Establishment of traceability of ammonium nitrogen determination in wastewater

A case study is presented for the establishment of traceability for ammonium nitrogen determination in wastewater in a routine laboratory in order to fulfil the requirements of ISO/IEC standard 17025. The necessary relevant information was obtained from the method validation data, the quality control data and equipment calibration certificates. The method of measurement is described together with the measurement equation, selected traceable reference standards and the associated measurement uncertainty. The major sources of uncertainty of the result of measurement were identified and the combined uncertainty was calculated. Identification of the main uncertainty sources represents the basis for target operations for reducing the measurement uncertainty of this determination.     

Measurement traceability and US IVD manufacturers: the impact of metrology

A goal of clinical laboratory science is to produce accurate and comparable patient test results for a specimen independent of analytical methodology. The In Vitro Diagnostics Directive in Europe has provided the impetus for the U.S. in vitro diagnostic (IVD) industry to adapt the concepts of Metrology, the science of measurement, including measurement traceability and measurement uncertainty. The joint committee for traceability in laboratory medicine has provided a valuable database of internationally recognized reference materials and methods and reference laboratories. Much of the responsibility for measurement traceability falls on IVD manufacturers, but all global stakeholders, including the clinical laboratory profession, government Regulatory bodies, metrology institutes, and the providers of EQA/PT surveys, must cooperate to progress toward this goal. The adaptation of the concepts of Metrology to the clinical laboratory is an appropriate and logical development and it will continue in the twenty-first century.     

A traceability protocol to the SI by gravimetric analysis

 An example is presented of a traceability protocol for the measurement of a single-element strontium reference material solution, executed by a "primary" method of measurement for certification. The method of measurement is briefly described together with the measurement equation and the associated calculations for the estimation of uncertainties. This is followed by a discussion and estimate of each component of uncertainty associated with the measurement, together with a final estimate of uncertainty. The final estimate of uncertainty compares well with observed uncertainties for two previous laboratory measurements of the reference material. Received: 21 February 1998 · Accepted: 17 August 1998     

Experience of the National Institute of Metrology (INM) in development and certification of reference materials used in the metrological assurance of clinical laboratory measurements

In order to provide quality assurance in the field of clinical chemistry, required by European Standards, the Romanian national metrological infrastructure has to be improved. The main objectives of this important activity are metrological assurance of concentration measurements, the assessment of the uncertainty, and the traceability of measurements. Within this framework, reference materials play an important role. The experience of INM in the preparation, certification and use of reference materials and in metrological assurance of clinical laboratory measurements (especially when absorption photometric devices are used) is described. The combined uncertainty associated with chemical preparation of these reference materials is estimated. Received: 25 April 1997 / Revised: 8 July 1997 / Accepted: 12 July 1997     

碳化硼成分分析标准物质的研制

介绍碳化硼成分分析标准物质的制备方法。以硼酸和蔗糖为原材料,酯化反应得到硼酸酯沉淀,经过烧结制备碳化硼粉体。用低温前驱体裂解法制备碳化硼成分分析标准物质,并进行了均匀性检验、稳定性考察,采用8家实验室协作定值,对定值结果的不确定度进行了评定。结果表明,研制的碳化硼成分分析标准物质具有良好的均匀性和稳定性,量值准确可靠,定值结果的相对扩展不确定度为0.003 1%~0.13%(k=2)。     

Proficiency testing in the light of a new rationale in metrology

The novel proposed definition of measurement result in the international metrology vocabulary requires a revision of standards and guidelines for proficiency testing (PT), and a new approach to processing proficiency data is needed to test the ability of laboratories to present not only unbiased quantity values, but reliable estimates of their uncertainty. Hence, an accepted reference value with the smallest possible uncertainty is needed to ascertain the proficiency of laboratories reporting results with lower than average uncertainty. A strategy based on the T-statistic is proposed leading to an accepted reference value that fully reflects the uncertainties reported by participants in a PT scheme and permits calculation of E _n numbers to distinguish whether or not measurement results are consistent with the accepted definition of the measurand. The strategy is applied to PT data from a recent international laboratory intercomparison of uranium isotopic ratios.     

In- and off-laboratory sources of uncertainty in the use of a serum standard reference material as a means of accuracy control in cholesterol determination

 Repeated subsampling or a hierarchical design of experiments combined with an analysis of variance (ANOVA) is demonstrated to be a useful tool in the determination of uncertainty components in amount-of-substance measurements. With the reference material of human serum as investigated here for total cholesterol, besides several in-laboratory sources of uncertainty, a vial-to-vial effect which can be regarded as an off-laboratory source was found to be significant. This knowledge might be essential when the material is used for calibration and for the self-assessment of a laboratory. Received: 29 October 1997 · Accepted: 26 November 1997     

Quality and accuracy in analytical chemistry

Summary The accuracy of the result of a chemical analysis can be established most reliably when the laboratory has demonstrated its performance in analysing an internationally accepted certified reference material similar to the tested product. When different laboratories have ensured traceability to the same or to equivalent reference materials, their results should be fully compatible and mutually acceptable, provided the laboratories specify the uncertainty of their results. This paper shows that uncertainty is a simple and efficient means of quantifying quality. A method easily applicable by any laboratory is proposed for the determination of uncertainties [1–3].     

