Ascld Guidance On Traceability of Measurement - 2011

ASCLD/LAB-International
ASCLD/LAB Guidance on Traceability

of Measurement Results, Reference
Standards and Reference Materials
ASCLD/LAB-International is a program of the

American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors / Laboratory Accreditation Board
ASCLD/LAB
Copyright © 2011 by ASCLD/LAB
Approval Date: August 5, 2011

Approved By: ASCLD/LAB Executive Director
Effective Date: July 1, 2012
ASCLD/LAB Document Control Number: AL-PD-3054 Ver. 1.0
ASCLD/LAB customers should use this document in conjunction with AL-PD-3050 for
conformance with ASCLD/LAB traceability of measurement results, reference standards,
and reference materials policy requirements.
NOTE AL-PD-3006 Measurement Traceability Policy and AL-PD-3007 Traceability Discussion are
withdrawn, effective August 5, 2011, and should no longer be used for conformance with ASCLD/LAB
traceability of measurement results, reference standards, and reference materials requirements.
Document History / AL-PD-3054
Description of Activity or
Date Version Approved By Effective Date
Revision
Reviewed and adopted by the
July 19, 2011 1.0 Board of Directors July 1, 2012
ASCLD/LAB Board of Directors
Reviewed and approved for distribution
August 5, 2011 1.0 Executive Director July 1, 2012
by the ASCLD/LAB Executive Director
All intellectual property rights in this publication are the property of the
American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors / Laboratory Accreditation Board
ASCLD/LAB
ASCLD/LAB
139 J Technology Drive
Garner, North Carolina 27529
USA
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ASCLD/LAB Guidance on Traceability of Measurement Results, Page 2 of 25

Reference Standards and Reference Materials
Approval Date: August 5, 2011 Effective Date: July 1, 2012
Approved By: ASCLD/LAB Executive Director AL-PD-3054-Ver 1.0
Purpose
To provide guidance to laboratories that must achieve compliance with the ASCLD/LAB Policy on Traceability of
Measurement Results, Reference Standards and Reference Materials1 as they prepare for and maintain ASCLD/LAB
-International accreditation.
Scope
This guidance document will cover:
 Introduction to Traceability
 Calibration of Equipment
 Reference Standards
 Reference Materials
o Reference Collections
This guidance document is intended to be used by:
 Testing and Calibration laboratories currently accredited by the ASCLD/LAB-International programs

 Testing and Calibration laboratories seeking accreditation to an ASCLD/LAB-International program
 Technical assessors for the ASCLD/LAB-International programs
 Users of ASCLD/LAB-International accredited laboratory services
For ease of use:
 Denotes a definition which will be from the VIM2 unless noted
 Denotes a requirement from the cited accreditation requirement document
Introduction to Measurement Traceability
Section 5.6 of ISO/IEC 17025:20053 is titled Measurement Traceability. Are tests and calibrations performed
by a forensic laboratory considered measurements? How does this topic of traceability apply to the work
performed in a forensic laboratory?
 Measurement
Process of experimentally obtaining one or more quantity values that can reasonably be attributed
to a quantity.
The two calibrations accredited by ASCLD/LAB-International - Breath Alcohol Measuring Instruments and Breath
Alcohol Reference Materials are measurements.
Many tests performed by a forensic laboratory are measurements or include measurements in the testing process.
 Testing4
Determination of one or more characteristics of an object of conformity assessment, according to a
procedure.

 A Test within the scope of accreditation
 A service provided to a customer of the laboratory
A forensic test that readily comes to mind as a “measurement” is the determination of barrel or firearm length in the
Firearms/Toolmarks discipline. Being a traditional quantitative measurement of length, it is clear that this test fits the
“measurement” definition. In this example, the measurement is reported as the test result.
The determination of the mass of a drug sample in the Drug Chemistry discipline is one of the most common
“measurements” made in forensic laboratories. The determination of drug concentration/purity is also a
“measurement”. These measurements along with the chemical identification of the substance are included in the test
report.
Similarly, the Toxicology discipline is making “measurements” when quantitative alcohol and drug concentrations are
determined. These reported alcohol and drug concentrations are also examples of a measurement being included in
the test report. In Toxicology test methods where a limit of reporting is set and the specimen is reported above or
below that quantitative value, a “measurement” is being made during the test process, although there is no
concentration reported in the test report.
In other forensic disciplines, measurements are made during the testing process but are not reported independently.
These measurements include, but are not limited to, pipette volumes; temperature determination; other
determinations of length (or height or size) made by a number of measuring equipment - calipers, grids, scales, rulers
to long tapes and lasers; and determinations of speed.
Many forensic tests and calibrations are a measurement, a series of measurements or include a
measurement in the testing process.
What is Traceability?
 Traceability
Property of a measurement result whereby the result can be related to a reference
through a documented unbroken chain of calibrations, each contributing to the
measurement uncertainty.
 “a reference” - either a reference standard or a reference material (may also be referred to as a
measurement standard)
 “chain of calibrations” - each reference standard or reference material having a higher-order
“calibration” as you proceed up the hierarchy or chain of traceability
 “calibrations” - a specified procedure with established measurement uncertainty, that is a series of
measurements establishing the response of a known reference and then comparing the response
of the item being calibrated
Why traceability in forensic science?
Simply, tests and calibrations performed by forensic laboratories need to be reliable and comparable. Customers of
laboratory services need to know that if the test or calibration was performed on a different day at the same
laboratory, or at another accredited laboratory, the results would be similar and comparable. This need for
uniformity, consistency and comparability is the fundamental reason for establishing traceability of a measurement
result. The need for uniformity and consistency is not unique to forensic science but is required in research, industry
and commerce. Traceability inherently brings with it competency and reliability. Reliability is often described by
terms such as accuracy,5 precision6 and trueness.7

