Calibration uncertainty

Methods recommended by the International Standardization Organisation and Eurachem are not satisfactory for the correct estimation of calibration uncertainty. A novel approach is introduced and tested on actual calibration data for the determination of Pb by ICP-AES. The improved calibration uncertainty was verified from independent measurements of the same sample by demonstrating statistical control of analytical results and the absence of bias. The proposed method takes into account uncertainties of the measurement, as well as of the amount of calibrant. It is applicable to all types of calibration data, including cases where linearity can be assumed only over a limited range. Received: 25 August 2001 Accepted: 21 December 2001     

同位素稀释电感耦合等离子体质谱(ID-ICP-MS)测定植物与人发标准物质中的铅

建立了同位素稀释电感耦合等离子体质谱(ID-ICP-MS)测定铅的方法.考察和讨论了仪器参数对同位素比值测定的影响,优化了仪器的数据采样参数.利用内标Tl对质量歧视、系统漂移进行了校正.讨论了同位素浓缩剂加入量对最终浓度测定值的不确定度的影响.将该方法应用于植物标准物质和人发标准物质的测定,结果令人满意.     

A new certified reference material for benzene measurement in air on a sorbent tube: development and proficiency testing

A certified matrix reference material (CRM) for the measurement of benzene in ambient air has been developed at Laboratoire National de Métrologie et d’Essais. The production of these CRMs was conducted using a gravimetric method fully traceable to the International System of Units. The CRMs were prepared by sampling an accurate mass of a gaseous primary reference material of benzene, using a high-precision laminar flowmeter and a mass flow controller, with a PerkinElmer sampler filled with Carbopack™ X sorbent. The relative standard deviations obtained for the preparation of a batch of 20 tubes loaded with 500 ng of benzene were below 0.2%. Each CRM is considered independent from the others and with its own certified value and an expanded uncertainty estimated to be within 0.5%, lower than the uncertainties of benzene CRMs already available worldwide. The stability of these materials was also established up to 12 months. These CRMs were implemented during proficiency testing, to evaluate the analytical performances of seven French laboratories involved in benzene air monitoring.     

原子荧光光谱法测定方便米饭中砷的测量不确定度评定

介绍了原子荧光光谱法测定方便米饭中砷的测量不确定度评定方法,该法根据最小二乘法原理计算校准曲线的标准不确定度,并充分分析和识别分析过程中的不确定度来源,较为全面地评定了测量不确定度,该法对原子吸收光谱法、电感耦合等离子发射光谱法和原子荧光光谱法等测定结果的不确定度评定具有参考作用。     

Uncertainty in analytical results from solid materials with electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry: a comparison of methods

The combined uncertainty in the analytical results of solid materials for two methods (ET-AAS, analysis after prior sample digestion and direct solid sampling) are derived by applying the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement from the International Standards Organization. For the analysis of solid materials, generally, three uncertainty components must be considered: (i) those in the calibration, (ii) those in the unknown sample measurement and (iii) those in the analytical quality control (AQC) process. The expanded uncertainty limits for the content of cadmium and lead from analytical data of biological samples are calculated with the derived statistical estimates. For both methods the expanded uncertainty intervals are generally of similar width, if all sources of uncertainty are included. The relative uncertainty limits for the determination of cadmium range from 6% to 10%, and for the determination of lead they range from 8% to 16%. However, the different uncertainty components contribute to different degrees. Though with the calibration based on reference solutions (digestion method) the respective contribution may be negligible (precision < 3%), the uncertainty from a calibration based directly on a certified reference material (CRM) (solid sampling) may contribute significantly (precision about 10%). In contrast to that, the required AQC measurement (if the calibration is based on reference solutions) contributes an additional uncertainty component, though for the CRM calibration the AQC is “built-in”. For both methods, the uncertainty in the certified content of the CRM, which is used for AQC, must be considered. The estimation of the uncertainty components is shown to be a suitable tool for the experimental design in order to obtain a small uncertainty in the analytical result.     

Mass measurement uncertainty for plutonium aliquots assayed by controlled-potential coulometry

Minimizing plutonium measurement uncertainty is essential to nuclear material control and international safeguards. In 2005, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published ISO 12183 “Controlled-potential coulometric assay of plutonium,” 2nd edition. ISO 12183:2005 recommends a target of ±0.01% for the mass of original sample in the aliquot because it is a critical assay variable. Mass measurements in radiological containment were evaluated and uncertainties estimated. The uncertainty estimate for the mass measurement also includes uncertainty in correcting for buoyancy effects from air acting as a fluid and from decreased pressure of heated air from the specific heat of the plutonium isotopes.     

用ISO《测量不确定度表达指南》评估ICP-AES法测定不确定度

用国际通用的方法评估出ICP－AES法测定不确定度，考虑不确定度的主要来源包括仪器的精密度、标准物质标称值的不确定度以及制备溶液过程中引起的不确定度，推导出各种传播系数表达式，计算出各种不确定度分量并将其合成，并以测定钢铁中磷含量为例，提供了计算过程所需的各参数的采集和计算方法，所用的方法同样适用于以线性回归标准曲线法获得测定结果不确定度的评估。     

Application of micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography for quantitative analysis of quercetin in plant materials

A simple method for the routine determination of quercetin in biological samples was developed. The method consists of hydrolysis of bonded quercetin, its isolation and preconcentration on solid-phase extraction (SPE) column and a final analytical step using micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography. The working range, linear range, the limit of quantification, and the measurement uncertainty were tested in validation. The method is suitable for quercetin determination in fruit and vegetable samples.     

