09/28/2007

Metrological Traceability of Measurement Results in Chemistry

In commerce, society, and science, metrological comparability of measured quantity values and various published values is essential to determine their spatio-temporal differences, ratios, and drifts. Achieving metrological comparability of measurement results requires definition of calibration hierarchies providing metrological traceability chains which enable the establishment of metrological traceability of measured quantity values to a common metrological reference.

Experience has shown that the understanding of the concepts involved, their relation, role, definition, and use is insufficient and varied. Consequently, an attempt is made in this study to arrive at a set of consistent concept systems with associated terminology for measurement in chemistry. The systems build on definitions of concepts and associated terms from the new 3rd edition (2007) of the International Vocabulary of Metrology -Basic and General Concepts and Associated Terms - VIM, such as quantity, measurand, calibration, measurement procedure, measurement uncertainty, measurement standard, calibrator, reference material. Additional concepts such as metrological equivalence of measurement results are also given. Flow charts of generic calibration hierarchies are presented as well as a variety of examples.

The establishment, assessment, and reporting of metrological traceability are discussed, including the needed metrological institutional hierarchy and the role of interlaboratory comparisons.

Recommendations are made about the essential steps in planning and performing a measurement, and reporting a measurement result.

—> Download full text of the Provisional Recommendations

Source: IUPAC

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