Certified Reference Materials

Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) are ‘controls’ or standards used to check the quality and traceability of products. A reference standard for a unit of measurement is an artifact that embodies the quantity of interest in a way that ties its value to the reference base for calibration.

At the highest level, a primary reference standard is assigned a value by direct comparison with the Standard (metrology). For example, mass is defined by an artifact maintained by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures in Sèvres, France. A primary standard is usually under jurisdiction of a national standards body.

Since most analytical instrumentation is comparative, it requires a sample of known composition (reference material) for accurate calibration. These reference materials as produced under stringent manufacturing procedures and differ from laboratory reagents in their certification and the traceability of the data provided.

Quality management systems involving laboratory accreditation under national and international accreditation/certification standards such as ISO 9000 and ISO 17025 require the use of Reference Materials.

Whilst Certified Reference Materials are preferred, their availability is limited. The available Reference Materials generally differ only in the detail provided on the certificate.

Definitions as ISO Guide 30 (1992 edition).