Evaluation of the Uncertainty Associated to the Determination of Heavy Metals in Seawater Using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Abstract

This work describes the estimation of uncertainty following the “bottom‐up” and the “top‐down” approaches for the determination of several trace metals in seawater when using a classical 1‐pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate/diethyldithiocarbamate/freon extraction method followed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. A detailed analysis of the uncertainty sources of this method is included, which allows estimating the expanded uncertainties. The results show that the main contribution to the relative overall uncertainty is the extraction step. The estimation of the uncertainty components is shown to be a suitable tool for the experimental design in order to obtain a small uncertainty in the analytical result.     

The Uncertainty of Weighing Data Obtained with Electronic Analytical Balances

Weighing is a common task in any chemical laboratory and weighing data are associated with some uncertainty, as this is common with all other working procedures and their data. This paper presents the influence factors which are part of the combined measurement uncertainty of a mass determination and their interplay, namely the technical specifications of the balance (repeatability, nonlinearity, sensitivity tolerance, and temperature coefficient of the sensitivity) and the effect of air buoyancy. Depending on the net and gross weight, the densities involved (density of air and of the weighing object in relation to the density of the reference weights) and the uncertainties of these densities the relative uncertainty of weighing data is often in the 10^–5 to 10^–4 range (10 to 100ppm). It must be kept in mind that such low values can only be obtained with simple weighing goods, i.e. in the absence of disturbances such as electrostatic charges, air drafts, evaporation, or water adsorption phenomena.     

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。     

Specific features of the determination of carbonyl compounds in atmospheric air

It has been shown that the error of the determination of formaldehyde in atmospheric air depends both on the method of measurement of the analytical signal and on the conditions of air sampling. In most cases, the use of HPLC leads to underestimated results, while the application of spectrophotometry leads to overestimated results. A method has been developed for the selective determination of formaldehyde in atmospheric air using HPLC with a fluorescence detector, which can be used as a reference method.     

Validation of multi-element isotope dilution ICPMS for the analysis of basalts

In this study we have validated a newly developed multi-element isotope dilution (ID) ICPMS method for the simultaneous analysis of up to 12 trace elements in geological samples. By evaluating the analytical uncertainty of individual components using certified reference materials we have quantified the overall analytical uncertainty of the multi-element ID ICPMS method at 1–2%. Individual components include sampling/weighing, purity of reagents, purity of spike solutions, calibration of spikes, determination of isotopic ratios, instrumental sources of error, correction of mass discrimination effect, values of constants, and operator bias. We have used the ID-determined trace elements for internal standardization to improve indirectly the analysis of 14 other (mainly mono-isotopic trace elements) by external calibration. The overall analytical uncertainty for those data is about 2–3%.In addition, we have analyzed USGS and MPI-DING geological reference materials (BHVO-1, BHVO-2, KL2-G, ML3B-G) to quantify the overall bias of the measurement procedure. Trace element analysis of geological reference materials yielded results that agree mostly within about 2–3% relative to the reference values. Since these results match the conclusions obtained by the investigation of the overall analytical uncertainty, we take this as a measure for the validity of multi-element ID ICPMS.     

Evaluation of the analytical method performance for incurred samples

A methodology for the evaluation of the performance of an analytical method for incurred samples is presented. Since this methodology is based on intra-laboratory information, it is suitable for analytical fields that lack reference materials with incurred analytes and it can be used to evaluate the analytical steps prior to the analytical portion, which are usually excluded in proficiency tests or at the certification of reference materials. This methodology can be based on tests performed on routine samples allowing the collection of information on the more relevant combinations analyte/matrix; therefore, this approach is particularly useful for analytical fields that involve a high number of analyte/matrix combinations, which are difficult to cover even considering the frequent participation in expensive proficiency tests.This approach is based on the development of a model of the performance of the analytical method based on the differential approach for the quantification of measurement uncertainty and on the comparison of recovery associated with each one of the analytical steps whose performance can vary with the analyte origin, for spiked and incurred samples.This approach was applied to the determination of pesticide residues in apples. For the analytes covered, no evidence was found that the studied sample processing and extraction steps performance for this matrix varies with the analyte origins.     

EQRAIN: uranium and plutonium interlaboratory exercises from 1997 to 2016—comparison to ITVs-2010

Since 1987, the CEA’s Committee for the establishment of analysis methods (CETAMA) has regularly implemented interlaboratory comparisons, entitled “evaluation of the quality results of analysis in the nuclear industry” (EQRAIN). Notably, the EQRAIN U and EQRAIN Pu interlaboratory comparisons assess proficiency in measuring a mass content of uranium or plutonium in reference solutions. This paper presents the results of measurement uncertainty assessments from EQRAIN U and EQRAIN Pu comparisons over 20 years of exercises (1997–2016). The mathematical approach developed in this work allowed to estimate the impact of short-term systematic and random errors to the overall uncertainty of each analytical method used in the interlaboratory comparison program. This statistical analysis shows a good consistency between measurement uncertainty values from EQRAINs and the measurement uncertainty target values established by the International Atomic Energy Agency for nuclear material balances (ITVs-2010).

