Koostisainetest

Koostisainetest is an Estonian term used to describe procedures that determine the chemical composition and presence of ingredients in a material or product. It is applied to verify declared ingredients, detect undeclared substances, and support quality control, safety assessment, and regulatory compliance in areas such as cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals, and environmental testing.

Common methods include chromatographic techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS), as well as infrared (IR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and elemental analysis. The process typically involves sampling, sample preparation, instrumental analysis, and interpretation of results to determine composition and concentrations. Method validation, detection limits, and potential matrix effects are important considerations.

In regulatory contexts, koostisainetest supports accurate ingredient disclosure, safety assessment, and traceability. Standards and regulations for cosmetics, foods, medicines, and environmental products influence the choice of methods and reporting requirements. Industry use includes supplier verification, batch release testing, and investigations of product recalls prompted by suspected adulteration or contamination.

Limitations of koostisainetest include the complexity of mixtures, similar physicochemical properties among components, and the need for representative sampling. Often a combination of techniques is necessary to achieve reliable results, and expert interpretation is essential for risk assessment and regulatory decisions.