The Implementation of Traceability and Ensuring Validity of Results at Testing Laboratories for Air and Exhaust Gas in Indonesia

Abstract

Ensuring metrological traceability and result validity is a critical aspect of testing laboratories to obtain reliable results and ensure comparability. A survey was conducted in testing laboratories to assess the extent of traceability and result validity assurance through the utilization of certified reference materials and the implementation of quality assurance. The objective of this survey is to determine the necessary types of reference materials and proficiency tests, particularly for air and exhaust gas laboratories, in order to enhance the development of reference materials and proficiency testing services. The survey involved distributing a questionnaire regarding the utilization of certified reference materials and the implementation of quality assurance to accredited air and exhaust gas testing laboratories. The findings revealed that out of the 25 participating laboratories, a significant portion had not yet incorporated the use of certified reference materials in their testing processes. Although internal quality control measures were generally implemented across laboratories, only 40% had adopted external quality control methods, such as comparative and proficiency tests. Consequently, it is evident that there is an urgent need to develop reference materials for all parameters of air and exhaust gas testing, and there is a requirement for updated information for proficiency test providers.