Is the estimation of measurement uncertainty a viable alternative to validation?

Two examples of the use of measurement uncertainty in a development environment are presented and compared to the use of validation. It is concluded that measurement uncertainty is a good alternative to validation for chemical processes in the development stage. Some advantages of measurement uncertainty are described. The major advantages are that the estimations of measurement uncertainty are very efficient, and can be performed before analysis of the samples. The results of measurement uncertainty influence the type of analysis employed in the development process, and the measurement design can be adjusted to the need of the process.