SIST ISO 17381:2010

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST ISO 17381:2010
01-september-2010
Kakovost vode - Izbira in uporaba že pripravljenih hitrih preskusnih metod za
analizo vode
Water quality - Selection and application of ready-to-use test kit methods in water
analysis
Qualité de l'eau - Choix et application des méthodes utilisant des kits prêts à l'emploi en
analyse de l'eau
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: ISO 17381:2003
ICS:
13.060.45 Preiskava vode na splošno Examination of water in
general
SIST ISO 17381:2010 en
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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SIST ISO 17381:2010

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SIST ISO 17381:2010


INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 17381
First edition
2003-12-15


Water quality — Selection and application
of ready-to-use test kit methods in water
analysis
Qualité de l'eau — Choix et application des méthodes utilisant des kits
prêts à l'emploi en analyse de l'eau




Reference number
ISO 17381:2003(E)
©
ISO 2003

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SIST ISO 17381:2010
ISO 17381:2003(E)
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SIST ISO 17381:2010
ISO 17381:2003(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope. 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions. 2
4 Classification of ready-to-use methods. 2
5 Typical areas for the application of ready-to-use methods. 2
6 Selecting an analytical method . 3
7 Requirements for the application of ready-to-use methods. 4
8 Quality assurance . 7
9 Documentation . 7
Annex A (informative) Decision-making process. 9
Annex B (informative) Case studies for the decision-making process . 10

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SIST ISO 17381:2010
ISO 17381:2003(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 17381 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 147, Water quality.
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SIST ISO 17381:2010
ISO 17381:2003(E)
Introduction
In water and waste-water monitoring, an appropriate, standardized procedure exists for practically every
parameter to be investigated. However, in certain circumstances, the employment of a simpler, faster and
often more economical method is preferred, provided that this does not entail a breach of legislation.
This International Standard refers to methods for the analysis of water samples which can be undertaken
outside the analytical laboratory, either on-site or as a field test, when the purpose of the test is to characterize
the water under test for either quality or control purposes. In the case of determinands which are unstable
after sampling, and which cannot be stabilized, ready-to-use methods provide the most suitable means of
obtaining reliable test results. The test methods are simple procedures for use by a non-chemist after suitable
training as well as by the trained chemist.
The methods described in this International Standard are not intended as a substitute for, or alternative to,
other standards on the quantitative analysis of waters, which remain the reference methods for use in the
laboratory.
The choice of the most suitable method depends upon the type of analysis required, and on the necessary
quality of the results. This International Standard is intended to set out boundary conditions for selecting a
non-standardized analytical method and to define the requirements with regard to both the application and the
production of ready-to-use methods.
When applying the information contained in this International Standard, highly specialized expert knowledge is
required when selecting suitable methods, whereas less stringent demands are made upon the subsequent
application, in particular of simplified methods.

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SIST ISO 17381:2010

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SIST ISO 17381:2010
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 17381:2003(E)

