Sample preparation in the clean room
Source: BAM
Reference procedures are measurement, test or analysis methods which BAM makes generally available for comparison and/or traceability purposes and which either have an entry in the KCDB (key comparison database, international database of national metrological institutes for reference methods and measurements) or fulfil the following requirements:
- documented validation stating the method characteristics such as limit of quantification, precision, measurement uncertainty, etc. and, whenever possible, metrological traceability to SI units or another standard recognised for this purpose,
- corresponds to the state of the art and knowledge,
- regular performance of proficiency tests or other adequate proof of suitability,
- regular review for up-to-dateness and the state of standardisation.
Reference procedures can basically be allocated to three main denotations:
- A procedure for which the quality of the result is known and sufficiently high that it can be used to assess the quality of the result from another procedure
- A procedure that defines a measurement parameter or test value
- A procedure that is specified by a statutory provision for a measuring or testing task.
In BAM, the term "Reference Procedure" is used in line with the first meaning above. Test procedures for which there are specific statutory provisions – for example in the area of hazardous substances or hazardous goods law – are not included. The reference procedures are used in all of BAM’s focus areas.
For its diverse testing activities, BAM operates a comprehensive management system which fulfils the requirements of DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 (General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories). BAM reference procedures have either been accredited by the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS) or verified by an internal audit according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025.
Test procedures for which special legal regulations exist, e.g. in the area of hazardous substances or dangerous goods legislation, are not included. The reference methods are used in all subject areas of BAM.
Service
The Reference Procedures directory provides BAM customers with an overview of the reference procedures that we provide and regularly update. If you are interested in consultancy on and information about a reference procedure or test, measurements or analysis with reference procedures, the contact person specified for the individual procedures will be happy to help.
The reference procedures provided by BAM can be used as testing standards for the associated economic sectors – in particular for small and medium-sized businesses.