General characterization of analytical methods: Example of mass spectrometry and chromatography-mass spectrometry

A review of the well-established and novel analytical methods in mass spectrometry and chromatography-mass spectrometry is presented. General information about the methods is given and their distribution over the fields of analysis and mass spectrometric methods is considered. The classification and validation (certification) of the methods is discussed and their necessary characteristics are specified. The identification criteria contained in the methods and isotope dilution method providing the most precise and accurate results of quantitative analysis are considered. Various characteristics of errors (uncertainty) used in analytical methods are presented.