When is traceability required by ASCLD/LAB?
 Traceability must be established for calibrations and tests where an estimation of the measurement
uncertainty is required by the ASCLD/LAB Policy on Measurement Uncertainty.8 These are:
 the quantity (mass or volume) of a controlled substance, or the presence of a controlled substance
when it is reported as a percentage (mass or volume fraction) of the whole sample;
 the concentration (mass or volume fraction) of a drug in a toxicology sample, including values reported
for blood alcohol;
 the barrel length of a firearm and/or the overall length of a firearm; and
 the calibration of breath alcohol measuring instruments and calibration of breath alcohol reference
materials.
 For other forensic tests, accredited laboratories must determine if the calibration of equipment used to
perform measuring functions in test methods has a significant impact on sampling performed or the test
result. If so, the requirements for Traceability of these equipment calibrations will apply. (ISO/IEC
17025:2005, Clause 5.6.2.2.1)
 Reference standards shall be calibrated by a body that can provide traceability. (ISO/IEC 17025:2005,
Clause 5.6.3.1)
 Reference materials shall, where possible, be traceable to the SI unit of measurement, or to certified
reference materials. (ISO/IEC 17025:2005, Clause 5.6.3.2)
NOTE The “SI” units of measurement are discussed in detail in this document, beginning on page 6.
It seems that uniformity, consistency and comparability is desirable for forensic tests that do not meet the
definition of “measurement”. For forensic tests that are not a quantitative value, can the techniques used to
establish traceability of a measurement result be utilized to increase the competency and reliability of all
types of forensic test results?
The techniques used to establish traceability of a measurement result are not available for all tests. If available,
traceable equipment calibrations and the use of traceable reference standards or reference materials in test methods
shall be used to increase the reliability of the reported test result.
 Testing Supplemental, Clause 5.9.1.1: Appropriate controls and standards shall be specified in the methods
and their use recorded in the case record.
 “standards” – reference standard or reference material
How is traceability accomplished?
Traceability of a measurement result is accomplished by competent personnel, using a validated method, performing
a test or calibration using equipment that has been calibrated with established traceability or through the use of
traceable reference standards or reference materials in the test or calibration method.
For the equipment calibration, the reference standards and/or the reference materials and the final measurement
result performed in the forensic laboratory, there is:
1. An unbroken chain of comparisons.

2. Where possible the comparisons, the traceability hierarchy, go back to national (e.g., NIST) or international
(SI) standards.
3. The measurement uncertainty for each step of the traceability chain has been calculated and reported so
that an overall uncertainty for the whole chain may be estimated and reported.

4. Each step of the chain of traceability must be performed according to documented and accepted
procedures.
5. The laboratories performing one or more measurements in the chain must supply evidence of their technical
competence.
6. Calibrations must be repeated at appropriate intervals, depending on the uncertainty required, frequency of
use, stability of the reference, and stability of the measurement equipment.
7. A Measurement Assurance9 program exists for each step in the traceability hierarchy.
Traceability to the International System of Units (SI) is desirable. What is the International System of Units
(SI)?
Internationally a system was developed for measurements of length, mass, time, electric current, temperature,
luminous intensity and amount of a substance. This common system is known as the International System of Units
(SI). The International Standards for each of these types of measurements are defined by the International Bureau
of Weights and Measures (BIPM).10 The National Standards of the United States are maintained by the National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)11 our National Metrology Institute (NMI).
SI Base Quantity Name Symbol
Length meter m
Mass kilogram kg
Time second s
Electric Current ampere A
Thermodynamic Temperature kelvin K
Luminous Intensity candela cd
Amount of Substance mole mol
Not all forensic test and calibrations identified as measurements are on this SI base quantity list. Does that
mean other types of measurements are not traceable to the SI?
The SI base unit list is a short list. At times it is not obvious that a measurement can be related to a SI base unit.
For example, a volumetric measurement using a calibrated glass flask or pipette is calibrated by comparisons to
mass reference standards which do have a SI base unit.
Many more measurements are traceable as SI derived units. SI derived units, derived quantities, are measurements
that are defined in terms of the seven base quantities via a system of quantity equations. Examples include:
Area square meter m2
Volume cubic meter m3
Speed velocity meter per second m/s

Derived units commonly used in forensics include, but are not limited to, grains, ounces, pounds, feet, yards, inches,
ft/s, temperature in Centigrade, and the concentration of an analyte expressed in a number of different units.
SI prefixes include measurements made in factors of ten of SI base units:
Name deca- hecto- kilo- mega- giga- tera- peta- exa- zetta- yotta-
Symbol da h k M G T P E Z Y
Factor 101 102 103 106 109 1012 1015 1018 1021 1024
Name deci- centi- milli- micro- nano- pico- femto- atto- zepto- yocto-
Symbol d c m μ n p f a z y
Factor 10−1 10−2 10−3 10−6 10−9 10−12 10−15 10−18 10−21 10−24
Many forensic quantitative results are reported using a SI prefix.
Calibration of equipment, reference standards and reference materials will each be discussed below.
Measurement Assurance and Measurement Uncertainty will be covered in separate Guidance Documents.
Calibration of laboratory instruments - Equipment
For the purposes of this guidance document the term “equipment” will be used for an analytical instrument, a
measuring device, or a measuring instrument12 to align this document with ISO/IEC 17025:2005 terminology.
 Equipment refers to the equipment used to perform a test or a calibration and does not refer to the
measurand13 (breath alcohol measuring instrument) undergoing calibration.
Is traceability a concern for all equipment used in testing or calibrations?
No. ISO/IEC 17025:2005, Clause 5.6.1 states that the focus is equipment where the calibration has “a significant
effect on the accuracy or validity of the result of the test, calibration or sampling”. This evaluation of significance
must also include equipment used for subsidiary measurements (e.g., for environmental conditions).
Who determines if a calibration has a significant impact on the result of the test, calibration or sampling?
The laboratory is required to make this determination. The laboratory must support these decisions with objective
evidence and data which is reviewable during an assessment. Scientific working groups (SWGs) are beginning to
address this issue and standardizing this topic for a given forensic discipline.
ISO/IEC 17025:2005 ties significance of the equipment calibration to the effect the calibration has on the estimation
of the measurement uncertainty in Clause 5.6.2.2.1.
 For testing laboratories, the requirements given in 5.6.2.1 apply for measuring and test equipment with
measuring functions used, unless it has been established that the associated contribution from the
calibration contributes little to the total uncertainty of the test result. When this situation arises, the
laboratory shall ensure that the equipment used can provide the uncertainty of measurement needed.
NIST provides this guidance:

“As a practical matter, the contribution of an input quantity to a measurement result is significant if a change in the
value or uncertainty of the input quantity corresponds to a change in the significant figures of the stated value or
uncertainty of the measurement result.”14
Does a calibration make the equipment traceable?
No, equipment itself is not traceable. Only a measurement result is traceable.
If the equipment has been calibrated in a manner that maintains the chain of traceability back to national or
international standards, the equipment becomes one factor in establishing the traceability of a test or calibration
result.
Calibration of Equipment by an external calibration laboratory
In general what does a chain of traceability look like for a piece of equipment calibrated by an external
calibration laboratory?
The unbroken chain of comparisons for the external calibration of a piece of equipment in a forensic laboratory is
depicted below:
The “chain” can be lengthened or shortened by increasing or decreasing the number of Accredited Calibration
Service Providers between the NMI and the calibration of the forensic laboratory equipment.
Examples of equipment used for forensic testing or calibrations that can be calibrated by external calibration
laboratories using traceable reference standards include, but are not limited to:
Type of Equipment Type of Calibration

