Traceable property values of in-house reference materials

The traceability of in-house reference materials (IHRM) is discussed. It is shown that a systematic error in results of a measured value, specific to a measurement method or to a laboratory developing an IHRM, can be overcome if a comparative approach to IHRM characterization is used. A traceability chain of the value carried by the IHRM to the value carried by the reference material with higher metrological status and sufficiently similar matrix (for example, a certified reference material – CRM according to ISO Guide 30) is helpful in such a case. The chain is realized when the IHRM samples are analysed simultaneously with the CRM samples under the same conditions. This and other traceability chains necessary for the IHRM development are examined as the measurement information sources.