Quality assurance in analytical laboratories, irrespective of the discipline, is considered a matter of course. However, many laboratories find it very difficult to effectively and systematically implement the necessary procedures of quality assurance, and implementation leaves much to be desired in many places. Particularly, laboratories with marginal budgets, or smaller research laboratories working without much competition, often do not have the necessary resources and incentives to engage in a comprehensive effort as done by laboratories seeking accreditation. Proper training and refresher courses may be neglected or, all too often, properly trained staff resign to take up a better position elsewhere. Much neglected aspects of laboratory work also include keeping of full, systematic records and drafting and implementation of proper operating procedures and protocols.
To assist soil and plant laboratories with the mentioned constraints, ISRIC, with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), developed practical guidelines for effective quality management. Emphasis was placed on achieving an improvement of performance by adopting a limited number of relatively simple rules and inexpensive measures based on the principles of Good Laboratory Practice. The many examples and model documents included in these guidelines should facilitate the adaptation and adoption of specific procedures and documents.
I hope that these guidelines will find their way and prove useful to many laboratories.
Robert Brinkman
Director
Land and Water Development Division
FAO