 Balances Reference Standard - Mass
 Calipers Reference Standard - Length
 Thermometers Reference Standard - Temperature
 Pipettes/Dilutors Reference Standard - derived from Mass
 Rulers/Tapes Reference Standard – Length

Type of Equipment Type of Calibration
 Trigger-Pull Devices Reference Standard - derived from Mass
 Volumetric Glassware Reference Standard - derived from Mass
 Voltmeters Reference Standard - derived from Electric Current
Making this more specific for a balance calibrated by an external calibration laboratory, the chain of traceability looks
like this:
At all levels in this chain of traceability above the forensic laboratory, each calibration laboratory - the BIPM, NIST,
and the Primary Calibration Laboratory - have primary reference standards and one or more levels of working
reference standards. Therefore, although depicted as a single level in the chain for this example, there may be
multiple levels within each level.
What does an external calibration laboratory do when it calibrates a piece of equipment? What is a
calibration?
 Calibration
The operation that, under specified conditions, in a first step, establishes a relation between the
quantity values with measurement uncertainties provided by measurement standards and
corresponding indications with associated measurement uncertainties and, in a second step, uses this
information to establish a relation for obtaining a measurement result from an indication.
This definition from the VIM is difficult to understand.

To simplify, calibration:
 Uses a traceable reference

 Follows a specified procedure for the calibration of a piece of equipment

 Based on the measurements made during the calibration procedure, the calibration laboratory
determines if the performance of the item being calibrated (the piece of equipment) meets the
required specifications
Importantly, calibration is not an adjustment or verification of calibration. It is important to have an understanding of

all three terms to ensure that a laboratory is purchasing the desired services from an external calibration laboratory.
 Adjustment is a set of operations carried out on a measuring system so that it provides prescribed
indications corresponding to given values of the quantity to be measured.
 The process performed to “fix” the calibration item if it did not meet the required specifications.
The VIM definition continues, to include: Types of adjustment of a measuring system include zero
adjustment, offset adjustment, and span adjustment. Adjustment of a measuring system should not be
confused with calibration, which is a prerequisite for adjustment. After an adjustment of a measuring
system, the measuring system must usually be recalibrated.
 Verification is the provision of objective evidence that a given item fulfills specified requirements.
 The “intermediate check” performed to ensure the item still meets the required specifications.
Verification of calibration can also be called a calibration check, or an accuracy check.
The difference between calibration, adjustment and verification of calibration are more easily understood with an
example. Continuing with the example of a balance:
 A calibration performed by an external calibration laboratory should include:

o Applying test loads, across the whole weighing range, to the instrument under specified conditions
to assess:
 the repeatability of indications,
 the errors of indication (including sensitivity, linearity, and hysteresis),
 the effect of eccentric application of a load on the indication;
o Determining the error or variation of the indication; and
o Estimating the uncertainty of measurement to be attributed to the results.
o Further tests may be performed to evaluate the performance of the balance under special
conditions (e.g., the indication after a tare operation, the variation of the indication under a constant
load over a certain time, etc.).
 If the balance does not meet the customer-required specifications, then an adjustment is performed. The
adjustment is performed to align the balance indication with the quantity of the reference standard.
 After the adjustment, another calibration must be performed to determine if the balance now meets
specifications.
 The laboratory periodically performs a calibration verification weighing using one or more stainless steel
mass reference standards. This verification of accuracy is not as rigorous as the calibration procedure
performed by the accredited calibration laboratory, but it is sufficient to confirm that the balance
performance still meets the specifications used for the calibration or as specified in laboratory procedure.
How does a laboratory evaluate an external calibration service provider?
 The ASCLD/LAB Policy on Traceability of Measurement Results, Reference Standards and Reference
Materials1 establishes that when an external calibration service provider will be used to establish traceability,
calibrations are viewed as a critical service per ISO/IEC 17025:2005, Clause 4.6.4.

 The Policy1 provides specific requirements for external calibration laboratories.
To assist laboratories, the process of vendor evaluation is further delineated below:
STEP 1: Establish Purchasing Requirement Criteria
Specifications needed for the calibration must be established by the laboratory. Things to consider include:
 What is the range of the test/calibration measurements being made by the equipment?
 What is the resolution required for the measurement?
 What is the accuracy required for the measurement?
 What is the required uncertainty in the calibration?
o The uncertainty of this equipment calibration will be a component in your laboratory test/calibration
estimation of uncertainty. If the equipment calibration is a significant contributor, then choosing an
external calibration service provider with a smaller uncertainty in their calibration of your equipment will
lower the estimation of uncertainty for your laboratory test/calibration.
Example of Laboratory Specifications for a Digital Thermometer:

Range: temperatures from -50 to 150oC with resolution 0.1oC
Accuracy: +/- 0.3oC
Uncertainty of the calibration of the thermometer: 0.1oC
STEP 2: Accreditation Requirements of the Vendor
The laboratory includes the specifications, identified and documented in Step 1, in their purchase order as
purchasing criteria. Additionally, the laboratory purchase order would include the requirements of ISO/IEC
17025:2005 accreditation in the area of calibration as stated in the ASCLD/LAB Policy on Traceability of
Measurement Results, Reference Standards and Reference Materials1 for:
 equipment used in a calibration method that has a significant effect on the calibration result
 equipment if the calibration has a significant effect on the accuracy or validity of a test result that is required
to be reported with an estimation of measurement uncertainty
 equipment if the calibration has a significant effect on the accuracy or validity of a reported test result, but
the actual measurement is not reported
 equipment if the calibration has a significant effect on the accuracy of sampling performed in a test or
calibration
STEP 3: Confirmation of the Vendor Calibration Laboratory’s Capability
The laboratory confirms the capability of the vendor that has returned a bid for the purchase. This requires a review
of the vendor’s scope of accreditation.
1) Obtain the scope of accreditation:
 May be provided by the vendor or available on the vendor web-site or
 Available from the accrediting body of the accredited external calibration laboratory
o The Accrediting Body information is often provided on company literature - printed or electronic
o Proceed to the Accrediting Body’s web-site
 Locate the external calibration laboratory service provider in the list of accredited
laboratories
2) Review the scope of accreditation for ILAC15 recognition
 Does the accreditation certificate indicate that the Accrediting Body is an ILAC - MRA signatory?

