When a laboratory reports an analytical result, accuracy is not simply about how sophisticated the instrument is. The quality of the standards used to calibrate, validate and verify that instrument can be equally important.
This is where certified reference material (CRM) plays a critical role.
From ICP-OES and ICP-MS to ion chromatography, wet chemistry and water-quality analysis, laboratories use reference materials to establish confidence in measurements. However, not all reference materials provide the same level of accuracy, certification or traceability.
For laboratories working under demanding quality and accreditation requirements, choosing the right certified reference material suppliers is therefore an important part of analytical quality assurance.
What Is Certified Reference Material?
A certified reference material is a reference material characterised using a technically valid procedure and accompanied by a certificate that provides one or more certified property values, measurement uncertainty and traceability.
In practical terms, a CRM gives the laboratory a known benchmark against which analytical performance can be assessed.
CRMs can support:
- Instrument calibration
- Method validation
- Quantitative analysis
- Quality control
- Measurement uncertainty evaluation
- Method verification
- Regulatory and accreditation requirements
Inorganic Ventures explains that CRMs provide high levels of accuracy, uncertainty and traceability, with certified values supported by documented evidence.
CRM vs Reference Material: What’s the Difference?
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but there is an important distinction.
A reference material (RM) can have characterised properties and be suitable for applications where the highest level of metrological traceability is not required.
A certified reference material, on the other hand, has certified property values with associated uncertainty and traceability documentation.
The choice depends on the analytical application. If a laboratory needs highly accurate quantitative results or must demonstrate measurement traceability for an accredited method, a CRM may be the more appropriate choice.
Why Traceability Matters
Traceability is one of the defining characteristics of a high-quality CRM.
A measurement result becomes more defensible when its relationship to recognised measurement standards can be demonstrated through an unbroken chain of comparisons.
This is particularly important for laboratories involved in:
- Environmental monitoring
- Mining and metallurgy
- Drinking-water analysis
- Pharmaceutical testing
- Food analysis
- Industrial quality control
- Research and method development
Inorganic Ventures states that its CRMs provide traceability to internationally recognised measurement standards, including NIST Standard Reference Materials where applicable.
The Importance of ISO 17034
When evaluating certified reference material suppliers, laboratories should look beyond product concentration and price.
The producer’s quality system and accreditation status are important considerations.
ISO 17034 specifies general requirements for the competence and consistent operation of reference material producers. Inorganic Ventures states that its CRM manufacturing processes operate under ISO 17034 and ISO 17025 accreditation frameworks.
For laboratories, working with appropriately accredited producers can simplify the process of demonstrating the quality and traceability of standards during audits.
What Should a CRM Certificate Include?
A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is an essential part of a certified reference material.
Depending on the product, CRM documentation can include:
- Certified concentration values
- Measurement uncertainties
- Traceability information
- Analytical methods
- Validity period
- Stability information
- Lot-specific information
- Relevant impurity or interference information
- Instructions for use
Inorganic Ventures describes the CoA as the documentation supporting the integrity and traceability of its CRMs.
Laboratories should retain these documents as part of their quality-management records.
Choosing the Right Reference Materials
The “right” CRM is not necessarily the one with the highest concentration or the greatest number of analytes.
It should be appropriate for the actual analytical application.
Consider these factors before selecting a CRM:
Matrix: Does it behave similarly to the samples being analysed?
Analytes: Does it contain the required elements or compounds?
Concentration: Is the certified concentration appropriate for the expected sample range?
Chemical form: Are the analytes present in the same relevant form or oxidation state?
Traceability: Can the certified values be traced to recognised measurement standards?
Documentation: Does the supplier provide a comprehensive CoA?
Matrix matching is particularly important because matrix components can influence sample preparation and instrumental response.
Why Choose GBJ for Certified Reference Materials?
Graham B. Jackson (GBJ) supplies laboratory reference materials from established manufacturers, including Inorganic Ventures, supporting analytical laboratories across Australia.
For laboratories performing elemental analysis, environmental testing, mining analysis, water testing and other applications, access to reliable certified reference material can strengthen analytical quality and confidence.
GBJ can help laboratories identify suitable reference materials based on analytes, concentration, matrix and analytical technique.
Conclusion
Analytical accuracy begins with a reliable reference point.
Using an appropriate certified reference material allows laboratories to strengthen calibration, method validation, quality control and measurement traceability. However, selecting the right product also means evaluating the producer, certification, documentation, matrix compatibility and intended application.
For laboratories looking for dependable certified reference material suppliers, Graham B. Jackson (GBJ) provides access to established reference material solutions designed to support accurate, traceable and defensible analytical results.
FAQs
- What is a certified reference material?
A certified reference material is a characterised material with certified property values, associated measurement uncertainty and documented traceability. It is used to support calibration, validation and quality control. - What is the difference between a CRM and a reference material?
A CRM has formally certified values with associated uncertainty and traceability. Reference materials may have characterised values but do not necessarily provide the same level of certification and metrological traceability. - Why is ISO 17034 important when choosing a CRM supplier?
ISO 17034 establishes requirements for the competence and consistent operation of reference material producers. It is an important consideration when assessing the reliability of a CRM producer. - What information should a CRM Certificate of Analysis contain?
A CoA can include certified values, uncertainty, traceability, analytical methods, validity period and other product-specific information required to demonstrate the material’s characteristics and suitability. - How do I choose the right certified reference material?
Consider the analytes, concentration range, matrix, chemical form, analytical method, traceability requirements and documentation needed for your laboratory’s quality system. - Who supplies certified reference materials in Australia?
GBJ supplies certified reference materials from established manufacturers, including Inorganic Ventures, for laboratories requiring reliable analytical standards and reference materials.
For Further Enquiry Contact: sales@gbjpl.com.au