The reliability of an analytical instrument depends upon its reference. This is why certified reference materials (CRMs) are so important. Without them, setting a standard of accuracy to validate the outcome of an experiment would be difficult.

By utilizing a CRM, you are comparing the measurements of your instrument to those traceable to an SI base unit. This offers the opportunity to regulate technology to ensure its results are consistent. CRMs are used by laboratories, however they also offer a means of control over the quality of different products, including those within food- and health-related industries. 

Unfortunately, not all analytical methods are best suited to work with general CRMs. In situations where this occurs, bespoke CRM designs can keep measurements in line with expected regulations.

When we think about calibration standards for analytical instruments, we see a set of accreditations that are used to validate the methods used to manufacture calibration standards. Essentially, they set an expected standard that can maintain the reliability of your measuring tools, such as solution standards. Therefore, any results that they produce can be validated and seen as accurate. 

To ensure that analytical instruments meet the quality standard, they must go through a calibration process. For this to happen, the results of said instrument are compared to those from a standard. This standard should have a suitable accuracy with uncertainty for the analytical instrument used and be traceable back to a SI base unit.

There are different groups that help achieve traceability to the SI. Firstly there