 If the accreditation certificate does not identify the Accrediting Body as an ILAC-MRA signatory, proceed to
the ILAC web-site: www.ilac.org
o Review the list of ILAC MRA and Signatories for the name of the Accrediting Body of the external
calibration service provider
 Confirm that the Accrediting Body is on this list
 Confirm the scope of their ILAC recognition – ISO/IEC 17025:2005 - Calibration
3) Review the scope of accreditation for the service required:
 Is the calibration laboratory accredited for the equipment type?
 Is the calibration laboratory accredited at the specification(s) required?
 If the calibration laboratory will be performing the calibration at your laboratory, is the laboratory accredited
for performing on-site calibrations?
 Does the uncertainty (Calibration and Measurement Capability or “CMC”) meet the needs and requirements
of the laboratory?
4) Retain a copy of the scope of accreditation for the vendor chosen to provide the external calibration service.
Step 4: Review of the Calibration Certificate
After the calibration of the laboratory’s equipment has been performed, the Checklist for the Review of a Calibration
Report/Certificate, Appendix A, can be used to ensure conformance with ISO/IEC 17025:2005, Clauses 5.10.2 and
5.10. 4 - Reporting the Results - Calibration Certificates.
What is the significance of an ILAC-MRA or an IAAC-MLA?
Both are a mechanism for accepting test and calibration reports from a laboratory accredited by a recognized
accrediting body. This mutual recognition of the third-party assessment and accreditation serves as a method to
determine a service provider’s competence to perform testing or calibrations.
The ILAC Arrangement builds upon existing or developing regional arrangements (e.g., IAAC) established around the
world. The bodies participating in these regional arrangements are responsible for maintaining the necessary
confidence in accreditation bodies from their region that are signatories to the ILAC Arrangement. Each recognized
Regional Cooperation Body must abide by the procedures defined in ILAC requirements documents.15
 Per the ASCLD/LAB Policy on Traceability of Measurement Results, Reference Standards and Reference
Materials,1 external calibration laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 by a non-IAAC MLA or ILAC
MRA signatory accrediting body will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by ASCLD/LAB.
How often must equipment be calibrated?
 Equipment initially installed by a manufacturer may not have an appropriate traceable calibration; however,
ISO/IEC 17025:2005, Clauses 5.5.2 and 5.6.1 requires a laboratory to calibrate equipment having a
significant effect on the accuracy or validity of the result of a test, calibration or sampling prior to the
equipment being put into service. The calibration laboratory that performs this calibration must meet the
ASCLD/LAB Policy on Traceability of Measurement Results, Reference Standards and Reference Materials1
requirements for external calibration laboratories.
A large number of factors influence how frequently equipment calibrations should be performed. To assist
laboratories in determining the calibration interval, below is a list of the most important factors provided by the
International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC).16 The most important factors to consider in making this
decision are:

• uncertainty of measurement required or declared by the laboratory;
• risk of a measuring instrument exceeding the limits of the maximum permissible error when in use;
• cost of necessary correction measures when it is found that the instrument was not appropriate over a
long period of time;
• type of instrument;
• tendency to wear and drift;
• manufacturer’s recommendation;
• extent and severity of use;
• environmental conditions (climatic conditions, vibration, ionizing radiation, etc.);
• trend data obtained from previous calibration records;
• recorded history of maintenance and servicing;
• frequency of cross-checking against other reference standards or measuring devices;
• frequency and quality of intermediate checks in the meantime;
• transportation arrangements and risk; and
• degree to which the serving personnel are trained.
Recommendations for the interval of calibration may also be available from the calibration service provider, an
industry association, or NIST. Calibration intervals must be reevaluated and reestablished as needed, on a regular
basis.
 If the intervals of calibration are changed by laboratory management, the changes must be based on
empirical data.1
Must the laboratory verify that the equipment calibration is still acceptable between calibrations?
The laboratory is responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of equipment.
 ISO/IEC 17025:2005, Clause 5.5.10 requires a verification of calibration (calibration check) “when
intermediate checks are needed to maintain confidence in the calibration status of the equipment.”
o If needed, the requirement states that these checks must be “carried out according to a defined
procedure.”
 ASCLD/LAB-International Supplemental Requirements for Testing Laboratories,17 Clause 5.6.1.1 states:
Procedures to check calibration of equipment shall be established depending on the specific requirement of
the testing being carried out. It will normally be necessary to check calibration after any shut down, whether
deliberate or otherwise and following service or other substantial maintenance. In general, calibration check
intervals shall not be less stringent than manufacturers’ recommendations.
The laboratory will be responsible for determining if intermediate calibration checks are needed and the interval for
these checks. ASCLD/LAB will assess the effectiveness of the laboratory’s decisions.
This requirement in ISO brings in the concept of Measurement Assurance.9
If a laboratory has decided that equipment calibration checks (verifications) must be performed, how does a
laboratory determine how frequently to do the check?
Factors to consider include, but may not be limited to, the test or calibration method requirements, objective data
demonstrating the stability of the equipment, measurement assurance data, and the ramifications if a calibration
check fails (e.g., nonconforming work).

Internal Calibration of Equipment
If a piece of equipment has an internal calibration or adjustment capability, the laboratory should verify that
performing this internal calibration and/or adjustment function will not invalidate the traceability established through
the external calibration.
“Calibration” of Equipment with Reference Materials
For some types of equipment, Reference Materials are used to establish the known equipment indication to which the
unknown is compared.
Reference Standards
What is a reference standard?
 Reference Standard
Measurement standard designated for the calibration of other measurement
standards for quantities of a given kind in a given organization or at a given location.
 The VIM refers to International, National, primary, secondary, and working reference
standards reflecting all of the possible levels in the hierarchy of the traceability chain.
What reference standards are common in a forensic laboratory?
Mass reference standards (weights) are the most common. Reference standards for length measurements are also
common.
What does the chain of traceability look like for a reference standard?

A laboratory needs to purchase a reference standard. How does that laboratory evaluate a reference
standard supplier?
When used to establish traceability, reference standards are viewed as critical supplies, per ISO/IEC 17025:2005,
Clause 4.6.4. Refer back to the question “How does a laboratory evaluate an external calibration service
provider?” in the Equipment section of this document. The process provided, Steps 1-4, for evaluating an external
calibration vendor will also apply to the purchase of a Reference Standard. The laboratory must define the
specification for the Reference Standard(s), include these specifications in the purchase order, and review the
information provided by the potential vendor prior to the purchase.
 Example: Laboratory desires to purchase a Mass Reference Standard(s)

