The next step is to identify how each step in the analytical process could be manipulated to compromise the reliability of the final reported result. To do this we need to analyse each step of the analytical process in detail.

Identify Steps Where Manipulation Can Occur

When this is done we find that there are several steps in the process where manipulation could compromise the trustworthiness of the final result, these include:

• Use of incorrect sample weight in the final calculations
• Using incorrect dilution parameters or standard purity factors
• Manipulating the standard concentrations
• Manipulating peak integration parameters

Identify Controls

The next step is to identify controls to either prevent unauthorised changes or clearly identify incidences when changes have been made, when they were made, who made them and what the original information was. In an analytical laboratory setting, this will principally involve controlling the records created during analysis.