The validation of standard methods should not be taken for
granted – the laboratory should satisfy itself that the degree of validation of a
particular method is adequate for its purpose’’. The methods used in research
and development must fulfill at least two of the requirements for routine
analysis stated in the guide on accreditation. First, the analytical method
should be described clearly and in sufficient detail in order to allow other
laboratories to repeat the measurements. Second, precision, range, robustness
and other relevant performance parameters are requisite. It is crucial to use
methods developed for this purpose, meaning that the method should be
validated for the subpopulation studied, in particular with respect to analytical
range, limit of detection (LOD), normal biological variation, and other performance
parameters.