Application: Weight set that will be used to verify the accuracy of a balance
Range: This will be determined based on the capacity of the balance and the typical weighing range
Accuracy: The acceptable weight tolerance is based on the readability of your most precise balance
Traceability: Required
Must reference standards be calibrated?
Yes
 Reference Standards per ISO/IEC 17025:2005, Clause 5.6.3.1 must be calibrated following a program and
procedure.
 The ASCLD/LAB Policy on Traceability of Measurement Results, Reference Standards and Reference
Materials1 specifies requirements for external calibration laboratories.
 When used to establish traceability, calibration or reference standards are viewed as a critical service, per
ISO/IEC 17025:2005, Clause 4.6.4.
Refer to the previous similar question in the Equipment section of this document on how to evaluate an accredited
calibration service provider. The laboratory must establish specifications and then evaluate the external calibration
laboratory for meeting traceability and the laboratory’s specifications.
How often must reference standards be calibrated?
Guidance on how to determine the frequency of calibration for a Reference Standard is often provided by the
manufacturer of the standard. Many of the factors to consider for the frequency of equipment calibration are
applicable to Reference Standards. The laboratory must also consider the handling and storage of the Reference
Standard at their facility. For example, the environment in which a Reference Standard is stored at your laboratory
may be more deleterious to the Reference Standard than anticipated by the manufacturer’s recommendations.
 ISO/IEC 17025:2005, Clause 5.6.3.4 - The laboratory shall have procedures for safe handling, transport,
storage and use of reference standards and reference materials in order to prevent contamination or
deterioration and in order to protect their integrity.
NOTE Additional procedures may be necessary when reference standards and reference materials are
used outside the permanent laboratory for tests, calibrations or sampling.

Calibration certificates of equipment and/or reference standards use the terms “As Found” and “As Left”.
Please explain these terms.
The terms “As Found” and “As Left” are synonymous with the terms “Pre-Adjustment” and “Post Adjustment”,
respectively. A laboratory may encounter either combination, or other synonymous verbiage, on a calibration
certificate. “As Found Data” documents the performance of your piece of equipment or reference standard when
evaluated through the calibration procedure as received (prior to any adjustment). The data shows how the
equipment or reference standard being calibrated compared to the specifications stated in the calibration procedure.
If the data does not meet specifications, fails calibration, then an adjustment18 is performed. Once adjusted, another
calibration is performed and the data from this calibration, after the adjustment, is the “As Left Data”. If the
equipment or reference standard meets specifications with the initial calibration, the certificate may only show “As
Found Data”. There are also instances where it is not possible for the calibration supplier to provide “As Found Data”
due to potential contamination of the equipment or reference standard, shipping and equipment set-up.
What is a calibration correction factor?
There are types of equipment and reference standards that cannot be adjusted if they fail to meet a calibration
specification. The calibration laboratory calculates the difference between the “As Found Data” of your equipment or
reference standard and their calibrated standard and this difference is typically reported as an algebraic “correction
factor” or simply as an “error of indication.” Liquid-in-glass thermometers are a type of equipment that is calibrated,
that cannot be adjusted, and for which the calibration certificate would include a correction factor(s) or an error of
indication. Mass reference standards (weights) are typically "adjusted" to meet international specifications for class
and maximum permissible error.
 When measurements are made using a piece of equipment with a correction factor, the original observation,
the correction factor calculation, and the application of the uncertainty associated with the calibration all
need to be recorded in the case or calibration record. (ISO/IEC 17025:2005, Clauses 4.13.2.1 and 5.5.11)
Must the laboratory verify that the reference standard calibration is still acceptable between calibrations?
The laboratory is responsible for maintaining the calibration status of all Reference Standards.
 Per ISO/IEC 17025:2005, Clause 5.6.3.3 the laboratory must determine if an intermediate check of a
reference standard (reference, primary, transfer or working) is needed.
 If performed, 5.6.3.3 does state that these calibration checks “shall be carried out according to defined
procedures and schedules.”
This requirement in ISO brings in the concept of Measurement Assurance.9
If a laboratory has decided that calibration checks (verifications) must be performed on a reference standard,
how does the laboratory determine how frequently to do the checks?
demonstrating the stability of the reference standard, and the ramifications if a calibration check fails.
Reference Materials
What is a Reference Material?

 Reference Material (RM)
Material, sufficiently homogeneous and stable with respect to one or more specified properties, which
has been established to be fit for its intended use in a measurement process.19
NOTE 1 RM is a generic term.
NOTE 2 Properties can be quantitative or qualitative (e.g., identity of substances or species).
NOTE 3 Uses may include the calibration of a measurement system, assessment of a measurement
procedure, assigning values to other materials, and quality control.
NOTE 4 A single RM cannot be used for both calibration and validation of results in the same
measurement procedure.
Specific classifications of reference materials
 Certified Reference Material (CRM)

Reference material characterized by a metrologically valid procedure for one or more specified
properties, accompanied by a certificate that provides the value of the specified property, its associated
uncertainty, and statement of metrological traceability.19
 Some material sold as CRMs have no stated evidence of traceability20
 Some RMs provide a certificate or other documentation that do not meet the definition of a CRM
 NIST Standard Reference Material® (SRM)

A CRM issued by NIST.
The terms "Standard Reference Material" and the diamond-shaped logo which contains the term
"SRM," are registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.11
NIST Reference Material
Material issued by NIST with a report of investigation instead of a certificate.
A NIST RM meets the ISO definition for a RM and may meet the ISO definition for a CRM.11
NIST-Traceable Reference Material TM (NTRMTM)
A commercially-produced reference material with a well-defined traceability linkage to existing NIST
standards for chemical measurements established via criteria and protocols defined by NIST. A NIST
NTRM may be recognized by a regulatory authority as being equivalent to a CRM.11
Why use reference materials?
RMs are used to support measurements concerned with chemical composition, biological, clinical, physical,
engineering properties and miscellaneous areas such as taste and odor. They may be characterized for ‘identity’
(e.g., chemical structure, fiber type, microbiological species.) or for ‘property values’ (e.g., amount of specified
chemical entity, hardness).19 – Including following five examples
Some commonly encountered types of reference materials include:

1. Pure substances characterized for chemical purity and/or trace impurities.
2. Standard solutions and gas mixtures, often prepared gravimetrically from pure substances and used
for calibration purposes.
3. Matrix reference materials characterized for the composition of specified major, minor or trace
chemical constituents. Such materials may be prepared from matrices containing the components of
interest, or by preparing synthetic mixtures.

