Specifications

A common problem with eld-
research is the amount of storage
facilities available for recording data.
Instruments intended to measure
and record should have enough
temporary storage memory for
sucient samplings to ensure
integrity of the research.
Until the raw data can be transferred
for analysis and archiving, the data
should be secured from accidental
deletion or editing. For this, password
protection and volatile memory
function on the meter is important to
ensure that the acquired data is well-
preserved, even when the equipment
is out of batteries.
Finally, in the case of where data
is transferred to and generated
using a computer programme, the
designed programme used must
ensure identication of the individual
responsible for data-entry. Figure
2 and 3 illustrate how the data
acquisition software accompanying
the CyberScan 600 series waterproof
handheld meters prompt for
identication person responsible for
the entry. The data, which is directly
and wirelessly transferred to the
computer, is presented in the form
of an in-editable report. Researchers
can transfer the information out
onto another programme for further
analysis. Any changes to the raw data
Applications
page | 94
Figure 2: Raw data
collected from the eld is
transferred wirelessly to a
computer in the form of a
comprehensive report.
GLP Compliance in Field Research
The Principles of GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) represent an
internationally recognised benchmark of test methods and processes
for non-clinical health and environmental safety studies. It provides a
uniform standard upon which researches are carried out and forms the
basis for mutual acceptance of research data between countries. To
researchers and government agencies for environmental control, being
GLP-compliant is important in lending recognition to the integrity of
their research, as well as ensuring a smooth audit process.
This said, managing the quality of a GLP-compliant research without the
support of laboratory facilities can be a tricky aair, especially in settings
where several factors are beyond the researcher’s inuence. Since data
collected from eld research essentially forms the fundamental to
research work – and that means that results collected from the eld
ought to be as accurate as possible – the process of eld data acquisition
must be carefully managed, among external elements outside the
control of a researcher, to ensure GLP compliance.
Because of this, in the context of studies involving surface water analysis,
the meters used during eldwork are not only important in providing
accurate results, but also instrumental in helping to ensure compliance
during data-acquisition. In particular, the OECD’s published Consensus
Document, “Application of the GLP Principles to Field Studies” (OECD,
1999) underscore the need to place special emphasis on two major
aspects of eldwork – Equipment and Data Recording in the eld:
Equipment
The apparatus employed should be of appropriate design and
adequate capacity. For instruments used in outdoors water analysis,
this translates into a need to measure accurately at a required range
and resolution. Housing of the equipment should also be suciently
rugged, and waterproof to survive the outdoors elements. At the same
time, sophistication of the apparatus should be balanced with ease-of-
use so as not to hinder the test processes.
To ensure accuracy, all research instruments must be cleaned, checked,
maintained and calibrated periodically, with calibration benchmarked
against national or international standards of measurements.
The GLP Principles require researchers to keep records of each
maintenance and calibration session for auditing purposes. For instance,
the calibration-due alarm in the CyberScan 600 series alerts on a user-
dened calibration date allowing them to keep check of calibration
dates easily. Late calibrations are
reected in the meter, and all
calibration details can be generated
into a report and saved as an in-
editable le in the computer using
the supplied Data Acquisition
Software (see Figure 1).
Data Recording
The GLP Principles require raw data generated during the eld
research to be documented legibly, directly and promptly. Using the
auto-logging function in a meter can facilitate immediate and accurate
data-entry without the risk of accidental data-loss or human error that
may occur with recording on paper. For full traceability, recorded data
must be stamped with time and date of measure.
Figure 1:
The CyberScan 600 Series allows the
generation of a detailed calibration
report that records the time, date,
selected buer option as well as the
electrode performance slope.
Figure 3: Programme
prompts user for identica-
tion when transferring data
out into editable versions.
should not obscure the original gures, and should be fully justied for
by means of documentation in the “Note” section.
Unlike the laboratory setting, the nature of eldwork makes it more
dicult to implement GLP Principles in the research process.
While a eld researcher cannot do more to control the weather,
technology has made it possible to obtain better equipment support. By
choosing the right instruments, complying with GLP can be eortless,
even when conducting researches in the eld with external factors,
without the infrastructure of a laboratory.
Measure Smart with the Eutech CyberScan 600 Series
Eutech’s CyberScan 600 Series – a new line of waterproof, intuitive
handheld meters designed especially for rugged, outdoor applications,
yet versatile and powerful enough to be used in the laboratories.
Incorporating unparalleled functionality such as compensation of
temperature, salinity and barometric pressure, adjustable cell constant
settings, high resolution and wide measurement ranges, the meters are
engineered to help you achieve unprecedented, lab accurate results
eortlessly, ensuring high quality GLP-compliant research.
Presently available for high-quality measurements of the following
parameters: pH, conductivity and dissolved oxygen. To nd out more
about smart measuring, visit our website at
www.eutechinst.com, or
simply email us at
[e-mail]
Sources:
“OCED Series on Principles of Good Laboratory Practice and Compliance Monitoring:
OECD Principles on Good Laboratory Practice”, OECD, 1997
“OECD Series on Principles of GLP and Compliance Monitoring Number 6 (Consensus Document):
The Application of the GLP Principles to Field Studies”, OECD, 1999
This article was rst published in International Labmate, Vol XXXI, Issue VII, October 2006