ABSTRACT
It is useful to view the development and application of air sampling methods and instrumentation as a “life cycle” of logical and interrelated steps (Hoover and Cox, 2004). The cycle begins with evaluation of a mission or performance requirement (real or emerging); proceeds through research and development, prototype testing, type testing, production control testing, training, and acceptance of a method and the associated instrumentation to accomplish the mission; continues with initial calibration, functional checks, and accumulation and review of operational experience to conduct the mission in a scientically defensible manner; proceeds through maintenance and recalibration and through periodic performance testing to ensure that the method is still working; and eventually ends with either the ultimate completion of the mission or with the replacement of the method by more efcient or more effective methods. Documentation and continuous improvement are essential at
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 43 Life-Cycle Steps ...............................................................................................................................44
