Analytical chemistry at the interface between metrology and problem solving

The constant need to harmonize theory and practice in analytical chemistry requires the continued evolution of metrology in chemistry. In this contribution, we highlight conflicts that arise from the diverging foci of conventional metrology and analytical problem solving and put them into context with the role of analytical chemistry as a scientific discipline that is embedded in society and is producing (bio)chemical information. We suggest strategies that allow harmonization of the intrinsic and the extrinsic aspects of analytical chemistry that are seen in metrology and analytical problem solving, respectively. Facing the constraints of analytical measurements, which may result from limitation in time, financial or instrumental resources among others, we propose to define quality compromises in each situation where analytical information is required. Based on the adapted quality compromises, there is a need to adopt intrinsic and extrinsic aspects of the analytical process under investigation. This undertaking aims to assure high integral quality of analytical results in a given context. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.