What is the Difference Between Reference Material & Certified Reference Material

Summary: From reference material to certified material, what is the difference? All you need is a basic understanding of the same and you will be good to go. So, read on.

Reference materials are a critical component of the analytical testing workflow. Through calibration of measurement systems, validation methods, and quality control you can ensure accuracy in certified reference material. Proper selection of the right reference material for your laboratory’s testing application is important because results are only as accurate as your reference.

Is material the most important or is it reference?

The certified reference material suppliers will determine that when performing a measurement, we clearly use a multiplication factor and such a factor can be found by comparing a measurement of value in the CRM and the value provided by the CRM producer. Using a numerical value cannot be performed using a material. CRM (certified value embodied) uses the material, the feature of the certified reference material states that the reference is more important in the feature compared to the material. The material only serves as the carrier of the reference.

Why do we not use an important term to express the CRM?

The certified reference material suppliers will talk about measurement standards giving the example of a kilogram. Something easy to understand and taught to use from our school days. Say we take a piece of metal as our primary measurement standard and refer to it as PT and the mass of the kilogram is 1kg. Similarly, when we refer to the kilogram as the primary measurement, we also refer to the piece of material and the value of the material. In this case, the same standard is used for both the materials as well as the value in the material according to pharmaceutical reference standards.

In conclusion

We will not want to change our habit of using this certified reference material as a term as it had been imprinted in our minds for far too long. But when we think of CRM, we should also be aware of the difference that the two concepts involved follow.

Resource box: At SimSon Pharma Limited, they not only provide a cost-effective and innovative approach for companies but also work closely with brands, understand their requirements, and offer them time-bound solutions. 

About This Author

Ryan Davis Joined: September 4th, 2020