Numerous experiments and analyses conducted in the field of science significantly impact decisions made based on their results. The purpose of testing is to identify materials, monitor reactions, and understand how specific chemicals, materials, and other samples work and what applications they are suitable for. However, the obtained results must be accurate; otherwise, subsequent actions may have dire consequences for the environment and human health.
In scientific research, quality control, and product development, Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) ensure precision, comparability, and repeatability of analytical measurements and allow laboratories and scientists across the world to understand each other’s results. During sample preparation, CRMs have a vital role as they are used as a reference, or standard, for analytical measurements to be assessed against to ensure accuracy and correct any errors that may occur.
In this blog post, we will continue to explore the importance of primary certified reference materialsTM in sample preparation and what applications they benefit from.
What are Primary Certified Reference Materials?
Primary certified reference materialsTM are standards of ultra-high purity that have been tested extensively for their homogeneity, purity, and stability. They are traceable directly to the International System of Units (SI) by a direct method of measurement. Thus, PCRMsTM are more comparable to CRM products produced by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or other National Metrology Institutes (NMIs). PCRMsTM are among the highest level of reference standards available for quality assurance and calibration in many scientific fields, including chemistry, engineering, and physics.
Whenever CRMs are developed, the processes must be carefully controlled and documented to show they meet specific regulatory requirements and quality standards. CRMs must also be provided with certificates that specify their composition, properties, and other crucial information. With this information, analysts can choose the most suitable CRM for sample preparation and analytical techniques.
How Certified Reference Materials Affect Sample Preparation
Sample preparation is crucial for analyzing, identifying, and measuring samples in a wide range of scientific fields. There are several steps that analysts should follow throughout the sample preparation stage to ensure reliable analysis and accurate results, which is where CRMs come into play. In analytical chemistry, certified reference materials are essential to ensure the accuracy and reliability of analytical measurements. This is especially useful in other fields, such as environmental monitoring, forensic analysis, and pharmaceuticals. In addition to testing and quantification, CRMs are also used to calibrate measuring instruments for quality control and test procedure evaluation.
In sample preparation, CRMs have an important role in ensuring accuracy and precision by validating analytical methods, calibrating equipment, and checking measurement uncertainty. As a result, CRMs help scientists minimize errors and increase the reliability of test results. It is important to note that specifics in sample preparation can vary depending on the material and its purity.
The importance of using CRMs in sample preparation includes the following points:
- Accuracy of measurements
- Help meet regulatory requirements
- Support if errors occur
- Traceability of a sample
- Used for multiple applications (calibration, quantification, and verification)
Contact Inorganic Ventures today to request information about using the most suitable sample preparation method for your analyses and how certified reference materials play an important role throughout the process.