Operation of a proficiency testing scheme of trace elements in sewage sludge with reference values

A proficiency test (PT) was carried out to investigate the quality of laboratory results measuring trace elements in sewage sludge. The scheme relied on reference values, established through flame atomic absorption spectroscopy and instrumental neutron activation analysis. Within the framework of the project, ”Proficiency testing in Central and Eastern European Countries”, the measurements were done in parallel using induced coupled plasma mass spectrometry. This paper discusses the design of the PTS, the metrological concepts behind it and the way in which it was operated. The discussion includes the estimation of measurement uncertainty of the reference values obtained, homogeneity testing and its uncertainty evaluation, as well as all relevant quality assurance aspects. From the results, it can be concluded that all measurement methods involved agree within their respective uncertainties. Furthermore, it can be concluded that it is feasible to operate a proficiency test of trace elements in sewage sludge using reference values. The agreement between the reference values and the consensus values is satisfactory.     

电感耦合等离子体质谱法测定岩石中47种元素的不确定度评定

采用封闭酸溶电感耦合等离子体质谱(ICP-MS)法测定岩石样品,分别对47种元素的测量结果不确定度进行评定。通过分析测试方法和测量条件,得到测量结果的不确定度主要由样品称量、样品溶液定容和样品溶液中元素浓度测量引入。在实验室质控条件下,对各不确定度分量进行评定和计算,其中随机因素导致的不确定度采用期间精密度试验综合评价,即采用A类方法评定。共完成了16个岩石国家标准物质(GBW 07103~GBW 07123)47种元素测量结果的不确定度合成,并参照GB/T 6379.2-2004,建立了含量w与扩展不确定度U之间的关系模型,运用这一关系模型可得到测量结果的不确定度估计值,只要测量过程本身或所使用的设备未变化,就不需要再重复进行不确定度评估。     

Use of uncertainty information for estimation of certified values. Comparison of four approaches using data from a recent certification exercise

Four approaches for estimation of reference values and their respective uncertainties of characterisation were compared using data from the recently finalised certified reference materials ERM-EC680k and ERM-EC681k, elements in plastics. Reference values and uncertainties of characterisation were estimated as mean of laboratory means and their respective standard deviations, using equal weights and the weighting procedure of Mandel–Paule. In addition, two approaches taking into consideration uncertainty information reported by the participants, namely the consistency check and simulation procedure proposed by Cox for CCQM Key comparisons and an approach suggested by Pauwels et al. (Accred Qual Assur 3:180–184, 2000) were used. No difference between the equally-weighted and Mandel–Paule consensus means was observed and the reference value from the Cox approach was in all cases within ±2 u _char of each consensus mean. Uncertainties varied between the three approaches. Uncertainties derived from equally-weighted mean of means approach are on average 14% above uncertainties using the Mandel–Paule consensus mean, 36% above the uncertainties estimated by Pauwels et al., and 54% above the uncertainties from the Cox approach. Robustness of the uncertainty estimation against incorrect estimation of uncertainties was assessed. Assumption of a 50% uncertainty of the individual uncertainties resulted in an uncertainty of 30% of the uncertainty of characterisation. Differences between the four approaches are negligible for this dataset when combined with the uncertainty contribution from heterogeneity and stability as prescribed in ISO Guide 35. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

鱼肉环丙沙星标准样品的研制

介绍了以鲤鱼鱼肉作为基质含有环丙沙星的标准样品的研制过程。通过添加环丙沙星养殖鲤鱼获得样品,用液相色谱-串联质谱法对样品进行均匀性和稳定性检测,采取8个实验室协作定值的方法对样品进行定值检测,进行了标准值的计算和不确定度评估;研究表明获得的样品均匀性良好,稳定性至少17个月,可以用于检测质量控制和科研工作。     

Local comparability of proficiency testing results: determination of concrete slump and compressive strength values

A proficiency testing (PT) scheme is developed for comparability assessment of results of concrete slump and compressive strength determination. The scheme is based on preparing of a test portion/sample of a concrete in-house reference material (IHRM) at a reference laboratory (RL) in the same conditions for every PT participant. Therefore, in this scheme IHRM instability is not relevant as a source of measurement/test uncertainty, while intra- and between-samples inhomogeneity parameters are evaluated using the results of RL testing of the samples taken at the beginning, the middle and the end of the PT experiment. The IHRM assigned slump and compressive strength values are calculated as averaged RL results. Their uncertainties include the measurement/test uncertainty components and the components arising from the material inhomogeneity. The test results of 25 PT participants were compared with the IHRM assigned values taking into account both the uncertainties of the assigned values and the measurement/test uncertainties of the participants. Since traceability of the IHRM assigned values to the international measurement standards and SI units cannot be stated, local comparability of the results is assessed. It is shown, that comparability of the slump and compressive strength determination results is satisfactory, while uncertainty evaluation for slump results requires additional efforts.     

