In analytical testing, a number is only as reliable as the process used to produce it.
Laboratories across environmental, water, industrial, food, mining and life-science sectors rely on accurate measurements to make regulatory, operational and commercial decisions. But how can a laboratory demonstrate that its results are accurate, traceable and defensible?
One answer is the use of a high-quality certified reference material (CRM).
A CRM provides laboratories with a well-characterised benchmark to evaluate analytical methods, instruments, and results. For laboratories operating under rigorous quality systems, selecting a reference material provider such as Graham B Jackson with independently assessed processes is equally important.
What Is a Certified Reference Material?
A certified reference material is a reference material accompanied by documentation that provides one or more certified property values, together with their associated measurement uncertainty and traceability.
Unlike an ordinary laboratory control or calibration solution, a CRM is supported by a formal certification process designed to establish confidence in its assigned values.
CRMs can be used to:
- Verify analytical methods
- Assess measurement accuracy and bias
- Support calibration and instrument checks
- Evaluate measurement uncertainty
- Monitor ongoing laboratory performance
- Provide evidence for quality and accreditation requirements
This makes CRMs an important part of a laboratory’s quality assurance strategy.
Why the Quality of the CRM Provider Matters
A CRM is ultimately only as useful as the confidence laboratories can place in its assigned values.
This is why accreditation should be considered when selecting a reference material supplier.
ERA, now part of Waters Corporation, has been providing reference materials and proficiency testing solutions since 1977. Its quality systems include internationally recognised accreditations covering reference material production, laboratory testing and proficiency testing. ERA states that its U.S. facility is accredited to ISO 17025, ISO 17034 and ISO 17043, while its Ireland facility holds relevant ISO 17034 and ISO 9001 registrations/accreditations.
For laboratories, this provides an important distinction: they are not simply purchasing a material; they are selecting a supplier whose production and quality processes have been independently assessed against defined standards.
ISO 17034 and Certified Reference Materials
ISO 17034 is particularly relevant when evaluating CRM suppliers.
The standard specifies general requirements for the competence and consistent operation of reference material producers. ERA’s ISO 17034 accreditation covers the production of reference materials within its defined scope.
For laboratories, this matters because CRM production involves much more than preparing a solution or material at a target concentration. The producer must establish appropriate procedures for characterisation, homogeneity, stability and assigning certified values.
A well-documented CRM therefore provides a stronger foundation for demonstrating analytical traceability.
Where Are Certified Reference Materials Used?
The applications for CRMs are extensive.
Environmental and Water Testing
Environmental laboratories use CRMs to support the analysis of contaminants, nutrients, metals, organics and other parameters in drinking water, wastewater, groundwater and environmental samples.
ERA’s environmental portfolio includes reference materials and proficiency testing solutions designed for these types of applications.
Elemental Analysis
Laboratories using ICP-OES, ICP-MS, AAS and other analytical techniques can use appropriate CRMs to verify calibration and analytical performance.
Industrial and Process Testing
CRMs can support quality control where analytical results influence manufacturing processes, product specifications or regulatory reporting.
Research and Method Development
During development or validation of analytical methods, reference materials provide an independent benchmark for evaluating accuracy and repeatability.
CRM vs Proficiency Testing: What’s the Difference?
CRMs and proficiency testing (PT) complement each other, but they serve different purposes.
A CRM can be incorporated into laboratory quality control to evaluate analytical performance against an assigned value.
Proficiency testing generally involves analysing samples whose identity or expected result is not disclosed to the participating laboratory. Laboratories can then compare results with assigned values and other participants.
ERA provides both CRM and PT solutions, with PT schemes covered by ISO/IEC 17043 within the applicable accreditation scope.
Using both approaches can give laboratories a more complete picture of analytical performance.
Choosing the Right Certified Reference Material
Before purchasing a CRM, laboratories should consider:
Matrix: Does the material reasonably represent the samples being tested?
Analytes: Are the required elements or compounds certified?
Concentration range: Does the certified value align with the laboratory’s measurement range?
Uncertainty: Is the stated uncertainty appropriate for the intended application?
Traceability: Is sufficient documentation available to support the laboratory’s quality system?
Accreditation scope: Does the supplier’s accreditation cover the relevant reference material?
These checks can help laboratories select standards that genuinely support their analytical objectives rather than simply choosing a product based on analyte concentration.
Graham B. Jackson : Your Australian Source for Certified Reference Materials
Graham B Jackson (GBJ) supplies certified reference materials from established global manufacturers, including ERA.
For Australian laboratories, local supply can simplify product selection, documentation, quotations and delivery while providing access to internationally recognised reference material solutions.
Whether you need CRMs for environmental testing, water analysis, elemental analysis, industrial applications or laboratory quality control, Graham B Jackson can help identify a suitable reference material for your workflow.
Conclusion
Reliable laboratory data starts with reliable quality control.
A properly selected certified reference material helps laboratories evaluate analytical performance, strengthen traceability and build confidence in reported results. When the CRM producer operates under internationally recognised quality and accreditation frameworks, laboratories gain an additional layer of assurance.
For laboratories where accuracy, traceability and defensible data matter, choosing the right CRM is not simply a purchasing decision—it is a critical part of the quality system.
FAQs
- What is a certified reference material?
A certified reference material is a characterised material accompanied by certified values, measurement uncertainty and traceability information. It is used to assess analytical accuracy and support laboratory quality assurance. - Why is ISO 17034 important for CRM suppliers?
ISO 17034 establishes requirements for the competence and consistent operation of reference material producers. It provides an independent framework for assessing how reference materials are produced and certified. - What is the difference between a CRM and a proficiency test?
A laboratory typically uses a CRM as a known reference for quality control, method evaluation or validation. Proficiency testing assesses laboratory performance by comparing results with assigned values, often using samples where the expected result is not disclosed beforehand. - Which laboratories use certified reference materials?
Environmental, water, mining, pharmaceutical, food, industrial, research and materials-testing laboratories can use CRMs to verify analytical performance and support their quality systems. - How should a laboratory choose a CRM?
Consider the matrix, analytes, concentration range, uncertainty, traceability, intended application and the producer’s applicable accreditation scope before selecting a CRM.
For Further Enquiry Contact: sales@gbjpl.com.au