NNEWSE W S FEBRUARY 2009 FForewordo r e w o r d byb y thet h e Chairman:C h a i r m a n : Human errors and teaching metrology and quality in chemistry

Coordinator, and the contributions by the more with human errors. For such a case I 2008 Winners in this issue of CITAC News). would like to cite a known hasidic story.

In spite of the work of such talented and A downcast hasid came to his rebbe*: "Rebbe, distinguished scientists, I realize that the whatever job I take, it seems my heart is not majority of measurements in chemistry are really in it". The rebbe looked hard at his executed by non-experts in metrology, quality disciple: "You are an outstanding student and analytical chemistry. Modern measuring of the Torah. You work well with people. systems used in analytical laboratories have Why don't you become a rabbi?" The hasid user-friendly interfaces and specific software for grimaced: "Rebbe, I have yearned to be a processing measurement signals, simplifying rabbi. But rabbis interpret the Law for people. the measurement and the analysis as a whole. Their judgements might affect the destiny of Unfortunately, laboratory managers sometimes a person's soul. I can't be a rabbi. I'm afraid do not understand that this does not relieve I might make a mistake!" The rebbe met the analyst (user) from a critical attitude with the hasid's eyes: "So? Who should become a respect to the instruments used, execution of rabbi? Someone who is not afraid of making It is my pleasure to welcome the specialists the measurement, and interpretation of the a mistake?" in metrology and quality in chemistry elected final analytical result [1]. Depending on the at the 23rd CITAC Members Meeting, Paris application, more or less basic knowledge is In summary I propose discussing as widely 2008, as new CITAC members: Prof. Ivo Leito, required to perform measurements/analysis in as possible the problem of human error and University of Tartu, Estonia; Mr. Prabhat K. an adequate manner. However, human activity teaching metrology and quality in chemistry, Gupta, National Physical Laboratory, India; is never free from errors [2, 3]. This is true and developing a new generation of managers of Dr. Jerry D. Messman, Stranaska Scientific especially in chemistry, where for example, analytical laboratories competent in these fields. LLC, USA and Dr. Olívio Pereira de Oliveira unsuccesful analyte/measurand definition Junior, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e can lead to an erroneous choice of the * A hasid is a member of a Jewish community. Nucleares, Brazil. The State Research Institute measurement method; insufficient knowledge Rebbe (rabbi) is a title of respect for a Jewish for Rare Metals Industry of Russia, GIREDMET about a chromatographic column and the teacher. (represented by Prof. Yury Parkhomenko and measurand properties can "compromise" Dr. Vasilissa Baranovskaya) is also welcome the separation method; storage and use of References as the first collective member of CITAC. a certified reference material in conditions 1. P.P.L. Regtien (2007) Metrology as part and Unfortunately, at the same Meeting, CITAC had other than required in the certificate increase parcel of training programs for science and to accept the resignations of Dr. Al Pohland, uncertainty of the certified value; etc. I am not engineering. Measurement Science Review AOACI, USA (AOACI has changed its business even considering the infinite human errors 7/1:9-13. model), and Dr. Arun Agrawal, retired recently caused by a mobile telephone use during a 2. B. Strauch (2002) Investigating Human Error: from NPLI, India. I thank both of them for sample preparation for analysis, measurements Incidents, Accidents and Complex Systems. their contributions to the CITAC activity. More and/or calculations. Ashgate Publishing Ltd, USA, 302 pp. details about the Meeting are available in the 3. P.C. Robert (2004) Managing the Metrology editorial by Dr. Philippe Charlet. Reducing the error probability starts with System. 3rd ed., ASQ Quality Press, USA, 212 pp. corresponding education and training 4. P. H. Osanna, N.M. Durakbasa, L. Kräuter, I am extremely happy to congratulate the [1-4]. Teaching chemistry students E. Güclü (2007) A modern scheme for CITAC Award Winners 2008, authors of metrology and quality should include education, training and certification of the most interesting/important papers an explanation not only of principles of metrology and measurement technique on metrology in chemistry: Dr. Ronald G. measurement and mathematical statistics personnel. Measurement Science Review Manning, USP, USA, and his co-authors in applied [5], but also of human errors. 7/1:1-8. Pharmacopeial Forum (2007) 33(6):2-14; 5. I. Kuselman (2008) Teaching metrology and Prof. Paul De Bievre, Independent Consultant Students who study metrology and quality quality in chemistry based on methods in MiC, Belgium, the author of the paper will become thinking analysts able to detect a of mathematical statistics and e-learning. in Metrologia (2008) 45:335–341; and Dr. human error in a measurement process and to Accred. Qual. Assur. 13:465-472 Andrew S. Brown, NPL, UK, and his co-authors evaluate its results. With time some of them in Analyst (2008) 133/6: 946-953 (see the will have to decide if it is worthwhile to pursue Dr. Ilya Kuselman message of Dr. Wynand Louw, the Award a career as a laboratory manager and to deal CITAC Chairman, INPL, Israel

