102
3 Traceability: Reference Materials
I 3.1 Introduction
Analytical chemical information arises from the act of measuring and measuring involves comparing with established references so that the data obtained in
the process can be delivered as universally understandable, equivalent, comparable items of information. Standards are the analytical references that constitute the fundamental technical cornerstones of Analytical Chemistry.
Traceability is a key word of Analytical Chemistry, to which it is related
through two tentative definitions, viz. "the science of (bio )chemical measurements" and "the (bio)chemical metrological science"; both are ultimately equivalent as the word "metrology" comes from the Greek "metron" (measure).
Traceability has been an abstract concept inherent in Analytical Chemistry
ever since the beginning of this science a few centuries ago. It is comparable to
other generic concepts such as honesty in social relations and profitability in the
economic realm. In the metrological field, traceability is related to quality of
measurement processes and of the results they produce.
Box 3.1
The significance of standards to measurements of physical, chemical, biochemical and biological quantities is undeniable. What sort of suits would a tailor make if he used an elastic
tape to take his clients' measurements? What sort of business relations could two firms have
if they used two different mass standards of unknown equivalence? How could 200-metre
runners worldwide possibly be ranked if a different time standard were used in each competition?
Evidence of the metrological impact of references is provided by the practical problems
that arise from the use of different references, however closely related. Such is the case with
temperature measurements, which are expressed in kelvins, degrees centigrade or degrees
Fahrenheit. depending on the particular technical field or geographic location. Similarly, mass
measurements are referred to different standards (kilogram. pound), as are length measurements (metre, foot), in different locations.
The availability of universally accepted standards is an essential ingredient of social.
scientific, technological. industrial and trading relations; one that materializes in the
traceability concept.
In recent years, the traceability concept has been revitalized by the growing
interest in instituting quality systems in analytical laboratories and the expansion of international trade, both of which rely on mutual acceptance of the
results produced by measurement processes carried out by different laboratories.
3.2 The Integral Concept of Traceability
The traceability concept cannot be approached in a unique manner. In fact, only
an integral, combined view of its different aspects can provide a comprehensive
definition for this term.
3 Traceability: Reference Materials
I 3.1 Introduction
Analytical chemical information arises from the act of measuring and measuring involves comparing with established references so that the data obtained in
the process can be delivered as universally understandable, equivalent, comparable items of information. Standards are the analytical references that constitute the fundamental technical cornerstones of Analytical Chemistry.
Traceability is a key word of Analytical Chemistry, to which it is related
through two tentative definitions, viz. "the science of (bio )chemical measurements" and "the (bio)chemical metrological science"; both are ultimately equivalent as the word "metrology" comes from the Greek "metron" (measure).
Traceability has been an abstract concept inherent in Analytical Chemistry
ever since the beginning of this science a few centuries ago. It is comparable to
other generic concepts such as honesty in social relations and profitability in the
economic realm. In the metrological field, traceability is related to quality of
measurement processes and of the results they produce.
Box 3.1
The significance of standards to measurements of physical, chemical, biochemical and biological quantities is undeniable. What sort of suits would a tailor make if he used an elastic
tape to take his clients' measurements? What sort of business relations could two firms have
if they used two different mass standards of unknown equivalence? How could 200-metre
runners worldwide possibly be ranked if a different time standard were used in each competition?
Evidence of the metrological impact of references is provided by the practical problems
that arise from the use of different references, however closely related. Such is the case with
temperature measurements, which are expressed in kelvins, degrees centigrade or degrees
Fahrenheit. depending on the particular technical field or geographic location. Similarly, mass
measurements are referred to different standards (kilogram. pound), as are length measurements (metre, foot), in different locations.
The availability of universally accepted standards is an essential ingredient of social.
scientific, technological. industrial and trading relations; one that materializes in the
traceability concept.
In recent years, the traceability concept has been revitalized by the growing
interest in instituting quality systems in analytical laboratories and the expansion of international trade, both of which rely on mutual acceptance of the
results produced by measurement processes carried out by different laboratories.
3.2 The Integral Concept of Traceability
The traceability concept cannot be approached in a unique manner. In fact, only
an integral, combined view of its different aspects can provide a comprehensive
definition for this term.