Validation of a computer program for atomic absorption analysis

 The approach to validation of a computer program for an analytical instrument as a component of the analytical method (using this instrument with the program) is discussed. This approach was used for validating a new program for atomic absorption analysis. The validation plan derived from this approach was based on minimising the influence of all steps of the analytical procedure on the analytical results obtained by the method. In this way significant changes in the results may be caused only by replacement of the previous program by the new one. The positive validation conclusion was based on the comparison of the results of the analysis of suitable reference materials obtained with the new program and with its precursor in the same conditions, and also on comparison of their deviations from the accepted reference values for these materials, with the corresponding uncertainties. Received: 25 January 1997 Accepted: 14 March 1997