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Foreword by the Chair / I.Kuselman ...... 1

Editorial: The 23rd CITAC Members' Meeting / Ph. Charlet ...... 3 CITAC News published by: Message of the Vice Chair and Award Coordinator / W. Louw...... 4 Laboratoire National de Métrologie et d'Essais (LNE) Reports of International Organizations 29, avenue Roger Hennequin ● CCQM developments in MiC / R.Kaarls ...... 5 78197 TRAPPES Cedex ● ILAC update / A.Squarrell...... 8 France ● Information from DAC of EuCheMS /H.Emons ...... 10 ● Contribution of IMEKO TC-23 to Food and Nutritional Metrology / V.Iyengar 10 Tel +33 1 30 69 21 95 ● Activities of the EURAMET TC for MiC / B.Guettler...... 11 Fax +33 1 30 69 12 34 ● APMP liaison report / L.Samuel ...... 12 E-mail [email protected] ● AFRIMETs amount of substance annual report / W.Louw and J. de Vos 15 ● SIM liasion report / Y.Mitani ...... 18 Internet: http://www.citac.cc ● Update on ISO/REMCO / J.P.Hammond and H.Emons ...... 18 ● Improvement of COMAR database / T.Steiger and R. Pradel ...... 19 Internet administrator: Most Interesting/Important Papers on MiC in 2008 Prof. Wolfhard Wegscheider ● The application of uncertainty to USP’s compendial reference standards program: certified reference materials / S.Dressman, W.F. Koch, S.Lane, University of Leoben, Austria W. W. Hauck, R.L. Williams, R.G. Manning ...... 22 ● Essential for metrology in chemistry, but not yet achieved: truly Newsletter Editor: internationally understood concepts and associated terms / P. De Bièvre .... 25 Dr Philippe Charlet, LNE, France ● Establishing SI traceability for measurements of mercury vapour / A.S.Brown, R.J.C. Brown, W.T. Corns and P.B. Stockwell ...... 28 Newsletter designed and produced by: Meeting Reports Mr. Aryeh Lewis ● The 17th International Conference on Quality, Israel 2008 / I.Kuselman ...... 31 ISAS International Seminars ● The 6th Workshop on PT in Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology and Laboratory P.O. Box 34001, Jerusalem 91340 Medicine, Italy 2008 / B.Brookman, A.Menditto, M.Patriarca ...... 32 ● Eurachem Symposium on Chemical Measurement Quality, Italy 2008 Israel / B.Magnusson, E.Ferrara ...... 33 Tel: +972 2 6520574 ● Test and measurement conference in SA 2008 / S.Sidney ...... 34 Fax: +972 2 6520558 ● Accelerating Innovation in 21st Century Biosciences: Identifying the e-mail: [email protected] Measurement, Standards and Technological Challenges, USA 2008 / M.Amos 35 ● 1st European Meeting on Metrology in Biofuels, France 2008 / Ph. Charlet .. 36 ● Course on Food and Nutrition in MiC, India 2008 / V. Iyengar ...... 36 No liability is accepted for the Announcements accuracy of the information ● BERM12 / N.Boley ...... 37 and the views expressed are not ● 14th International Congress of Metrology / Ph.Charlet ...... 38 ● Master program "Measurement Science in Chemistry"/ I.Leito ...... 39 necessarily the official policy of the CITAC Working Group Messages from New Members: members’ institutes or national ● Prabhat K. Gupta ...... 40 governments. ● Jerry D. Messman...... 41 ● GIREDMET / Yury Parkhomenko...... 41 ● Olívio Pereira de Oliveira Junior ...... 42 For additional copies of the ● Ivo Leito ...... 42 CITAC News, please contact the Updated CITAC Members' List ...... 43 newsletter editor.

