Reference material requirements for laboratories and the role of accreditation bodies

Abstract

It is now over two years since ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories was published. The standard places increased emphasis on the demonstration of traceability of measurements made by laboratories. In the areas of chemical and biological metrology, the introduction of this standard has brought new challenges for laboratories to grapple with. This paper will examine the requirements regarding traceability for chemical and biological measurements, with specific reference to the use of reference materials by laboratories. This will be explored from the perspective of both accreditation bodies and a laboratory which is both a user and producer of certified reference materials. Moreover, the paper will describe mechanisms that are being used to improve the use of reference materials by accredited laboratories and hence the traceability of measurements. Finally the role of accreditation programs for reference material producers in assisting with this aspect will be examined.