4. Physico-chemical reference materials characterized for properties such as melting point, viscosity,
and optical density.
5. Reference objects or artifacts characterized for functional properties such as taste, odor, octane
number, flash point and hardness. This type also includes microscopy specimens characterized for
properties ranging from fiber type to microbiological specimens.
How are reference materials used in forensic science?
Reference Materials are used to establish traceability (calibration), in method validation, and in Measurement
Assurance (testing and calibration method process/quality control). Traceability is not required for reference materials
used in Measurement Assurance programs. In that application, homogeneity and stability are the most important
characteristics. The type of RM required is dependent on the function for which the RM will be used. Traceability is
required for RMs used in a measurement or calibration function.
What reference materials are common in a forensic laboratory?
Examples include, but are not limited to:

- Alcohol and other drugs/drug mixes in a variety of matrices
- DNA Profiling: SRM 2390, SRM2391B, SRM 2392I, SRM 2395
- Arson Test Mixture: SRM 2285
- SEM Scale Calibration Artifact RM 8820
- Infrared Transmission Wavelength Standard SRM 1921b.
What does the chain of traceability look like for a reference material?
OR

How does a laboratory evaluate a Reference Material Provider (RMP)?
When used to establish traceability, reference materials are viewed as a critical consumable per ISO/IEC
17025:2005, Clause 4.6.4. A Reference Material Provider that is accredited to ISO Guide 34:200921 in combination
with ISO/IEC 17025:2005 is considered to have established valid traceability as stated in the ASCLD/LAB Policy on
Traceability of Measurement Results, Reference Standards and Reference Materials.1
The Checklist for the Review of a Reference Material Provider (RMP) Test Report/Certificate, Appendix B, can be
used to ensure the RMP’s conformance with ISO/IEC 17025:2005, Section 5.10 – Reporting the Results.
How does a laboratory evaluate a reference material that is not available from NIST or from a Reference
Material Provider that is accredited to ISO Guide 34:2009 in combination with ISO/IEC 17025:2005?
Whereas the traceability concept has been well developed for measurement results associated with physical
properties, such is not the case for chemical properties.20 Not all reference materials have established traceability to
a National Metrology Institute, such as NIST or to an accredited RMP. However, where possible, reference materials
traceable to NIST or to an accredited RMP are to be used when traceability is required.
As noted previously RMs are used for a variety of functions in the laboratory. The requirements of a reference
material to establish traceability are different from those used for Measurement Assurance programs. When used to
establish traceability, reference materials are viewed as critical consumables or supplies per ISO/IEC 17025:2005,
Clause 4.6.4.3 If not used to establish traceability, then the laboratory will determine if the reference material is
viewed as a critical consumable or supply. If a laboratory must obtain material from a non-accredited RMP or even
manufacture the material itself due to the unique nature of the compound, then the laboratory must have a validated
method for characterizing the material and determining that it is fit for the purpose for which it will be used.
The International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) makes the following statement:
In the absence of formally stated traceability it will be necessary for the user to make
judgments about implicit traceability, based on the data available in reports and the
technical literature. It is important to ensure that chemical interferences and matrix effects
are adequately addressed in arriving at both the certified value and its uncertainty.
Unknown levels of bias are not uncommon and contribute to lack of agreement of
measurements.20
A protocol for assessing the suitability of RMs is detailed by ILAC in the publication Guidelines for the Selection and
Use of Reference Materials.20

The focus is on assessing the fitness for purpose of the RM based on the customer and analytical requirements.
Matrix effects and other factors such as concentration range can be more important than the uncertainty of the
assigned value.
The factors to consider include:
 Measurand including analyte

 Measurement range (concentration)
 Matrix match and potential interferences
 Sample size
 Homogeneity and stability
 Measurement uncertainty
 Value assignment procedures (measurement and statistical)
These recommendations acknowledge the importance of the track record of the producer and the material as well as
the information provided in the certificate or report.
References published by international groups focusing on traceability and accreditation that address the topic of
traceability in chemical measurements include, but are not limited to:
ILAC-G9:2005 Guidelines for the Selection and Use of Reference Materials20
EURACHEM/CITAC Guide: 2003 Traceability in Chemical Measurement22
CITAC/EURACHEM Guide: 2002 Guide to Quality in Analytical Chemistry23
ENSFI Guidelines on the Use of Reference Materials in Forensic Drug Analysis24
Can a laboratory use old chemicals as reference material?
Old chemicals can meet the definition of a reference material if the manufacturer is a RMP or the laboratory has data
to support that the material meets the definition of a RM. Therefore, the properties of the material will need to be
reviewed and verified by the forensic laboratory.
Must the laboratory verify that the reference material status is still acceptable?
A Reference Material may be supplied with an expiration date, after which the reference material is not considered
valid. The laboratory is also required to follow directions for storage and use. Laboratory decisions on the need for
intermediate checks will be based on knowledge of use and stability of the compound.
 Per ISO/IEC 17025:2005, Clause 5.6.3.3 the laboratory must determine if an intermediate check of a
Reference Material is needed.
 If performed, 5.6.3.3 does state that these checks “shall be carried out according to defined procedures and
schedules.”

If a laboratory has decided that an intermediate check (verification) must be performed on a reference
material, how does the laboratory determine how frequently to do the checks?
demonstrating the stability of the reference material, and the ramifications if an intermediate check fails.
Is a reference collection the same as reference material?
A forensic laboratory may have reference collections of firearms, ammunition, fibers, glass, ignitable liquids, paints
and possibly other types of items analyzed by that laboratory. The ASCLD/LAB-International Supplemental
Requirements for Testing Laboratories includes an accreditation requirement for reference collections, 5.6.3.2.1.
This requirement is under the general Section 5.6.3 Reference Standards and Reference Materials. The
accreditation requirement acknowledges that a reference collection of items/materials can be maintained for
identification, comparison or interpretation purposes. There is no requirement for traceability of reference collection
items/materials. An item/material in a reference collection becomes a reference material when it meets the definition
of a reference material provided in this document. In order to be considered a Reference Material, the item/material
must be comparable and uniform between laboratories.
Is a “known” the same as reference material?
The term “known” refers to knowing the source of a material and has no relationship to knowledge of a property
(homogeneity, chemical property, physio-chemical) of that material as required for a Reference Material.

