Reference Materials as a Crucial Tools for Validation and Verification of the Analytical Process

Traceability in analytical measurements is a key issue to ensure all measurement results are accurate, comparable and the products are safe for consumption. Therefore, validity of measurements can be assured when reference materials (RMs) are used to calibrate the equipments before the test report can be published. The role of reference materials in analytical process is outlined with specific example on high purity substances and validation process involved in quality assurance (QA). The main tasks of National Metrology Laboratory, SIRIM Berhad (NML-SIRIM) are reviewed including to ensure all measurement results are traceable to the international system of unit (SI), setting up the national primary standards and participating in international comparison organized by International Bureau of Weight and Measures (BIPM). Several advantages and crucial aspects for the validation of high purity organic RMs using quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) are discussed and illustrated by recent example for detection of lard in animal fats.