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Message from the CITAC Secretary The 23rd CITAC Members’ Meeting in Paris, March 30, 2008

positive balance; the main expense being industry, which must be strengthened, so that the edition of CITAC News. Considering the the activities of CITAC are more relevant and situation, it is planned in the near future to use effective. Therefore, CITAC's strategy must some financial resources to promote CITAC continually be improved. activities. In autumn 2008, during its 97th meeting, An important aspect of the meeting was the the International Committee of Weights and first CITAC awards that reward the best papers Measures (CIPM) has confirmed that CITAC for their contribution to the development has been accepted as an Observer of the and dissemination of Metrology concepts. CCQM. Diplomas were awarded to Bertil Magnusson, David Duewer and Venkatesh Iyengar. The This issue of CITAC News presents the full text message in this issue from CITAC Vice- of the awarded most interesting papers on President pays close attention to these metrology in chemistry in 2008, whose authors contributions. will be awarded at the CITAC Member’s meeting next Spring in Paris. rd The 23 CITAC Member's Meeting held in The liaison reports by Alan Squirrell (ILAC), The reports of international organizations Paris on a beautiful sunny Spring afternoon Yoshito Mitani (SIM) and Philippe Charlet and Metrology Regional Organizations prior to the meetings of CCQM (Consultative (EURAMET) were received electronically by summarize the activities in 2008 in metrology Committee of the Amount of Substance). the members. During the meeting a discussion in chemistry, with special attention given to Seventeen members or representatives on the draft document “Guidance for Liaison reference materials with the reports of REMCO gathered and several invited speakers and some Persons” took place and modifications have and COMAR committees. observers also attended the meeting. Members been accepted. came from all over the world, including The year 2008 was rich in conferences and Australia, Korea, Japan, India, Thailand, South The meeting was an opportunity to present workshops related to metrology in chemistry, Africa and Europe of course. We were very important works for CITAC and the scientific in particular The 17th International Conference honored to have observers also coming from community: on Quality in Israel, The 6th Workshop on Germany, Mexico and Hong Kong. In total, 35 ● The Nordtest guide on measurement PT in Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology people interested in participating in CITAC uncertainty, by Bertil Magnusson, and Laboratory Medicine in Italy, and The activities attended the meeting. ● IUPAC / CITAC Project on PT for a limited Workshop on Biofuels and Metrology in number of participants, by Ilya Kuselman, France, etc. Short reports on these events are Five proposals for nominations as new ● ERANET-Plus Project on Bayesian statistics presented in this issue. Upcoming meetings CITAC Members have been received before to improve reference values in metrology on Metrology in Chemistry are also included, the meeting, four individual and, for the in chemistry, by Séverine Demeyer, and CITAC will take the opportunity of these first time, one collective application. After ● IUPAC Project on Metrological traceability events to present its activities worldwide. the presentation of the candidates, there of measurement results in chemistry: was full agreement for their appointment concepts and implementation, by Paul De We are pleased to publish messages of the new as new members. The election of these new Bièvre. members of CITAC. The updated list of CITAC members, as well as resignations are described members is available at the end of this issue. in the foreword of this issue by the Chairman A focus topic of the meeting was the discussion Dr. Ilya Kuselman. and clarification of some points of the CITAC strategy 2007-2010. As CITAC is not intending Dr. Philippe Charlet The financial report, presented by our to become a legal entity, there is no necessity CITAC Secretary treasurer, Wolfhard Wegscheider, indicated to have by-laws. An important point concerns LNE, France a sound financial situation of CITAC with a the relationship between CITAC and the

