ABSTRACT
The function of many of today' s analytical laboratories is not always easily described. To those in the laboratory it may seem to be at the core of all operations, since the information it provides affects major decisions that can determine the very existence of the organization it serves. To others, it is merely a convenient way to obtain data on which to base their actions so that they can spend most of their time pursuing more productive activities. In fact, elements of truth are to be found in both concepts. The degree to which one or the other of these views predominates depends on the broad nature of the analytical work being performed.
