Reference materials: global harmonization and the assurance of data quality

Summary

The need for reference materials, and the problems of locating information about them, are discussed. The first steps in the construction of a database on reference materials are described. The term reference materials was taken to mean any substance used to give a baseline or reference value for a measurement. A broadly-phrased questionnaire was sent out to 264 different organizations. So far 67 replies have been received representing a wide range of manufacturers, suppliers, and users of reference materials from 23 different countries. These replies have been compiled to form a Survey of Institutions, Organizations and Laboratories Manufacturing, Supplying, or Using Reference Materials, which will soon be available in printing form. The first edition will serve as a basis for defining user needs more precisely, and developing a more detailed questionnaire. The information will be included in digitized form as a part of the HEM metadatabase information system HEMIS.