Now available:
"An Introduction to Standards and Quality Control for the Lab"
(see "General analytical testing and measurement" in the Learning Library)

If you have ever questioned the result of an analytical test, you'll immediately appreciate the value of using standard solutions. These solutions contain a defined concentration of analyte, allowing you to quickly verify that instrument operation, reagent performance, and variations in operator technique are within your program values. Standard Methods recommends using solutions of known concentration in place of your sample 5% of the time. Through control charting, verification of calibration curves, standard additions (spikes), and troubleshooting isolated problems, standard solutions are an essential tool in significantly increasing confidence in your laboratory process and test results.

Hach offers a wide range of single parameter standards which can be used across multiple applications in conjunction with procedures that Hach supports (see parameter table). And we offer unique 'mixed-parameter' standards, ideal for QC, which can validate a test program across a group of critical parameters, in concentrations appropriate to a specific application (see mixed QC standards).

The systematic use of standard solutions and mixed QC standards will ultimately decrease time wasted in the laboratory, as well as save money spent on wasted samples and reagents. Integrating the use of standard solutions and mixed QC standards into laboratory practice helps an analyst catch small problems before they become large sources of error in results.

For more information, request our brochure (2549).

Additional resources:

• In-depth discussion of standard usage across a number of different topics such as control charting, calibration curves, etc. is located in our Lab Practice area in the Learning Library.
  (Information Central)
• Check for frequently asked questions about standards on the "Water Analysis FAQ" page.
  (Information Central)
• A paper on the use of standard additions in spectrophotometric analysis is available in the General Analytical Testing and Measurement area of the Learning Library.
  (Information Central)
• Use our site submission form to ask our technical support group specific questions about the use of standards in your application.