Appendix A
Calibration Certificate Compliance Checklist
ISO/IEC 17025:2005, Section 5.10
Criteria Guide Compliance

Reported accurately, clearly, unambiguously and objectively; in accordance with method instructions;
5.10.1 include all info requested by customer, necessary for interpretation of the results, & required by the
method
Calibration Certificates Include at least the following information, unless valid reasons for not
5.10.2 a) Title
5.10.2 b) Laboratory name & address; location where calibrations carried out, if different from lab
Unique certificate/ report ID (e.g., SN #); ID on each page; clearly ID document end
5.10.2 c)
Note: Hard copies should include page number and total number of pages
5.10.2 d) Customer name & address
5.10.2 e) ID method used
5.10.2 f) Description of, the condition of, & unambiguous identification of the item(s) calibrated
5.10.2 g) Item(s) receipt date where critical to validity/application of results; date(s) of calibration performance
5.10.2 h) Reference to sampling plan & procedures used where relevant to validity or application of results
5.10.2 i) Calibration results with units of measurement, where appropriate
5.10.2 j) Name(s), function(s) & signature(s) or equivalent ID of person(s) authorizing the certificate/report
Where relevant, a statement to the effect that the results relate only to the items calibrated
5.10.2 k)
Note: Recommend statement shall not be reproduced except in full, without written lab approval
Calibration Certificates In addition to 5.10.2, where necessary
5.10.4.1 a) Calibration conditions (e.g., environmental) that have an influence on the measurement results
5.10.4.1 b) Uncertainty and/or statement of compliance with an identified metrological specification or its clauses
5.10.4.1 c) Evidence that the measurements are traceable
Relate only to quantities/results of functional tests. IF compliance statement is made: ID clauses
5.10.4.2 met/not met & account for uncertainty; record & maintain results for reference if results/uncertainties
omitted
5.10.4.3 Report before and after adjustment or repair results, if available, when adjusted/repair are made
No calibration interval on certificate/label except if agreed w/customer (superseded by legal
5.10.4.4
regulations)
Format of Reports and Certificates
The format shall be designed to accommodate each type of calibration carried out and to minimize
5.10.8
the possibility of misunderstanding or misuse
Amendments to Calibration Certificates
Amendments after issue made as further document/data transfer with statement, meet all
5.10.9
requirements; new report/certificate is uniquely identified & reference to the original that it replaces

Appendix B
Reference Material Provider (RMP) Test Report Compliance Checklist
ISO/IEC 17025:2005, Section 5.10
Criteria Guide Compliance

Reported accurately, clearly, unambiguously and objectively; in accordance with method instructions;
5.10.1 include all info requested by customer, necessary for interpretation of the results, & required by the
method
Test Reports (may also be titled Certificate) Include at least the following information, unless valid reasons for not
5.10.2 a) Title
5.10.2 b) Laboratory name & address; location where test carried out, if different from lab
Unique certificate/test report ID (e.g., SN #); ID on each page; clearly ID document end
5.10.2 c)
Note: Hard copies should include page number and total number of pages
5.10.2 d) Customer name & address
5.10.2 e) ID method used
5.10.2 f) Description of, the condition of, & unambiguous identification of the item(s) tested
5.10.2 g) Item(s) receipt date where critical to validity/application of results; date(s) of test performance
5.10.2 h) Reference to sampling plan & procedures used where relevant to validity or application of results
5.10.2 i) Test results with units of measurement, where appropriate
5.10.2 j) Name(s), function(s) & signature(s) or equivalent ID of person(s) authorizing the report/certificate
Where relevant, a statement to the effect that the results relate only to the items tested
5.10.2 k)
Note: Recommend statement shall not be reproduced except in full, without written lab approval
Test Reports In addition to 5.10.2, test reports shall include the following
Deviations, additions, exclusions from method; info on specific test conditions (e.g., environmental
5.10.3.1 a)
conditions)
5.10.3.1 b) Statement of compliance/non-compliance with requirements and/or specifications, where relevant
Statement on estimated uncertainty, where applicable; uncertainty info needed when: relevant to
5.10.3.1 c) results validity/application, customer’s instructions requires, or uncertainty affects specification limit
compliance
5.10.3.1 d) Opinions and interpretations, where appropriate and needed
5.10.3.1 e) Additional information which may be required by specific methods, customers or groups of customers
Test Reports Containing the results of sampling
Sampling date, ID substance, material or product, location, diagrams, sketches, photographs;
5.10.3.2 a-f) reference plan & procedures; environmental conditions; method/procedure, deviations, additions, or
exclusions from specification
Opinions and Interpretations
5.10.5 Document basis of opinions and interpretations when included; clearly mark them
Format of Reports and Certificates
The format shall be designed to accommodate each type of test carried out and to minimize the
5.10.8
possibility of misunderstanding or misuse
Amendments to Test Reports
Amendments after issue made as further document/data transfer with statement, meet all
5.10.9
requirements; new report/certificate is uniquely identified & reference to the original that it replaces

NOTES
1 American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD/LAB): ASCLD/LAB Policy on Traceability of Measurement
Results, Reference Standards and Reference Materials (AL-PD-3050) (Garner, North Carolina: ASCLD/LAB, 2011).
Available at http://www.ascld-lab.org.
The effective date of AL-PD-3050 is July 1, 2012.
Additional information about ASCLD/LAB is available at www.ascld-lab.org.
2 Joint Committee for Guides in Metrology (JCGM), International vocabulary of metrology – Basic and general concepts and
associated terms (VIM), 3rd ed. (Sèvres, France: International Bureau of Weights and Measures [BIPM]-JCGM 200, 2008).
Available for download at http://www.bipm.org/en/publications/guides/vim.html.
Even though the electronic version of the 3rd edition of the VIM is available free of charge on the BIPM’s website, copyright
of that document is shared jointly by the JCGM member organizations (BIPM, IEC, IFCC, ILAC, ISO, IUPAC, and OIML).
3 International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO/IEC 17025:2005 General requirements for the competence of
testing and calibration laboratories (Geneva, Switzerland: ISO, 2005). Available for purchase at
http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue.htm or from other authorized distributors.
Additional information about ISO is available at http://www.iso.org/iso/home.html.
4 ISO, ISO/IEC 17000:2004 Conformity assessment - Vocabulary and general principles (Geneva, Switzerland: ISO, 2009).
Available for purchase at http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue.htm or from other authorized distributors.
5 VIM Definition: accuracy – “measurement accuracy; accuracy of measurement; accuracy - closeness of agreement
between a measured quantity value and a true quantity value of a measurand.”
6 VIM Definition: precision – “measurement precision; precision - closeness of agreement between indications or
measured quantity values obtained by replicate measurements on the same or similar objects under specified conditions.”
7 VIM Definition: trueness – “measurement trueness; trueness of measurement; trueness - closeness of agreement
between the average of an infinite number of replicate measured quantity values and a reference quantity value.”
8 ASCLD/LAB, ASCLD/LAB Policy on Measurement Uncertainty (AL-PD-3051) (Garner, North Carolina: ASCLD/LAB,
2011). Available at http://www.ascld-lab.org.
The effective date of AL-PD-3051 is July 1, 2012.
9 ASCLD/LAB Definition: Measurement Assurance – “Practices put in place to monitor a testing or calibration process
and/or the reference standards or reference materials used in a process.”
10 International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM). Additional information is available at http://www.bipm.org.
11 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Additional information is available at http://www.nist.gov/index.html.
12 VIM Definition: measuring instrument – “device used for making measurements, alone or in conjunction with one or more
supplementary devices.”

