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User support / Application Notes

The JRC is systematically developing additional supporting tools to satisfy the needs of reference material users. 

Online course "Estimation of uncertainties and the use of reference materials"

This online training sessions will teach you how to use reference materials and how to estimate measurement uncertainties.

Click for summary and registration info

In this course, you will learn the basics why measurement uncertainties are important and how you can estimate them. You will learn the role and importance of reference materials and how you can best select and use them. Our interactive course will be complemented by practical exercises where you can apply and test your newly acquired knowledge. You will be able to follow 8 modules:

  • Estimation of measurement uncertainty – This module explains what measurements uncertainty is and why is needed. You will learn how to estimate measurements uncertainty and will be get more details on the quantification procedure and whether it is a combination of uncertainty sources. At the end we show two options: the so-called bottom-up approach and the so-called top-down approach (use of validation data).

  • Use of CRMs to prove laboratory and method performance – This module provides the tools to understand how to make use of the added value of certified reference materials (CRMs) to prove laboratory and/or method performance.

  • Making the best use of RMs –This module presents how to get the best use out of reference materials and you will learn what sources of information are available.

  • Use of CRMs in method validation - In this module, will be explained how to validate a new method and how to estimate the measurement uncertainty of its results.

  • Commutability of reference materials – After being acquainted with the validation of a new method and how to estimate the uncertainty of its measurements, in this module focus will be on the commutability of reference materials.

  • Selection of reference materials – In this module will be presented all the steps to consider when selecting a reference material.

  • Traceability of measurement results - In this module, will be explained the metrological traceability and its role for the comparability of measurement results. Furthermore will be described how certified reference materials or CRMs can be used to help you to make your results traceable.

  • The wrap-up - This last module provides an example of how this course can guide you through the processes in your laboratory practice.


  • This course is intended for practitioners working in laboratories that need to apply reference materials for statistical quality control, method validation and calibration and who need to assess measurement uncertainties on customer’s demand or as requirement of the ISO/IEC 17025 standard. It can also be useful for ISO/IEC 17025 auditors who need to assess the estimation of measurement uncertainties and the correct application of certified reference materials.

    Join freely the course wherever you are, whenever you want, and whatever device you want to use!

    Register here


    Technical advice/Frequently Asked Questions

    A helpdesk operated by the reference material distribution team of the JRC ( see 'contact us' on the top of the page) and a web-based collection of 'Frequently Asked Questions'  (on the top of the page) are available.


    Application Notes


    Application Notes are usually published in various languages are designed to help laboratory personnel with exploiting the full potential of certified reference materials. They describe general issues of use of CRMs or give detailed guidance for the use of a specific CRM.


    ERM-Application Note 1: Comparison of a measurement result with the certified value (includes Excel-file for evaluation)

    Click for summary and pdf-files
    The approach compares the difference between the certified and measured values with its uncertainty, i.e. the combined uncertainty of certified and measured value. Guidance on how to determine the standard uncertainties of certified values as well as standard uncertainties of measurement results is given.

    Български čeština dansk Deutsch eesti Ελληνικά
    English españolfrançais Gaeilge hrvatski italiano
    latviešu lietuvių magyar Malti Nederlands polski
    português română slovenčina slovenščina suomi svenska
    日本語 한국어 汉语



    Excel-file for the calculations

    ERM Application Note 2: Using Reference Materials for Calibration

    Click for summary and pdf-file
    This note explains principles for the use of reference materials in analytical calibration, that is, calibration for the purpose of determining the response behaviour of analytical instruments. Issues addressed include the estimation and use of calibration uncertainty, and requirements on reference materials for calibration. ERM® are perfectly suited for this purpose, because they fulfil the stated requirements.

    English

    ERM-Application Note 3: Using Reference Materials to Establish Metrological Traceability

    Click for summary and pdf-files
    This note describes the steps that need to be applied to chemical measurement methods to ensure traceability of the results. Reference materials are key to achieving traceability of measurement results. The ERM® range of certified reference materials are produce by three of Europe’s top metrology institutions. ERM® reference materials have stated traceabilities and provide a means of ensuring reliability and comparability of the results of chemical analysis.

     English  한국어


    ERM-Application Note 4: Use of Certified Reference Materials for the Quantification of GMO in Food and Feed

    Click for summary and pdf-files

    This application note provides information and guidance on the correct use of JRC’s Reference Materials certified for their GM (genetically modified) mass fraction of a specific GM event. It explains how the measurement system for GMO quantification in the EU context is set up.

