production results in large amounts of plastic ending up in our environment. Recycling is a strong potential solution; however, mechanical recycling often leads to molecular weight degradation via chain scission, limiting performance in secondary applications.&nbsp;Upcycling through reactive extrusion provides a pathway to restore or enhance performance by incorporating recycled streams into high-value matrices. Polyamide 12 (PA12) offers superior mechanical and thermal properties but is immiscible with polypropylene due to thermodynamic incompatibility.Compatibilization using PP-g-MA enables interfacial stabilization through in situ formation of diblock copolymers via reaction between maleic anhydride groups and PA12 amine end groups. This study evaluates several aspects of the resultant plastic products:&nbsp;<ul><li>Molecular degradation of reprocessed PP&nbsp;</li><li>Rheological signatures of interfacial stabilization&nbsp;</li><li>Mechanical property recovery&nbsp;</li><li>Quantitative chemical homogeneity via FTIR mapping</li></ul><h4>Materials and methods</h4>Specimens were molded using the HAAKE MiniJet Pro Piston injection molding system:&nbsp;<ul><li>25 mm disc specimens for rheology &nbsp;</li><li>Dog-bone specimens for tensile testing</li></ul>Rheological characterization was performed using oscillatory rheology. A HAAKE MARS iQ rotational rheometer was employed, measure key features.&nbsp;<ul><li>Parallel plate geometry&nbsp;</li><li>Amplitude sweep (LVR determination)&nbsp;</li><li>Frequency sweep (viscoelastic response)</li></ul><h5>FTIR microscopy and chemical mapping</h5>While rheological and mechanical testing provide indirect evidence of interfacial stabilization, direct chemical verification of phase distribution is required to confirm compatibilization efficiency. Immiscible polymer blends such as PP/PA12 exhibit morphology-dependent performance governed by droplet size, spatial distribution, and interfacial adhesion.&nbsp;Micro-ATR Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy enables spatially resolved chemical analysis without extensive sample preparation. The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=3&amp;search=RaptIR">Nicolet RaptIR+ FTIR microscope</a> was used to collect high-density chemical maps of blend cross-sections, providing direct insight into compositional uniformity and interfacial mixing.&nbsp;ATR sampling was selected to minimize preparation artifacts and avoid the need for thin microtomed sections. The evanescent wave penetration depth of less than a few microns enables surface-sensitive chemical characterization while maintaining high spectral quality.&nbsp;To enable quantitative phase mapping, distinct and non-overlapping spectral markers were selected:&nbsp;<ul><li>PA12 amide I band (~1636 cm⁻¹) – characteristic carbonyl stretch of polyamide</li><li>PP methyl deformation (~1376 cm⁻¹) – characteristic polypropylene signature</li></ul>These bands were chosen for specific reasons:&nbsp;<ul><li>High intensity&nbsp;</li><li>Minimal overlap&nbsp;</li><li>Structural specificity</li></ul><h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>Reactive extrusion of reprocessed polypropylene with PA12 using PP-g-MA successfully produced a mechanically robust upcycled material containing 50% recycled content.&nbsp;Key outcomes:&nbsp;<ul><li>Rheology confirmed enhanced interfacial stability.&nbsp;</li><li>Tensile properties were restored to near-virgin PA12 performance.&nbsp;</li><li>FTIR chemical mapping provided quantitative compositional uniformity analysis.&nbsp;</li><li>Statistical treatment of mapping data enabled objective evaluation of compatibilization efficiency.&nbsp;</li></ul>The integrated workflow combining extrusion, molding, rheology, and FTIR microscopy enables accelerated development of sustainable polymer blends with validated performance.

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 33, 2026

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Eurachem is a European network promoting international traceability of chemical measurements and good analytical practice. It provides expert guidance, supports method validation, uncertainty evaluation, proficiency testing, and facilitates discussion on technical and policy issues in analytical quality.

Eurachem

The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) at Palacký University is a cutting-edge scientific hub dedicated to advancing research in the fields of nanotechnology, biotechnology, and biomedicine. At its core, CATRIN boasts outstanding scientific teams, featuring international researchers. We emphasize interdisciplinarity, foster global collaborations, and work to translate our research findings into practical applications.