13 VIM Definition: measurand – “quantity intended to be measured.”
14 NIST, NIST Policy on Traceability / Supplementary Materials / Frequently Asked Questions / I.B - Questions about
Establishing Metrological Traceability / I.B.5. Available at
http://www.nist.gov/traceability/suppl_matls_for_nist_policy_rev.cfm.
15 International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). Additional information about ILAC is available at
http://www.ilac.org.
16 ILAC, ILAC-G24:2007 Guidelines for the determination of calibration intervals of measuring instruments (ILAC: Rhodes,
Australia, 2010). Available for download at http://www.ilac.org/documents/ILAC_G24_2007.pdf.
17 ASCLD/LAB, ASCLD/LAB-International Supplemental Requirements for the Accreditation of Forensic Science

Testing Laboratories (AL-PD-3040) (Garner, North Carolina, 2011 Edition).
Acquisition and use of that document requires a User License Agreement with ASCLD/LAB and an ISO/IEC 17025
Certification Statement. Acquisition forms are available at http://www.ascld-lab.org/forms/forms_intl.html or by contacting
ASCLD/LAB. Contact information for ASCLD/LAB is provided on page 2 of this document.
18 VIM Definition: Adjustment – “a set of operations carried out on a measuring system so that it provides prescribed
indications corresponding to given values of the quantity to be measured.”
19 ISO, ISO GUIDE 30:1992(E)/Amd.1:2008, Terms and definitions used in connection with reference materials; Amendment
1- Revision of definitions for reference material and certified reference material (Geneva, Switzerland: ISO, 2008). Available
for purchase at http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue.htm or from other authorized distributors.
20 ILAC, ILAC-G9:2005 Guidelines for the Selection and Use of Reference Materials (ILAC: Rhodes, Australia, 2010).
Available for download at
http://www.ilac.org/documents/ILAC_G9_2005_guidelines_for_the_selection_and_use_of_reference_material.pdf.
21 ISO, ISO Guide 34:2009 General requirements for the competence of reference material producers (Geneva, Switzerland:
ISO, 2008). Available for purchase at http://www.iso.org/iso/home.html or from other authorized distributors.
22 A Focus for Analytical Chemistry in Europe (EURACHEM) and the Co-operation on International Traceability in Analytical
Chemistry (CITAC) Joint Working Group, EURACHEM/CITAC Guide:2003, Traceability in Chemical Measurement - A
guide to achieving comparable results in chemical measurement (Prague: Eurachem Secretariat, 2003). Available for
download at http://www.eurachem.org/index.php/publications/guides/trc.
Additional information about EURACHEM is available at http://www.eurachem.org/index.php/euintro.
Additional information about CITAC is available at http://www.citac.cc/.
23 CITAC/EURACHEM, CITAC/EURACHEM Guide:2002 Guide to Quality in Analytical Chemistry - An Aid to

Accreditation (Bern-Wabern, Switzerland: CITAC Secretary, 2002). This edition has been published jointly by CITAC and
Eurachem. Available for download at http://www.citac.cc/CITAC_EURACHEM_GUIDE.pdf.
Copyright of this guide is the property of the organisations represented on CITAC and EURACHEM.
24 European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI), ENFSI 2002 Guidelines on the Use of Reference Materials in
Forensic Drug Analysis (The Hague: ENFSI Secretariat, 2002). Available for download at http://www.enfsi.org/ (Choose
“Documents” and then “External Publications”).
Additional information about ENFSI is available at http://www.enfsi.org/.


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What is the purpose of this document?

What is the purpose of this document?

What does it cover in terms of traceability?

What does it cover in terms of traceability?

ASCLD/LAB-International

ASCLD/LAB Guidance on Traceability

ASCLD/LAB-International is a program of the

Copyright © 2011 by ASCLD/LAB

Approval Date: August 5, 2011

ASCLD/LAB Guidance on Traceability of Measurement Results, Page 2 of 25

This guidance document will cover:

This guidance document is intended to be used by:

 Testing and Calibration laboratories currently accredited by the ASCLD/LAB-International programs

For ease of use:

 Denotes a definition which will be from the VIM2 unless noted

 Denotes a requirement from the cited accreditation requirement document

Introduction to Measurement Traceability

ASCLD/LAB Guidance on Traceability of Measurement Results, Page 3 of 25

Why traceability in forensic science?

ASCLD/LAB Guidance on Traceability of Measurement Results, Page 4 of 25

How is traceability accomplished?

1. An unbroken chain of comparisons.

ASCLD/LAB Guidance on Traceability of Measurement Results, Page 5 of 25

SI Base Quantity Name Symbol

Electric Current ampere A

Thermodynamic Temperature kelvin K

Luminous Intensity candela cd

Amount of Substance mole mol

ASCLD/LAB Guidance on Traceability of Measurement Results, Page 6 of 25

SI prefixes include measurements made in factors of ten of SI base units:

Many forensic quantitative results are reported using a SI prefix.

Calibration of laboratory instruments - Equipment

Is traceability a concern for all equipment used in testing or calibrations?

NIST provides this guidance:

ASCLD/LAB Guidance on Traceability of Measurement Results, Page 7 of 25

Does a calibration make the equipment traceable?

No, equipment itself is not traceable. Only a measurement result is traceable.

Calibration of Equipment by an external calibration laboratory

Type of Equipment Type of Calibration

ASCLD/LAB Guidance on Traceability of Measurement Results, Page 8 of 25

This definition from the VIM is difficult to understand.

 Uses a traceable reference

ASCLD/LAB Guidance on Traceability of Measurement Results, Page 9 of 25

Importantly, calibration is not an adjustment or verification of calibration. It is important to have an understanding of

 A calibration performed by an external calibration laboratory should include:

How does a laboratory evaluate an external calibration service provider?

ASCLD/LAB Guidance on Traceability of Measurement Results, Page 10 of 25

To assist laboratories, the process of vendor evaluation is further delineated below:

STEP 1: Establish Purchasing Requirement Criteria

Example of Laboratory Specifications for a Digital Thermometer:

STEP 2: Accreditation Requirements of the Vendor

STEP 3: Confirmation of the Vendor Calibration Laboratory’s Capability

ASCLD/LAB Guidance on Traceability of Measurement Results, Page 11 of 25

Step 4: Review of the Calibration Certificate

What is the significance of an ILAC-MRA or an IAAC-MLA?

How often must equipment be calibrated?

ASCLD/LAB Guidance on Traceability of Measurement Results, Page 12 of 25

The laboratory is responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of equipment.

This requirement in ISO brings in the concept of Measurement Assurance.9