Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) refers to a set of principles intended to ensure the
quality, integrity, and reliability of laboratory studies. These principles cover the
planning, performance, monitoring, recording, and reporting of laboratory studies. Here
are the core elements of GLP:
1. Organization and Personnel:
Clearly defined roles and responsibilities for all personnel.
Adequate training and qualifications for staff.
Proper documentation of training and responsibilities.
2. Facilities:
Well-maintained, clean, and organized laboratory spaces.
Appropriate environment for the specific types of studies being conducted.
Adequate space and separation for experiments to avoid cross-contamination.
3. Equipment:
Properly maintained and calibrated instruments and equipment.
Regular inspection, cleaning, maintenance, and calibration schedules.
Documentation of maintenance and calibration activities.
4. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):
Detailed, written instructions for all procedures to ensure consistency and
accuracy.
Regular review and updating of SOPs.
Ensuring that all personnel are trained in relevant SOPs.
5. Test and Reference Items:
Proper characterization, handling, storage, and tracking of test and reference
items.
Documentation of the source, purity, and stability of these items.
6. Documentation and Reporting:
Comprehensive recording of all data, observations, and study-related activities.
Proper labeling and secure storage of samples and records.
Preparation of clear, accurate, and complete study reports.
7. Archiving:
Secure, organized, and accessible storage of all study records, reports, and
specimens.
Long-term preservation of data and materials as required by regulations.
LANGUAGE OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
The language of analytical chemistry involves specific terms and concepts used to
describe the processes and results of chemical analyses. Key components include:
Analysis: A process that provides physical and chemical information about the
constituents in the sample or the sample itself.
1. Analyte: The substance being measured or the constituent of interest in the sample.
2. Matrix: Other components in the sample besides the analyte.
Determination: An analysis of a sample to find the identity, concentration or properties
of an analyte.
3. Measurement: An experimental determination of analyte’s chemical and physical
properties.
4. Technique: A chemical or physical sample that can be used to analyze a sample.
5. Method: A method is the application of technique for the determination of a specific
analyte in the specific matrix.
6. Procedure: Written directions outlining how to analyze a sample.
7. Protocol: A protocol is a set of written guidelines detailing the procedure that must
be followed.
8. Calibration: Adjusting instruments using known standards to ensure accurate
measurements.
9. Detection Limit: The smallest amount of analyte that can be detected.
10. Accuracy: How close a measurement is to the true value.
11. Precision: The reproducibility of measurements.
12. Titration: Method of determining concentration by adding a solution of known
concentration until a reaction is complete.
These terms and methods form the basis for accurately describing, conducting, and
interpreting chemical analyses.
