Uncertainty is an important quality parameter of any analytical result. Est
imating the uncertainty of analytical procedures can be rather difficult in
many instances. Computer simulation based on multiple repetition of calcul
ation of the resulting quantity while varying slightly the input parameters
is an alternative option. The input parameters for the various computation
runs are composed of two terms: the constant mean value and the error, obt
ained as the product of the standard uncertainty of the parameter in questi
on and a random number with the normal distribution N(0.1). This approach c
an also serve to optimize measuring procedures, as demonstrated on an examp
le of the determination of lead in biological materials by isotope dilution
mass spectrometry. The accuracy of the optimized method was tested by anal
ysis of some CRMs, the robustness of the method was examined, and the detec
tion limit (10 ng/g Pb) and repeatability (4 ng/g Pb) were determined.