Resources

Introduction to the resource

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. Each section of this resource covers an important aspect of working in the laboratory and summarises the key information that analysts should be aware of. The sections also contain some handy tips and suggestions of practical tests that will enable the competence of trainees to be assessed.

This resource should be useful for:

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

The material can be used by assessors/trainers to help plan training programmes for laboratory staff. It can also be used by trainees looking for information on best practice when carrying out common laboratory operations.

This resource was originally developed by LGC under the VAM programme, with support from members of the Specialised Organic Chemical Sector Association (SOCSA) Analytical Networking Group (SANG). The resource makes use of material from the training record developed with the Pharmaceutical Analytical Sciences Group (PASG) and data from ‘round robin’ exercises carried out by members of SANG.

The following companies were involved with the development of the resource: Acordis, A H Marks, Albright and Wilson, Akzo Nobel, Croda Chemicals, Hickson Fine Chemicals, Lambson Group, LGC, Thomas Swan, Unilever, Vickers Laboratories.