What Are Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) and Why Laboratories Depend on Them

What Are Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) and Why Laboratories Depend on Them

A Certified Reference Material (CRM) is a high-quality substance characterized by its precise composition and stability. It comes with a certificate that confirms one or more of its property values, established through rigorous and traceable procedures. These materials are produced following international standards like ISO 17034 and are essential in ensuring reliable and accurate laboratory testing.

Why CRMs Matter:

CRMs are indispensable in laboratories and across industries such as pharmaceuticals, food safety, environmental testing, and cosmetics. Their main uses include:

- Instrument Calibration: CRMs serve as reliable standards to calibrate analytical instruments, ensuring precision in results.

- Method Validation: They help verify and validate analytical procedures, improving the accuracy of lab operations.

- Quality Control: CRMs are used for routine testing to monitor and maintain the quality of lab results.

- Measurement Uncertainty & Bias Assessment: CRMs allow for quantifying uncertainty and identifying biases in testing methods.

- Proficiency Testing: Used in inter-laboratory studies to assess competence and maintain consistency.

Best Practices for CRM Use:

- Always follow storage and usage instructions on the certificate.

- Choose CRMs that closely match the matrix and analyte concentration of your actual samples.

Conclusion:

Using CRMs is crucial for achieving trustworthy test results and maintaining compliance with industry standards. They are the foundation of reliable lab operations.