    Български čeština danskDeutscheesti Ελληνικά
    English españolfrançais Gaeilge hrvatski italiano
    latviešu lietuvių magyar Malti Nederlands polski
    português română slovenčina slovenščina suomi svenska
    日本語 한국어 汉语


    ERM-Application Note 5: Use of Certified Reference Materials for the Quantification of GMO in DNA Copy Number Ratio – withdrawn and superseded by the revised Application Note 4

    Click for summary and pdf-files

    This application note was withdrawn in November 2019. It is superseded by the revised Application Note 4

    ERM-Application Note 6: Use of ERM certificates and materials

    Click for summary and pdf-files

    This application note describes some practical aspects associated with handling and use of certified reference materials (CRMs) in laboratories. The various values provided on a certificate, re-use of materials, applying a moisture correction and interpretation of the traceability statement are also explained.

    Български čeština dansk Deutsch eesti Ελληνικά
    English españolfrançais Gaeilgehrvatski italiano
    latviešu lietuvių magyar Malti Nederlands polski
    português română slovenčina slovenščina suomi svenska
    日本語 한국어 汉语


    ERM-Application Note 7: Prolonging the validity of reference material certificates

    Click for summary and pdf-files

    This application note explains the information users should collect in order to continue using a CRM beyond the validity date stated on the certificate.

    Български čeština dansk Deutsch eesti Ελληνικά
    English españolfrançais Gaeilge hrvatski italiano
    latviešu lietuvių magyar Malti Nederlands polski
    português română slovenčina slovenščina suomi svenska
    日本語 한국어 汉语


    ERM-Application Note 8: Assessing commutability of reference materials

    Click for summary and pdf-files

    Commutability is a prerequisite for reference materials (RMs) intended to be used for calibration or quality control of different measurement procedures targeting the same measurand. This application note explains the concept of commutability and clarifies the commutability information provided on the ERM certificates. In addition, this note also describes the most crucial aspects of a commutability study.

    Български čeština dansk Deutsch eesti Ελληνικά
    English españolfrançais Gaeilge hrvatski italiano
    latviešu lietuvių magyar Malti Nederlands polski
    português română slovenčina slovenščina suomi svenska
    日本語 한국어 汉语


    ERM-Application Note 9: How to select (certified) reference materials

    Click for summary and pdf-files

    Reference Materials (RMs) and Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) are limited, sometimes expensive and not always appropriate for allpurposes in a measurement process. This application note aims to acquaint end-users with the selection of the proper (C)RMs, thus supporting their correct use.


    Български čeština dansk Deutsch eesti Ελληνικά
    English españolfrançais Gaeilge hrvatsitaliano
    latviešu lietuvių magyar Malti Nederlands polski
    português română slovenčina slovenščina suomi svenska
    日本語 한국어 汉语


    Application Note IRMM-351: Use of IRMM-351

    Click for summary and pdf-files

    This note describes the use of IRMM-351 for checking the correctness of presence/absence tests and method validation.

    Български čeština dansk Deutsch eesti Ελληνικά
    English españolfrançais Gaeilge hrvatski italiano
    latviešu lietuvių magyar Malti Nederlands polski
    português română slovenčina slovenščina suomi svenska
    日本語 한국어 汉语


    Application Note IRMM-352: Use of IRMM-352

    Click for summary and pdf-files

    This note describes the use of IRMM-352 for checking the correctness of presence/absence tests and method validation.
    Български čeština dansk Deutsch eesti Ελληνικά
    English españolfrançais Gaeilge hrvatski italiano
    latviešu lietuvių magyar Malti Nederlands polski
    português română slovenčina slovenščina suomi svenska
    日本語 한국어 汉语


    Application Note ERM-DA483/IFCC: Use of ERM-DA483/IFCC

    Click for summary and pdf-file

    This note describes the use of ERM-DA483 for calibration of immunoassay-based in-vitro diagnostic devices.

    English



    Guidance documents

    The JRC also developed guidance documents on the use of reference material in the specific areas of GMO and genetic testing.

    Training Manual on GMO Quantification: Proper Calibration and Estimation of Measurement Uncertainty

    Click for summary and pdf-file

    This manual covers proper calibration of PCR methods, estimation of measurement uncertainty, traceability of a measurement result and the way to prove the trueness of an analytical result. The manual supports the work of the JRC-hosted European Union Reference Laboratory for Genetically Modified Food and Feed (EURL-GMFF) with the ultimate aim of further improving the reporting of National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) and official GMO control laboratories within the EU.

    English

    Guidance on the estimation of measurement uncertainty for GMO testing laboratories 3rd edition
    Click for summary and pdf-file

    A guidance document on the estimation of measurement uncertainty has been compiled on request of the European Network of GMO Laboratories (ENGL) and as a follow-up of a workshop on measurement uncertainty in the GMO sector, organised by JRC in July 2005. It outlines the technical issues related to the estimation of measurement uncertainty involved in the GMO sector. In particular it gives guidance to GMO testing laboratories on how to estimate the analytical variability of quantitative analytical results obtained by real-time PCR. Two selected approaches for the estimation of measurement uncertainty are presented in detail; references to alternative approaches are given.

