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Certified Reference Materials (CRM) for Analytical Testing

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When accuracy matters most in your laboratory, certified reference materials provide the foundation for reliable analytical results. Since 1985, Inorganic Ventures has manufactured ISO 17025 and ISO 17034 accredited certified reference materials trusted by laboratories worldwide. Our CRMs feature an industry-leading 5-year shelf life protected by Transpiration Control Technology (TCT), ensuring your standards remain stable and accurate throughout their lifetime.

Whether you need stock certified reference materials ready to ship in two business days or custom CRMs tailored to your specific testing requirements, our technical team of experienced chemists is ready to support your analytical needs.

Browse CRM Catalog | Request Custom Quote | Consult a Chemist

What Are Certified Reference Materials?

Certified reference materials are meticulously prepared analytical standards with one or more property values certified through a technically valid procedure. Each CRM comes with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) that provides traceability to internationally recognized measurement standards, typically NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Standard Reference Materials (SRMs).

The Certification Process

Our ISO 17025 and ISO 17034 accredited manufacturing process ensures every certified reference material meets the highest quality standards. Each batch undergoes rigorous testing and validation, with comprehensive documentation including:

  • Certified concentration values with stated uncertainties
  • Traceability documentation to NIST SRMs
  • Stability testing data supporting shelf life claims
  • Complete lot-specific Certificates of Analysis
  • Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for regulatory compliance

CRM vs. Reference Standard vs. Working Standard

Understanding the hierarchy of analytical standards is essential for laboratory quality control:

Certified Reference Materials (CRM): Highest level of traceability with certified values, uncertainty measurements, and full documentation. Used for method validation, instrument calibration, and quality control verification.

Reference Materials (RM): Standards with characterized values but without full certification. Suitable for routine quality control when full traceability isn't required.

Working Standards: Laboratory-prepared standards used for daily calibration and analysis. Working standards should be prepared from valid CRMs.

Why Certification Matters for Lab Accuracy

Regulatory agencies including the EPA, ISO, and USP require laboratories to demonstrate measurement traceability. Using certified reference materials ensures:

  • Compliance with regulatory requirements
  • Defensible analytical data in audits
  • Confidence in measurement accuracy
  • Comparability of results between laboratories
  • Validation of analytical methods

Learn more about our ISO 17025 and ISO 17034 accreditations.

Types of Certified Reference Materials

Stock CRMs

Our extensive catalog of pre-made certified reference materials offers immediate availability for the most common analytical applications. With over 10,000 stock products, you'll find:

  • Single and multi-element standards
  • Common concentration ranges
  • Various matrix options (aqueous, acidic, or basic)
  • Ready-to-ship availability
  • Consistent lot-to-lot reproducibility

Browse All Stock Standards

Custom CRMs

When your analytical needs require specific concentrations, unique element combinations, or specialized matrices, our custom certified reference materials provide the perfect solution:

  • Tailored element combinations
  • Custom concentration levels
  • Specialized matrix requirements
  • Pharmaceutical impurity standards
  • Method-specific formulations

Our technical team works directly with you to develop custom CRMs that match your exact specifications. With our Total Volume Pricing program, you can achieve cost savings on larger custom orders.

Request Custom CRM Quote

Specialty CRMs by Technique

ICP & ICP-MS Standards

Comprehensive certified reference materials for inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy and mass spectrometry applications. Our ICP and ICP-MS standards include single-element solutions, multi-element mixes, and internal standard solutions optimized for trace element analysis.

Ion Chromatography (IC) Standards

Precision anion and cation standards for ion chromatography applications. Explore our complete line of IC standards for environmental, pharmaceutical, and industrial testing.

AAS Standards & Modifiers

Certified reference materials specifically formulated for atomic absorption spectroscopy. Our AAS standards and modifiers ensure optimal performance for flame and graphite furnace techniques.

USP Compliance Standards

Pharmaceutical-grade certified reference materials meeting United States Pharmacopeia requirements. Our USP compliance standards support pharmaceutical quality control and regulatory compliance.

Water Quality Standards

Environmental testing CRMs for drinking water, wastewater, and surface water analysis. Our water QC standards meet EPA method requirements for environmental monitoring.

