All You Need to Know About Chemical Reference Standards

1. All You Need to Know About Chemical Reference Standards ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Chemical reference standards, also known as reference materials, are highly purified and well-characterized compounds. Their quality and purity play a crucial role in determining scientifically appropriate laboratory or company results. Since they contribute significantly to several aspects of quality control and chemical analysis in the laboratory, it is important for you to know a few things about reference materials. Thus, this blog. Why and How Should You Use Reference Materials? Data derived from analytical measurements done in the laboratory depends on several factors and is crucial to making informed decisions. Reference materials or chemical reference standards are primarily used to support clinical, biological, physical, engineering properties, and chemical composition measurements. The better the quality of reference materials, the more accurate the data or result of analytical measurements. Moreover, reference materials or standards are crucial in several aspects of quality measurement. Laboratories should primarily use them in calibration, method validation, training, estimation of measurement uncertainty, internal quality checks, and proficiency testing. Let us look into some of them briefly.

2. Measurement Uncertainty and Method Validation Using ideal reference materials for method validation and measurement uncertainty can help extract valuable information within the limits of the uncertainty of the certified values and method being validated. However, it is important for the reference materials to be within the scope of the method when it comes to analyte concentration, matrix type, and more. Moreover, it is crucial to note that the uncertainty of the reference material is not greater than one-third of the sample measurement. Calibration A high-purity and well-classified reference material should be used for the calibration process. However, it is essential to know that the uncertainty concerning the purity of the reference material will significantly contribute to the uncertainty of the overall measurement. Verification of the Correct Use of the Method The effective application of the method depends highly on its use concerning equipment suitability, operator skill, standards, and reagents. These materials during method verification can be used for checking methods used infrequently, training, and troubleshooting errors when results don’t match expectations. Quality Assurance and Quality Control The categorization of reference materials with regard to stability, homogeneity, and certified property value is crucial. Ideal stability and homogeneity of reference materials are crucial for an internal quality check. Sample stability should be assessed and controlled for QA proficiency testing, whereas homogeneity is crucial. Conclusion Different classes and standards of reference materials contribute in their own way during lab assessments and quality checks. Their purity and characterization are crucial in determining appropriate results. Moreover, the quality of reference materials matters as well. Thus, make sure to source high quality reference materials from a good supplier. Source: https://clinivex.odoo.com/blog/1/all-you-need-to-know-about-chemical- reference-standards-1