Sample preparation is a crucial process for many scientific processes, regardless of setting. Whether it relates to environmental analysis, food testing, or medical research, sample preparation impacts the accuracy and reliability of the conducted analysis, which has an effect on decisions made based on those results. Traceability is vital in ensuring sample preparation is conducted to a high standard, as it involves documenting each step during sample preparation. The documentation is vital for monitoring manufacturing processes, regulatory compliance, and maintaining industry standards. This blog post will explore why traceability is essential to your sample preparation and how it can ensure accuracy and reliability in research processes.
An Overview of Traceability
Traceability is crucial for accurate results but is not limited to NIST-traceable certified reference materials. It refers to maintaining a chain of records about a sample’s source, handling, and results to ensure accurate and reliable results. Researchers will have information on a sample's history and quality, necessary for regulatory requirements and maintaining integrity. In addition, traceability will support any investigations if errors or deviations occur, as each step can be reviewed.
Another critical aspect that influences the importance of traceability is the International System of Units (SI) base units. These ensure that any scientist worldwide can interpret results as the original analyst intended. The most commonly used SI base units are:
- Kilogram (kg)
- Mole (mol)
- Meter (m)
- Second (s)
- Candela (cd)
- Kelvin (K)
- Ampere (A)
The traceability of these measurements is protected by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), which is governed by the International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM) and the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM).
National Metrology Institutes (NMI) agree to a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) within the CIPM to ensure that any reference materials produced by one NMI are equivalent to those produced by other NMIs.
The Importance of Traceability
The most crucial aspect of traceability is accuracy. In simple terms, the closer the measurement is to the SI, the more accurate it should be. The accuracy of results can significantly impact health, the environment, and finance, as they are used to make an array of important decisions. This can be supported by having an accurate in-house standard to refer results back to, which we will explain in more detail.
A Chain of Traceability
A usual chain of traceability starts with the result and goes through a certified reference material to ensure accuracy. The result will need to be checked against a reference material or standard. It’s possible for an end user to have prepared their own standards, but this will have been produced from a certified or NMI reference material. The final part of the chain is SI. It’s important to note that the longer the chain of traceability, the more uncertainty of accuracy is involved. Still, the relative uncertainty of your final result cannot be lower than the relative uncertainty of your standard.
Distribution of Error
Errors in your results could be caused by uncalibrated equipment or outdated calculations, or contamination in various forms, such as in the water system, glassware, liquid handling, or tubing components. Contamination can often be seen with the naked eye, which is why cleanliness and safety standards are of such high importance. Still, if you focus on those six points as potential sources of error, it will be easier to locate.
Inorganic Ventures and Traceability
As we have mentioned, traceability is vital for the clear communication of accurate results. A range of factors could result in contamination or errors in results; therefore, documenting each process stage, the sample source, and its handling is essential. Additionally, keeping the chain of traceability as short as possible is an important step in reducing the uncertainty of the accuracy and reliability of results.
Inorganic Ventures has perfected the process of manufacturing NIST traceable Certified Reference Materials, which are manufactured and tested under ISO 17034 & ISO 17025 guidelines. We produce CRMs for various applications across multiple industries, with atomic absorption and wet chemistry being popular purposes.
To learn more about the importance of traceability and how we can help, contact a member of Inorganic Ventures today.