    English

    Guidance document on flexible scope accreditation for GMO measurements

    Click for summary and pdf-file

    The aim of this guidance document is to ensure harmonised flexible scope accreditation within Europe, according to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 related to quantitative testing of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Considering that polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the method of choice in the European Union (EU) for the identification and quantification of GMOs, this document refers exclusively to quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and GM events authorised in the EU. A validated quantification method is published by the European Union Reference Laboratory for Genetically Modified Food and Feed (EURL-GMFF) for each of the authorised events as laid down in Regulation (EC) N° 1829/2003. This document is applicable to methods for GM events which were previously authorised in the EU or which are in the authorisation process, provided that the method validation has been completed and that a certified reference material (CRM) is available as requested in the low level presence (LLP) regulation for feed. This guidance document is intended for laboratories that are acquiring or holding a flexible scope of accreditation according to ISO/IEC 17025, and aims to provide information for assessors involved in the accreditation process of these laboratories. It therefore addresses primarily laboratory managers and assessors for ISO/IEC 17025. It has been written by the members of the Task Force (TF) Flexible scope accreditation, which has been initiated by European Commission, Joint Research Centre (Geel, BE) and which reported to the European Network of GMO Laboratories (ENGL). It passed an extensive commenting phase involving the ENGL. The 2nd version of this document published in 2014 has been approved by the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA) in September 2013 as an EA guidance document..

    English

    Guidance document on the use of reference materials in genetic testing

    Click for summary and pdf-file

    The aim of this guidance document is to provide a short and user-friendly support to genetic testing laboratories. It is based on internationally harmonised basic concepts and terminology for quality assurance and control (QA/QC). Relevant terms of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the International Vocabulary of Metrology (VIM) are explained and references to other expert texts are provided. The document includes discussion and clarification of several often misunderstood issues. It takes into account the current scientific knowledge and the existing technological capabilities. This document may be revised, when appropriate, to take into account progress in science and technology.

    English




    Useful links

    Much information on reference materials is available on the internet. There are not only lists or searchable catalogues of available reference materials, but also several documents on the selection and use of reference materials. This page gives an overview over available databases and documents, but does not claim to be exhaustive. These websites are not updated with the same frequency. In case of specific CRMs, we therefore recommend checking the website of the producer for availability and additional information.

    International Reference Material databases

    Several databases exist that compile information from a multitude of reference material producers.
    Click for links
  • COMAR: Most comprehensive database worldwide containing approximately 10 000 CRMs. Quality is controlled via the COMAR Secretariat.

  • Database of the AOAC Technical Division for Reference Materials. Mainly food reference materials. 
    http://tdrmdb.aoac.org/SearchMatrix.aspx

  • GeoReM (Geological and Environmental Reference Materials): Database of reference materials and isotopic standards of geochemical and mineralogical interest. It contains about 2200 different materials.


  • Matrix reference materials from Metrology Institutes and designated institutes of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement

    National Metrology Institutes and their designated institutes which have signed the Comité International des Poids et Mesures - Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM-MRA) aim at providing measurement tools at highest standard for disseminating metrological traceability. Several of these signatories also produce certified reference materials.
    Click for links
  • International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), UN

  • Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und – Prüfung (BAM), DE

  • National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ), JP

  • National Research Council of Canada (NRCC), CA

  • National Sharing Platform for Reference Materials (CNRM), CN:
    Address "https://www.ncrm.org.cn/Web/Home/EnglishIndex "

  • Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Normalização e Qualidade Industrial (INMETRO), BR : Address "inmetro.gov.br/metcientifica/mat_ref_cert.asp"

  • Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, KR.
    Address: "https://www.kriss.re.kr/eng/rnd/rnd03_2.html"

  • Centro Nacional de Metrología (CENAM), MX

  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), US



  • Guides for the selection and use of reference materials

    National Metrology Institutes and their designated institutes which have signed the Comité International des Poids et Mesures - Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM-MRA) aim at providing measurement tools at highest standard for disseminating metrological traceability. Several of these signatories also produce certified reference materials.

    Click for links
  • ISO Guide 33:Uses of certified reference materials

  • The Use of Reference Materials: A Tutorial (2001)
    Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research, Volume 25, pp. 7-22,
    Author: J. S. Kane

  • EA-4/14: Selection and Use of Reference Materials (2003)
    Author: This document was prepared by the European Co-operation for accreditation (EA), the European Federation of National Associations of Measurement, Testing and Analytical Laboratories (Eurolab) and Eurachem, a network of organisations in Europe having the objective of establishing a system for the international traceability of chemical measurements and the promotion of good quality practices.
    Address: "european-accreditation.org/publication/ea-4-14-inf-rev00-february-2003-rev"




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