Assessment of uncertainty in pesticide multiresidue analytical methods:: main sources and estimation

The estimation of the uncertainty associated to analytical methods is necessary in order to establish the comparability of results. Multiresidue analytical methods lack very often of information about uncertainty of results with likely implications when results are compared with maximum residue levels (MRL) established by regulations. An adequate identification and estimation of each uncertainty source allows to laboratories to establish the accuracy of results and to balance with time-consuming and costs. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.