塑料中镉的测定不确定度评定

建立了用实验室内精密度和偏差的数据来评定塑料中镉的测定不确定度的方法. 通过研究不同基体和不同含量水平的样品, 考察了方法的精密度和回收率, 分别计算并合并了两者的测量不确定度. 结果表明精密度和回收率的相对不确定度分量分别为0.026和0.068, 合成不确定度为0.072, 扩展不确定度为0.14. 此评定过程为实验室评定测量不确定度提供了一种新的方法, 简单、合理, 计算结果可靠.     

Estimation of measurement uncertainty in food microbiology: The ISO approach

Given the current interest in measurement uncertainty (MU) in food microbiology, in particular for laboratory accreditation purposes, and the need to have harmonized reference documents specifically in that area at the international level, ISO is conducting works to meet this need. An ISO Technical Specification (ISO/TS 19036) is being prepared on MU estimation for quantitative determinations. A global approach has been chosen, based on the reproducibility standard deviation of the final result of the measurement process. Three possibilities are envisaged for the estimation of the reproducibility standard deviation, in a decreasing order of preference: The intra-laboratory standard deviation, the inter-laboratory standard deviation derived from method validation, and the inter-laboratory standard deviation derived from proficiency testing.The uncertainty of qualitative determinations is still under investigation, and will be covered by a separate ISO publication. Presented at AOAC Europe/Eurachem Symposium March 2005, Brussels, Belgium     

Proficiency testing scheme for the harmonization and comparability of analytical measurements

According to the experience of the successful implementation of proficiency tests (PT) by using the certified reference value as the assigned value, a new scheme of evaluation is presented by suggesting the use of the uncertainty associated with the certified value. The technical performance of laboratories is evaluated by the parameter quadratic mean error (QME), which is the square root of the sum of the square of the bias and that of the standard deviation of the laboratory. This parameter is considered as the estimate of the measurement uncertainty of the laboratory and is compared to the uncertainty (U) associated with the certified value provided by an NMI. Considering that the calibration and measurement capability, known as the CMC, is recognized among NMIs, the ratio QME/U enables us to compare the PT relative to the CMC of an NMI, and, consequently, to any other comparison results based on the CMC of signatories of the mutual recognition arrangement (MRA) of the International Committee of Weights and Measure (CIPM). Presented at BERM-11, October 2007, Tsukuba, Japan.     

Towards quality specifications in extra-analytical phases of laboratory services: What information on quality specifications should be communicated to clinicians, and how?

Quality specifications, the level of performance required to facilitate clinical decision-making, not only have a central role in quality management in clinical laboratories, but are also essential for assuring the interpretation and utilization of laboratory information by clinicians. Laboratory tests have been grouped into five categories and the most suitable ways to communicate quality specifications to clinicians have been proposed. In particular, for tests with a uni-modal distribution, decision limits should replace the traditional reference values. For tests with a bi-modal distribution, in addition to reference values, some flags based on the uncertainty of laboratory data, can be included in the report. For tests used in patients monitoring and in evaluating the response to therapy, the reference change value or the most effective threshold of the difference between two consecutive results should be indicated. For tests/test batteries that require interpretative comments, these should be added on a regular basis. Lastly, pre- and post-test counseling is mandatory for genetic testing.Presented at Quality 2005, 10th Anniversary Meeting in Antwerp, Belgium March 7th–8th, 2005.     

Use of water activity characteristics enables a simplified approach for defining the reference moisture condition for FDA cocoa powder in-house reference material

The Food and Drug Administration uses water activity behavior characteristics when adjusting test portion mass to correct for the moisture condition of its cocoa powder in-house reference material. The cocoa powder’s moisture condition, and therefore weight, equilibrates according to the relative humidity (RH) of its surroundings. This process is predictable and defined by an isotherm. The reference values in the certificate of analysis are relative to the material’s condition at 30 % RH, which is assumed to be mid-range for typical laboratory settings. Since mass variations are relatively small within a 15–50 % RH range, the mass may be measured immediately after removing a test portion from a storage bottle and used without correction if a standard uncertainty of 0.7 % is acceptable for the mass. If greater accuracy is needed and the laboratory RH is known, a very simple and quick procedure can be used whereby the test portion is left open and exposed to the laboratory air overnight before weighing. After applying a correction, the standard uncertainty for mass measurement drops to 0.3 %.