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The Fitness for Purpose of Analytical Methods

The third edition of Eurachem’s flagship guide provides updated, practical guidance on method validation, verification, sampling, and fitness for purpose, aligned with ISO/IEC 17025:2017.

<h3>The Fitness for Purpose of Analytical Methods: A Laboratory Guide to Method Validation and Related Topics: Third edition (2025)</h3>Author: H. CantwellThis guide was first issued in 1998 and the second edition published in 2014. Over the years it has been one of the most popular of the Eurachem guides. Since the release of the first edition, however, there have been many changes in terminology, working practices, reference documents and requirements. This third edition, produced by the Eurachem Method Validation Working Group, forms a thorough revision of the 2014 edition.This third edition includes a section on sampling and sample handling as ISO/IEC 17025:2017 introduced a focus on sampling associated with the testing or calibration being carried out by the laboratory and further guidance on assessing the calibration function has been included. The Guide is also now supported by a number of supplementary guidance documents – please see the section on supplementary guidance below.<h4>Contents</h4>This third edition includes guidance on:<ul><li>The importance of fitness for purpose;</li><li>The concept of method validation and verification;</li><li>How a method validation or verification study should be performed and how much should be done;</li><li>Sampling and sample handling in relation to method validation;</li><li>A thorough explanation of the various validation parameters (performance characteristics) and related topics;</li><li>Follow-up on the validation study (reporting, use of performance data in Internal Quality Control);</li><li>Documentation of analytical methods.</li></ul>Annexes also describe the statistical basis of detection limits and analysis of variance for precision studies, and add a check list to aid users in selecting and determining the validity of a test kit.In preparing this guidance, the Working Group has aimed at the right balance between giving a solid theoretical background for method validation studies and providing practical guidelines on how to plan, perform and evaluate such studies in the laboratories.The approach is generic in the sense that the Guide does not focus on particular fields of application (food, environment, pharmaceuticals etc.). However, the guide includes references to a number of specific guides in fields where different practices have been developed and become common.The guide also includes a full bibliography. Further literature references on method validation can be found in the section "Validation of analytical methods" in the Reading list on this website.

Terminology in Analytical Measurement: Introduction to VIM 3

This Eurachem guide introduces VIM 3 terminology relevant to analytical laboratories, explaining key metrological concepts for chemical, biological, and clinical measurements with practical examples.

<h3>Terminology in Analytical Measurement: Introduction to VIM 3 (Second Edition 2023)</h3>Author: V. J. Barwick (Ed.)<h4>Contents</h4>This guide has been produced by members of the Eurachem Education and Training Working Group and others co-opted to the Project group for this task.In the world of metrology – the science of measurement and its application – there is a language which has to be learned. The International Vocabulary of Metrology (VIM) was produced to provide a common language, primarily for physical measurements. The VIM 3 is a consistent set of concepts each described by a unique term, the ‘label’ of the concept. VIM 3 is applicable across all scientific disciplines thus making it relevant to those involved in performing measurements in chemistry and biology. Consistent definitions of concepts with their associated terms and symbols are essential if analysts and customers across the globe are to understand each other.This Eurachem Guide discusses a selection of the concepts in VIM 3, focusing on those most likely to be encountered in analytical laboratories. It aims to cover chemical, biological and clinical measurements and gives examples over and above those in the notes accompanying the definitions in VIM 3. The guide is intended for laboratory staff, accreditation bodies, for those commissioning measurements and for those using measurement results. Lecturers and trainers may also find this guide useful when teaching aspects of metrology.In this second edition the scope and structure, and the terms and concepts discussed, remain unchanged from the first edition. However, all sections have been reviewed and, where necessary, the text has been revised to improve clarity and ensure consistency with current international guidance at the time of publication.

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News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 33, 2026

Graphene nanomaterial developed in Olomouc recognised among Europe’s most promising innovations

Setting Target Measurement Uncertainty