Why is it necessary to validate the Analyst?
Analyst validation is the process of confirming, through extensive training and analysis of a test sample of known value, that a laboratory analyst can generate authentic and reliable results; only a validated analyst is authorized to sign analysis reports.
Validated Laboratory analyst at work
You have introduced the latest sophisticated facilities in your laboratory but if your manpower is lacking essential training the facilities will not give back the desired returns. After all it is true that the man behind the machine is what matters
At time of selection you have shortlisted the potential employees after screening their qualifications and experience. Special care must have been taken to ensure that the selected person meets your expectations and is familiar with the techniques which will constitute his daily activities. However, it is indeed rare that the selected person will be tailor made for the job requirements and will start generating reliable data from day one.
It is at this point that analyst validation assumes significance. The selected candidate is handed over to the section in charge and it becomes his responsibility to organize his training as per the job requirements. It is not a day’s job but requires at least a couple of months to make the new entrant proficient for the job in hand.
Benefits of Analyst validation
The results communicated by your laboratory are accepted on the basis of your accreditations and recognitions awarded by professional bodies. Results are used by your customers to base decisions related to selection or rejection of a batch or consignment and its subsequent marketing. This makes all results very critical and such data should be communicated only after following all the authenticity protocols.
The analyst needs to be validated for his ability to generate authentic and reliable results. Most laboratories have a set of guidelines and criteria for validation of analysts which involves extensive training followed by analysis of a test sample whose analysis value is known before hand. Agreement of the reported value with the known value within the acceptable range is the basis for validation. It does not mean that if the analyst fails he should be asked to leave but is given another opportunity and further training to match the expectations within the allotted time period.
Only a validated analyst is authorized to sign analysis reports and reliance can be placed on the validity of analysis and his results will be acceptable to the customer.
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Why is it necessary to validate an analyst?
Introducing sophisticated facilities alone does not guarantee reliable results if the analyst operating them lacks proper training. Only a validated analyst is authorized to sign analysis reports, and reliance can be placed on the validity of the analysis and results only after that validation is complete.
How long does analyst validation typically take?
Validation is not a day's job. It requires at least a couple of months of organized training under the section in charge before the new entrant becomes proficient for the job.
What is the basis on which an analyst is validated?
Validation involves extensive training followed by analysis of a test sample whose value is already known. Agreement of the analyst's reported value with the known value, within an acceptable range, forms the basis for validation.
What happens if an analyst fails the validation test?
A failed attempt does not mean the analyst is asked to leave. They are given another opportunity along with further training to meet expectations within the allotted time period.
Who is authorized to sign laboratory analysis reports?
Only an analyst who has been validated is authorized to sign analysis reports, since only their results carry the reliability required for customer acceptance.
Why does analyst reliability matter so much to a laboratory's customers?
Customers use reported results to decide on the selection or rejection of a batch or consignment and its subsequent marketing, which makes the data highly critical and requires it to be communicated only after following authenticity protocols.