Quality assurance in weighing

J AOAC Int. 1995 Jul-Aug;78(4):1109-11.

Abstract

Weighing is the most used step in any analytical procedure, and the balance is the one essential piece of laboratory equipment in all analyses. Yet weighing is a common source of error in final analytical results and can be difficult to detect. Analysts may become complacent and expect all weighings to be accurate. Our laboratory experienced a problem in weighing and found that the principal error was due to drift. The ensuing investigation into the cause led to a procedure for reducing drift, which, in turn, ensured accurate weighings that have improved quality assurance in our total operations.

MeSH terms

  • Calibration
  • Chemistry Techniques, Analytical / methods
  • Chemistry Techniques, Analytical / standards
  • Quality Control
  • Weights and Measures / standards*