Metrological terminology

FIGURE 19.1 Basic metrological terminology relating to the quantitative analytics of trace elements. 

Applied Chemistry, and others). The VIM is mainly focused on basic expressions in metrology, the science of measurements. As the core subject of analytical chemistry and isotopic analysis is measurements, they belong to metrology and, consequently, the metrological terminology should be used. 

Enormous progress has been made in applying this concept to chemical measurement and there is a growing amount of published work and associated conferences [3-5], This includs work on concepts, terminology, and primary methods and has led to the new approach of metrology in chemistry , which is a synthesis based on input from physical measurement metrolog-ists and analytical chemists. 

Various types of data may be obtained as a result of sample analysis. There is no doubt, however, that in the majority of cases quantitative data (the amount or concentration of analyte in a sample) are most important. It is therefore worth learning the basic terminology of chemical metrology with reference to the quantitative determination of analytes. The diagram in Figure 19.1 will help put these terms in the correct order on the analyte concentration axis [expressed in the same units as the standard deviation of analytical noise (8)]. 

Abstract The fact that various definitions and terminology applied to measurements in analytical chemistry are not always consistent and straightforward, by not only answering the question what , but also how , leads to their various interpretations. This results in non-uniform implementation of very basic and essential metrological principles in chemistry. Such a diverse situation is not conducive to the endorsement of harmonised measurements all across the world, to serve as a tool for improving the quality of life in its broadest sense for all its citizens. The discussion in this paper is focused on problems associated with terminology and definitions of reference material and validation . 

As written in the Eurachem Guide it is commonplace to confuse reference material with certified reference material [14], Unfortunately, the situation is even worse, as there are also some other terms used to describe the same, like standard material , reference standard , standard reference material etc. It is evident from the literature that in the International Vocabulary of General Terms in Metrology (VIM), at least twelve different terms associated with objects used to define, realise, conserve or reproduce a unit or a value of a quantity are used [1, 15], Up to now several approaches have been already made to uniform terminology in this field as it is essential for many reasons (traceability and consequently comparability being one of them) and it is hoping that... 

Normative documents adopted by the ISO include guides, specifications, technical reports, technical specifications and/or even international norms . Despite a rather broad field of intervention, in practice, ISO appears to focus on terminology and metrology (characterization and sampling techniques). This forms the basis of a convergent approach to nanomaterial testing (in which OECD proves to be particularly active) . 

MeBtechnik - Teil 1 Grundbegriffe [Fundamentals of metrology - part 1 basic terminology], Deutsches Institut fiir Normung e.V., Beuth, Berlin... 

That method involves the use of particles of known size, e.g. latex beads, bacterial cells and/or macromolecules, in order to quantify the effective pore size of a filter material. It may be, however, that a recently formed CEN committee (CEN/TC 272 Metrology of microfiltration or ultrafiltration membranes (Test Methods and Terminology) ) may render further B.S.I. work on Parts 3 and 4 unnecessary. 

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