Question 7.15: What are the references used to assess the results in the fo...
What are the references used to assess the results in the fourth step of the analytical problem-solving process? How are they related to quality?
Results are assessed with respect to two main references, namely:
(1) The minimum levels of analytical properties required by the client, which may or may not be fulfilled by the laboratory. This reference is associated to internal (analytical) quality in the results because it pertains to the analytical realm.
(2) The information required by the client (the intended purpose). The results must be validated and properly interpreted in order to solve the originating socio-economic problem. This reference is associated to external quality in the results because it falls outside the scope of the analytical laboratory: the analytical information delivered must be interpreted by the client or expert professionals in order to solve the socio-economic problem.