This version of "The importance of method validation" has been superseded by the 2nd edition, published in 2025. The 2nd edition can be found here.

Content

Method validation is an important requirement in the practice of analytical science. ISO/IEC 17025, OECD guidelines on Good Manufacturing Practice and many similar codes of practice require some level of validation, whether by verification of the laboratory's implementation of published standard methods, or by comprehensive validation studies of new, in-house, procedures. Most analytical chemists are aware of its importance, but why it should be done, when, and exactly what needs to be done, is not always clear.

This leaflet, prepared by the Eurachem Method Validation working group, gives a brief introduction to the overall process of validation and the key performance characteristics to be studied, and provides pointers to more detailed guidance.

Availability

• Download the leaflet in English (PDF, 273 kB) (Published 2021-02-25)*
• Download the leaflet in Farsi (PDF, 227 kB) (Published 2021-11-29)
• Download the leaflet in German (PDF, 728 kB) (Published 2021-11-11)
• Download the leaflet in Turkish (PDF, 485 kB) (Published 2021-05-10)

*Publication dates are dates of website publication. English version first published on this site on 2021-02-25.

Details

Category: Withdrawn and superseded guidance

Last Updated: Thursday, 13 November 2025 17:35

• Validation
• Information leaflets