Rapid Methods

Rapid methods are searching methods, which are used to locate those samples that should be submitted to a more accurate and precise method. These methods can be carried out by semi-skilled or trained personnel and include the calculation of the result.

It should be noticed that technical analysis methods, such as the different chromatographic or spectroscopic techniques, that can be carried out quickly, shouldn't be officially called rapid methods.

Two examples of rapid methods are test strips and methods using colour comparisons.

For rapid methods a division in two types can be made:
 

Substitution Type:

Methods which quickly lead to a result within the shortest possible time by exchanging or avoiding time-consuming work or process steps, usually by introducing a different measuring principle.
 

Organization Type:

Methods with which the result can be obtained faster because the tests can be carried out with higher speed, even if the basic measuring principle is retained.

There are two significant fields of application of rapid method analysis:
 

Food Production

The necessity of employing rapid methods for quality control in industrial food production arises from the natural fluctuation in the composition of the biological raw materials processed. By rapid determination of valuable constituents in raw materials, intermediates and end products, it became possible to influence the production in order to obtain optimal economy and quality.

 

Food Inspection

The increasing interest in rapid methods in the area of food quality control is due to the increasing number of samples and analysis parameters. Legal or toxicological aspects often require rapid information as to the presence or absence of one or more substances either exceeding or falling below a given limiting value. The institutes are forced to save time and material since resources are short and the consumer protection needs to be guaranteed.