A national traceability system for chemical measurements

Received 21 March 2003 Accepted 26 July 2003 Published online 16 September 2003 Springer-Verlag 2003 

Richter B. G ttler ([3) Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Bundesallee 100, 

Abstract Current developments in Germany for establishing a traceability system for chemical measurements are reported. The focus is on a dissemination mechanism which employs chemical calibration laboratories accredited within the framework of the German Calibration Service (DKD) and acting as multipliers between the national standards level and the user level by providing the user with calibration means which are traceable to the SI via national standards. At the national standards level, a network of high-level chemistry institutes coordinated by the national metrology institute, PTB, provides the primary references for chemical measurements. 

Keywords National traceability system Chemical calibration laboratories Clinical chemistry Electrochemistry Elemental analysis Gas analysis 

The continuing globalization of trade and economy requires confidence in measurement results of any kind, including chemical measurements. Chemical measurement results in particular are often the basis for decisions and agreements, for example in health care, environmental protection and international trade and must therefore be reliable and trustworthy. 

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