     

The history and development of a rigorous metrological basis for pH measurements

This paper discusses the basis and historical development of the traceability chain for pH. The quantity pH, first introduced in 1909, is among the most frequently measured analytical quantities. The practical measurement of the pH value of a sample is inexpensive, easy to perform, and yields a rapid result. However, the problems posed by the traceability of pH are not easy to solve. Most pH measurements are performed by potentiometry, using a glass electrode as the pH sensor. Such pH electrodes must be calibrated at regular intervals. Confidence in the reliability of pH measurements requires establishment of a metrological hierarchy including an uncertainty budget for calibration that links the pH measured in the sample to an internationally agreed and stated reference. For pH, this reference is the primary measurement of pH. A traceability chain can be established that links field measurements of pH to primary buffer solutions that are certified using this primary method. This allows the user in the field to estimate the measurement uncertainty of the measured pH data. As the realization of the primary measurement is sophisticated and time-consuming, primary standards are generally realized at national metrology institutes. A number of potentiometric methods are suitable for the determination of the pH of reference buffer solutions by comparison with the primary standard buffers. The choice between the methods should be made according to the uncertainty required for the application. For reference buffer solutions that have the same nominal composition as the primary standard, the differential potentiometric cell, often called the Baucke cell, is recommended.     

Models to estimate overall analytical measurements uncertainty: assumptions, comparisons and applications

Evaluation of analytical results reliability is of core importance as crucial decisions are taken with them. From the various methodologies to evaluate the fitness of purpose of analytical methods, overall measurement uncertainty estimation is more and more applied. Overall measurement uncertainty allows to combine simultaneously the remaining systematic influences to the random sources of uncertainty and allows assessing the reliability of results generated by analytical methods. However there are various interpretations on how to estimate overall measurement uncertainty, and thus various models for estimating it. Each model together with its assumptions has great impacts on the risks to abusively declare that analytical methods are suitable for their intended purpose. This review paper aims at (i) summarizing the various models used to estimate overall measurement uncertainty, (ii) provide their pros and cons, (iii) review the main areas of application and (iv) as a conclusion provide some recommendations when evaluating overall measurement uncertainty.     

On the measurement of the moisture content in different matrix materials

Twelve different samples were analyzed for their water content by the classical oven-drying method and a commercial moisture analyzer. Nominal values have been set by Karl Fischer titration and gravimetry. The decomposition during the drying process of samples containing organic compounds was checked by thermogravimetry coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectrometric and mass spectrometric detection. Summarizing all measurement results, the commercial moisture analyzer demonstrated an average bias for the determination of water contents, which is much smaller than the stated uncertainty and thus is negligible. Compared to the classical oven-drying method, the commercial moisture analyzer shows a smaller bias, more ease in handling and less time consumption per analysis. When validated by a reference procedure like Karl Fischer titration the commercial moisture analyzer is the method of choice for routine analysis.     

Lifetime of the traceability chain in chemical measurement

Since the uncertainty of each link in the traceability chain (measuring analytical instrument, reference material or other measurement standard) changes over the course of time, the chain lifetime is limited. The lifetime in chemical analysis is dependent on the calibration intervals of the measuring equipment and the shelf-life of the certified reference materials (CRMs) used for the calibration of the equipment. It is shown that the ordinary least squares technique, used for treatment of the calibration data, is correct only when uncertainties in the certified values of the measurement standards or CRMs are negligible. If these uncertainties increase (for example, close to the end of the calibration interval or shelf-life), they are able to influence significantly the calibration and measurement results. In such cases regression analysis of the calibration data should take into account that not only the response values are subjects to errors, but also the certified values. As an end-point criterion of the traceability chain destruction, the requirement that the uncertainty of a measurement standard should be a source of less then one-third of the uncertainty in the measurement result is applicable. An example from analytical practice based on the data of interlaboratory comparisons of ethanol determination in beer is discussed. Received: 5 October 2000 Accepted: 3 December 2000     

Basic equations and uncertainties in isotope-dilution mass spectrometry for traceability to SI of values obtained by this primary method

A current interest in chemistry concerns traceability of analytical measurements to the International System of Units (SI) and the estimation of their uncertainties in accordance with principles of metrology, that is, measurement science. “Primary methods of measurement” achieve traceability to SI directly without intermediate reference standards or materials and without significant empirical correction factors. Isotope-dilution mass spectrometry should be regarded as such a method. It has the potential of smallest presently achievable uncertainties for analytical measurements directly or for the certification of reference materials including those with abnormal isotopic composition. A simple explanation of the method including its basic equations is given. Full uncertainty estimation is emphasized in terms of these equations. The wider use of concepts of metrology in chemistry is discussed.