The hitchhiker's guide to quality assurance - the sequel

Once again, the RACI NSW Analytical Chemistry Group is organising a seminar on the topic of Quality Assurance. The seminar is being held on 25 and 26 October 2004 at the National Measurement Institute, Bradfield Road, Lindfield NSW 2070.

Like its predecessor, The hitchhiker's guide to quality assurance - the sequel has been designed to serve the needs of laboratory personnel and end-users of data. It is not afraid to tackle and solve all your difficult quality assurance questions. It will look at a range of issues at a grass roots level. The program of this year's seminar is an extension of the successful format from last year's event. Presentations will be given on the topics of traceability, measurement uncertainty, competent people, chain of custody, calibration, method validation, quality control, reference materials, reporting, auditing and total quality management. Presenters are drawn from the National Measurement Institute, academia, government and regulatory bodies, accreditation bodies and industry.

This year, three workshops will be held covering statistics for QC, method validation and proficiency testing. The statistic for QC workshop will provide the laboratory community with the basic tools required to evaluate QC data. These basic tools will be expanded on in the method validation workshop and the workshop will provide participants with a clear understanding of the validation process as well as providing guidance on calculating necessary performance characteristics. The proficiency testing workshop will help participants understand the statistical approaches used in proficiency testing and show them how to interpret and effectively use the results and evaluation from PT schemes.

A method validation forum will take place, where the TGA, NATA and IANZ will present their perspectives on this salient topic. Requirements for method validation, what is really needed during an audit (and pre-audit), the way in which documentation should be presented, etc, will be addressed by each organisation. The presentations will be followed by a panel discussion. For organisations trying to come to grips with regulatory and/or accreditation bodies' method validation requirements, this session is not to be missed.

An exhibition showcasing a range of services to the laboratory industry is also planned in conjunction with this event.

To find out further information on this event, contact either John Eames on (02) 9659 3001 or Maree Stuart on (02) 9541 4012. Alternatively, you can visit www.lqms.com.au for details of the program and to access a registration form.