Water quality — Selection and application of ready-to-use test
kit methods in water analysis
WARNING — Persons using this standard should be familiar with normal laboratory practice. This
standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is
the responsibility of the user to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to ensure
compliance with any national regulatory conditions.
1 Scope
This International Standard gives guidance on the selection, and requirements for the application, of ready-to-
use methods in water analysis. The so-called "ready-to-use methods" are of increasing interest because,
compared to standard methods, they allow fast and often inexpensive results for analytical problems. Under
certain conditions these methods can be applied in routine control of water quality, provided they give reliable
results.
This International Standard deals with practical aspects concerning quantitative ready-to-use methods.
Statistical evaluations for establishing the equivalence of ready-to-use methods and standard methods are
only mentioned briefly.
As the available ready-to-use methods are based on different analytical principles and also show different
degrees of accuracy, they are classified into several groups. The aim of this International Standard is to set up
criteria as to when the different kinds of ready-to-use methods may be applied for the analysis of distinct
parameters in water samples (e.g. potable water, river water, process water, waste water) and which steps
are necessary to prove their suitability for a certain application.
Ready-to-use methods have to meet special requirements because they are often used by non-chemists. This
International Standard lists requirements for the producers of these tests, concerning safety and
environmental aspects as well as handling and a description of the procedure. There are also several
requirements concerning the training and supervision of the users of ready-to-use methods.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 8466-1, Water quality — Calibration and evaluation of analytical methods and estimation of performance
characteristics — Part 1: Statistical evaluation of the linear calibration function
ISO 8466-2, Water quality — Calibration and evaluation of analytical methods and estimation of performance
characteristics — Part 2: Calibration strategy for non-linear second-order calibration functions
ISO/TR 13530, Water quality — Guide to analytical quality control for water analysis
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SIST ISO 17381:2010
ISO 17381:2003(E)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
reference method
analytical method that is stipulated by law and is usually standardized
3.2
ready-to-use method
analytical method that is ready-made for use, and may be employed in the field with no need for a laboratory
NOTE A more familiar name is "field method".
3.3
decision value
discrete indication of concentration derived from legal, technical and other requirements
3.4
accuracy
degree of agreement of the observed value with the true value of the quantity of interest
NOTE Both random and systematic errors can contribute to a reduction in accuracy.
4 Classification of ready-to-use methods
Ready-to-use methods are characterized by their readiness for use and their suitability for use in the field. As
a rule they require less expenditure, less technical equipment and less expertise than the corresponding
reference method. Depending upon the nature of the task involved and the method employed, the quality of
the analytical results obtained using ready-to-use methods may equal the result gained when applying the
corresponding standardized methods.
Ready-to-use methods may be classified according to various different aspects:
a) according to the type of method (e.g. photometric cuvette test, comparator test, test sticks, simple
volumetric determination);
b) according to the accuracy of the reading
 of a discrete analytical finding, or
 of a range of results.
Ready-to-use methods are frequently based on standard methods that have been miniaturized to allow their
direct application. They may also differ in part from the standard method in their method of detection.
5 Typical areas for the application of ready-to-use methods
5.1 General
Case studies outlining the use of ready-to-use methods in the different areas of application are contained in
Annex B. Ready-to-use methods constitute a useful addition to standard procedures in the following areas.
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SIST ISO 17381:2010
ISO 17381:2003(E)
5.2 Screening
Ready-to-use methods may be used for
 preselection of samples for analysis in the laboratory, and
 selection of the most suitable analytical method (concentration range, interferences).
5.3 Faults in waste-water facilities
Ready-to-use methods may be used for rapid detection of the uncontrolled ingress of pollutants in waste-
water facilities.
5.4 Accidents with damaging consequences for surface water and ground water
Ready-to-use methods are a particularly useful means of limiting the amount of damage in the event of
accidents, due to the rapid availability of the analytical information that they provide.
5.5 Control measurements in waste water, drinking water, swimming-pool water, surface
water, water containing fish, and water for maintaining aquatic animal and plant life
Ready-to-use methods are employed, for example, for monitoring compliance with the permissible
concentration range for a given parameter.
5.6 Monitoring of processes
Ready-to-use methods can be used to monitor and control processes (e.g. in waste-water facilities, production
plants, internal water treatment plants and disinfection systems).
5.7 Testing for the presence of a given substance
The question as to whether or not a given substance (e.g. cyanide in waste water) is present may also be
answered by means of ready-to-use methods. The desired detection limit and ability of the test to overcome
possible interference from other components in the test sample are the decisive factors in selecting the most
suitable ready-to-use method.
6 Selecting an analytical method
6.1 Selection criteria
The following criteria should be taken into consideration when selecting the appropriate analytical method.
The decision-making process (see flow chart in Annex A) shall be documented.
A prerequisite is a known parameter.
a) Basic premises:
 question posed by analysis/aim of determination;
2+ 3+
 parameter definition (individual species, e.g. total Fe, Fe , Fe ).
b) Field of application:
 concentration range;
 matrix;
 method limitations/interferences.
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SIST ISO 17381:2010
ISO 17381:2003(E)
c) Boundary conditions:
 rapidity (in relation to aim of determination);
 mobility (in the field, etc.);
 cost;
 quality target of analysis;
 frequency of use (continuous, once only);
 qualification of personnel;
 legal stipulations;
 availability and/or ease of acquisition.
The criteria shall be weighted differently depending on the intended application. In the case of tasks which are
frequently repeated, the most suitable ready-to-use method should be determined, the necessary equipment
kept ready, and the procedure documented in a standard work guideline.
6.2 Quality targets
The general quality target of analytical questions is to be able to establish the relationship between the
analytical result and its confidence interval on the one hand, and the decision values on the other.
This relationship with the decision values means that the analytical method to be used is subject to
requirements regarding the quality of the analytical results. These requirements are task related and shall be
defined before the ready-to-use method is applied. The definition of these quality targets forms the basis for
the selection of the appropriate method.
7 Requirements for the application of ready-to-use methods
7.1 Requirements for the environment
The environmental conditions and technical facilities should be adequate for the analytical method selected.
The relevant laws concerning health and safety at work shall be observed.
Operating procedures for putting methods into practice and the documents mentioned in Clause 8 regarding
the quality assurance of analysis shall be kept to hand at the site of analysis.
7.2 Requirements for personnel
7.2.1 Requirements for decision makers
Decision makers are responsible for selecting the analytical method to be employed and for making sure that
it is performed correctly, by ensuring that personnel are trained and familiarized with their tasks and by
encouraging further training or providing this themselves. They shall also monitor execution of the analysis
and the quality assurance measures. The necessary prerequisite for decision makers is that they have
recognized qualifications and/or competencies and experience gained in the specific field of work.
Decision makers shall ensure that basic training courses and further training measures for personnel
performing analyses are documented in a suitable manner and in such a way that they can be verified at any
time.
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Together with their subordinate personnel, decision makers determine measures for quality assurance and
documentation and agree suitable control measures.
7.2.2 Requirements for personnel performing the analysis
Persons entrusted with performing analyses in accordance with this International Standard shall have passed
a basic training course (provided by the manufacturer or the company) demonstrating abilities in and
knowledge of the following items:
 performance of tests;
 scope of parameters and matrix influences;
 method limitations/interferences;
 sampling;
 dangers and how to avoid them;
 disposal of waste and waste water;
 quality assurance.
The personnel performing the analysis should attend regular further training courses.
7.3 Requirements for the product
7.3.1 General
This subclause deals with the most important points that should be apparent from the accompanying
documentation of a method. All information, either supplied or separately obtainable (enclosed leaflet, application
documents, etc.) shall be easily comprehensible and should be written in the country’s national language.
7.3.2 Field of application
 parameters (e.g. oxidation state of ion);
 measurement range/graduation; “zero” may not be stated for the lower limit of the operating range;
 matrix;
 matrix interferences, measures to be taken for their preve
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