Cannabis Testing Standards

Specialized certified reference materials for cannabis and hemp testing laboratories. Our cannabis standards support heavy metals testing in this rapidly growing industry.

Industries Using Our Certified Reference Materials

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology

Pharmaceutical manufacturers and contract testing laboratories rely on our certified reference materials for:

  • Elemental impurity testing per USP <232>/<233> and ICH Q3D
  • Raw material verification
  • Finished product quality control
  • Method validation and verification
  • Stability studies

Read our comprehensive guide on pharmaceutical impurity CRMs.

Environmental Testing

Environmental laboratories use our CRMs for compliance with EPA methods:

  • Drinking water analysis (EPA 200 series methods)
  • Wastewater testing
  • Soil and sediment analysis
  • PFAS analysis by combustion ion chromatography

Food and Beverage

Food safety laboratories depend on our certified reference materials for:

  • Heavy metals testing in food products
  • Nutritional labeling verification
  • Contaminant screening
  • Regulatory compliance testing
  • Quality assurance programs

Mining and Metals

Mining operations and metallurgical laboratories use our CRMs for:

  • Ore grade analysis
  • Process control monitoring
  • Environmental compliance
  • Exploration geochemistry
  • Quality control of refined metals

Clinical Diagnostics

Clinical laboratories rely on our certified reference materials for:

  • Trace element analysis in biological samples
  • Therapeutic drug monitoring
  • Toxicology screening
  • Method validation
  • Proficiency testing

Academic Research

Universities and research institutions choose our CRMs for:

  • Method development
  • Scientific research projects
  • Graduate student training
  • Publication-quality data
  • Grant-funded research programs

Why Choose Inorganic Ventures Certified Reference Materials?

ISO 17025 & ISO 17034 Accredited Manufacturing

Our certifications demonstrate our commitment to quality and technical competence. Every certified reference material is manufactured under strict quality control protocols with full traceability documentation. View our accreditations.

5-Year Shelf Life with TCT Technology

Unlike conventional standards that can fall outside of specifications within months, our certified reference materials feature an industry-leading 5-year shelf life. Our proprietary Transpiration Control Technology (TCT) prevents evaporation and concentration drift, ensuring accuracy throughout the product lifetime.

Custom Formulations Available

Our experienced chemists can formulate certified reference materials to your exact specifications. From unique element combinations to specialized matrices, we create custom CRMs that match your analytical methods perfectly.

Comprehensive Documentation

Every CRM includes:

  • Lot-specific Certificate of Analysis with certified values
  • Uncertainty measurements for each analyte
  • Traceability statements to NIST SRMs
  • Safety Data Sheets for safe handling
  • Stability data supporting shelf life claims

Access all documentation through our CoA & SDS Search portal.

Expert Technical Support

Our team of PhD chemists and analytical experts provide complimentary technical consultation. Whether you need help selecting the right CRM, troubleshooting analytical challenges, or developing custom solutions, we're here to help. Consult a Chemist today.

Made in USA

All Inorganic Ventures certified reference materials are manufactured at our ISO-accredited facility in Christiansburg, Virginia, ensuring consistent quality and reliable supply.

Fast Turnaround Times

Stock CRMs ship within two business days. Custom certified reference materials ship within ten business days, depending on complexity.

CRM Technical Specifications & Certifications

Traceability to NIST SRMs

All certified values are traceable to the International System of Units (SI) through NIST Standard Reference Materials or other internationally recognized measurement standards. This traceability chain ensures your analytical results are defensible and comparable worldwide.

Uncertainty Measurements

Each Certificate of Analysis includes expanded uncertainty values calculated according to ISO/IEC Guide 98-3 (GUM). These uncertainty measurements account for:

  • Measurement repeatability
  • Method bias
  • Standard purity
  • Volumetric glassware calibration
  • Environmental factors
  • Long-term stability

Stability Testing Protocols

Our 5-year shelf life certification is supported by rigorous stability testing:

  • Accelerated aging studies
  • Real-time stability monitoring
  • TCT protection verification
  • Multiple lot validation
  • Independent laboratory confirmation

Storage Requirements

Proper storage ensures certified reference materials maintain their certified values:

  • The majority of our products can be stored at room temperature without requiring refrigeration thanks to our TCT packaging which eliminates the issue of transpiration while the products remain in the sealed, unopened bag
  • Keep bottles tightly capped when not in use
  • Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
  • Follow specific storage instructions on the label
  • Check expiration dates before use

Certification Documentation

Every CRM includes comprehensive documentation:

  • Certificate of Analysis (CoA): Certified concentration values, uncertainties, traceability statements, and expiration date (ISO Guide 31)
  • Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Hazard information, safe handling procedures, and emergency response
  • Product Specification Sheet: Detailed product information and recommended applications

A sample CoA can be downloaded on our website by clicking "TCT Certificate" on the product page for any of our stock products.

How to Order Certified Reference Materials

Step 1: Browse or Specify

For Stock CRMs: Use our Quick Order system or browse by technique:

For Custom CRMs: Request a custom quote with your specifications.

Step 2: Consult with Our Technical Team

Not sure which certified reference material is right for your application? Our chemists provide free technical consultation to help you select the optimal CRM for your analytical method. Schedule a consultation.

Step 3: Receive Documentation and Fast Shipping

Once your order is placed:

  • Receive order confirmation with tracking information
  • Access Certificates of Analysis through our online portal
  • Stock items ship within two business days
  • Custom CRMs shipped within 10 business days
  • International shipping available through our distributor network

Step 4: Access Ongoing Technical Support

Your relationship with Inorganic Ventures doesn't end at delivery. We provide:

  • Technical support for analytical challenges
  • Method development assistance
  • Troubleshooting guidance
  • Educational resources and training
  • Access to our Tech Forum community

Certified Reference Materials FAQs

What is the difference between a CRM and a reference standard?

A CRM is a reference material with certified property values, complete uncertainty measurements, and full traceability documentation. A reference standard may have characterized values but lacks the rigorous certification process and comprehensive documentation of a CRM.

How long do certified reference materials remain stable?

Inorganic Ventures CRMs feature a 5-year shelf life when stored properly, thanks to our TCT protection technology. Conventional standards typically expire within 6-12 months due to evaporation and degradation.

Do you provide Certificates of Analysis?

Yes, every CRM includes a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis with certified values, uncertainties, traceability statements, and expiration dates. Access all documentation through our CoA & SDS Search portal.

Can I get custom concentrations and element combinations?

Absolutely. Our custom CRM service allows you to specify exact element combinations, concentrations, matrices, and volumes. Request a custom quote to get started.

What is ISO 17025 and ISO 17034 accreditation?

ISO 17025 is the international standard for testing and calibration laboratory competence. ISO 17034 specifically covers the competence of reference material producers. Our dual accreditation demonstrates we meet the highest standards for CRM manufacturing. Learn more about our accreditations.

How do I store CRMs properly?

Store certified reference materials at room temperature (15-25°C) with caps tightly sealed. Avoid direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and contamination. Follow specific storage instructions on product labels.

What documentation is included with each CRM?

Each CRM includes a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) with certified values and uncertainties, a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and product specifications. All documentation is available online through our portal.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we ship worldwide directly and through our network of international distributors. Contact us for shipping options to your location.

How quickly can I receive my CRM order?

Stock certified reference materials ship within two business days. Custom CRMs ship within 10 business days, depending on formulation complexity.

What if I need help selecting the right CRM?

Our technical team provides free consultation to help you select the optimal certified reference material for your application. Schedule a consultation or call 1-800-669-6799.

CRM Resources and Learning Center

Technical Guides

Educational Resources

Case Studies & Applications

Explore real-world examples of how laboratories use our certified reference materials:

Ready to Order Certified Reference Materials?

Trust Inorganic Ventures for certified reference materials that deliver accuracy, reliability, and peace of mind. With ISO 17025 and ISO 17034 accreditation, 5-year shelf life, and expert technical support, we're your partner in analytical excellence.

Get Started Today

Browse Stock CRMs: View All Products | Quick Order

Custom Solutions: Request Custom Quote

Expert Consultation: Talk to a Chemist | Call 1-800-669-6799

Documentation Access: Search CoA & SDS