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and finally to testing laboratories, we need to be Let us therefore build on our successes able to explain all concepts in a clear and achieved during 2008 and find innovative ways uncomplicated way. The previous CITAC of increasing the importance of CITAC for publications had an impact on improving everyone involved in Analytical Chemistry. the understanding of these concepts, but we need to do more and provide a mechanism for better communication of metrological CITAC Best Paper Award for 2008 concepts to all levels of the pyramid, even to the “man/woman on the street”. It was my privilege to again facilitate the process to select the CITAC Best Paper Award for 2008. CITAC had a presence at many conferences A larger number of members voted this year, and the newsletter in itself is a publication that and I want to thank everyone that voted for is widely distributed, but there remain many their commitment to the process. There were areas where an increased activity can have a five nominations, two clear winners, but the substantial positive impact on the general level third paper was hotly contested and finally Analytical chemists are well aware of the of understanding of traceability, uncertainty won by one vote! It highlighted again that each concepts of metrology. For decades, they of measurement and in general Quality, vote makes a difference. have used reference materials to calibrate and finally on the accuracy of measurement their instruments and validate their results. results. Please join me in congratulating our deserving More recently, certified reference materials winners for 2008 (in no particular order): improved the traceability of the measurement The increased awareness is not only necessary result. Around the world metrology in in developing countries, but in developed Paul De Bièvre chemistry workshops, CIPM Consultative countries as well. It is only the level (in the “Essential for metrology in Committee and technical Working Group metrology pyramid) that the awareness chemistry, but not yet achieved: truly meetings and conferences and awareness campaign needs to be aimed at that differs internationally understood concepts seminars are stressing the importance of from developing to developed countries. and associated terms” traceability and uncertainty of measurement. CITAC should play a role in both, but it is Metrologia (2008) 45:335–341 However, at recent sub-regional metrology probably in the developing countries that the organisation meetings in Northern, Southern greatest gains could be realised with relatively Andrew S. Brown, Richard J. C. Brown, Warren and Eastern Africa, NMIs in developing little effort. T. Corns and Peter B. Stockwell countries, accredited laboratories and industry “Establishing SI traceability for had many questions related to traceability, Most of you are aware that two years ago, the measurements of mercury vapour” especially on what is fit for purpose for their Intra Africa Metrology System (AFRIMETS) was Analyst (2008) 133/6: 946-953 respective needs and applications. It made me started to take on the role of regional metrology more aware of the gap that exists between the organisation (RMO) for Africa. This culminated Ronald G. Manning, Steven Lane, Shawn understanding of the concept of traceability in AFRIMETS officially been acknowledged Dressman, Walter W. Hauck, Roger L. Williams (and uncertainty of measurement) amongst as the RMO for Africa in October 2008. “The application of uncertainty to NMIs and other laboratories in the developed Membership (currently 40 countries) spans USP’s compendial reference standards and developing countries. Africa from North to South, East to West and program: certified reference materials” already many exciting projects are underway Pharmacopeial Forum (2007) 33(6):2-14 It is here that CITAC plays an important role, to assist NMIs in Africa to climb the metrology but can play a much larger role in future. In pyramid. You can read more about AFRIMETS Finally, on behalf of our NMISA and African NMIs and designated institutes, or institutes in the report from the region on page 15. colleagues, may I wish CITAC and all its frequently in contact with the formal metrology members a fruitful and productive 2009. world, the metrological concepts are part of In collaboration with the other RMOs, CITAC everyday life and we sometimes forget that can play an important role in the distribution of not everyone deals with it on a daily basis. fit for purpose metrology publications to Africa Dr. Wynand Louw,CITAC Vice-Chair As we move down the metrology pyramid to and other developing countries, and to testing NMI accredited calibration or analysis laboratories laboratories in the developed countries. South Africa

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CCQM Developments in Metrology in Chemistry

14th meeting of the CCQM ad hoc Working Groups were established. and Competence Standing Committee of The 14th meeting of the CCQM took place One WG dealt with the harmonization of the the ENFSI gave an overview of the ENFSI in April 2008 at the BIPM in Sèvres, France. Key Comparison Reference Value (KCRV) aims, structure and activities. Near future Also the CCQM Working Groups on Organic and measurement uncertainty calculations, activities of the ENFSI include comparability, Analysis (OAWG), chaired by Dr. W. May, chaired by Prof. M. Cox, NPL and the other WG traceability, databases, sampling techniques, NIST, on Inorganic Analysis (IAWG), chaired dealt with the way and organization of testing reference materials, proficiency testing and by Dr. M. Sargent, LGC, on Gas Analysis the claimed NMI and DI capabilities and uncertainty of both quantitative and qualitative (GAWG), chaired by Dr. M. Milton, NPL, on competences, chaired by Dr. G. Turk, NIST. measurements. The presentation generated Electrochemical Analysis (EAWG), chaired by Both WGs reported on the progress made. As significant interests and discussions. A number Dr. M. Mariassy, SMU, on Bio Analysis (BAWG), part of this topic Dr. W. Bremser (BAM) gave of issues are of the same kind as faced in the chaired by Dr. H. Parkes, LGC, on Surface a presentation on considerations with regard JCTLM and in the WADA. Dr. S. Doyran of the Analysis (SAWG), chaired by Dr. W. Unger, BAM to the calculation of the KCRV, while Dr. S. Codex Alimentarius Commission/FAO outlined and on Key Comparisons and CMC Quality Ellison (LGC) reported on approaches for the background of the Codex Alimentarius (KCWG), chaired by Dr. L. Mackay, NMIA met the selection of statistical methods and Dr. D. Commission and reported on the progress in in April 2008 at the BIPM. During the period Duewer (NIST) made suggestions with respect the work of the Codex Committee on Methods October – November 2008, the IAWG and the to the presentation and decision making of Analysis and Sampling. The BIPM is now an EAWG met at the IAEA in Vienna, while the process on the basis of KC results. It is planned effective contributor to the work under the OAWG, GAWG and BAWG met in Bangkok, that by the end of 2009 CCQM Guidelines for Codex Alimentarius Commission. Thailand, hosted by the National Institute organizing KCs and pilot study comparisons of Metrology in Thailand - NIMT. All CCQM will be published. Dr. E. Gray presented a report on the Working Groups reported very good progress activities of the National Institute of Biological and results of Key Comparisons (KCs) and During the CCQM week in Sèvres attention Standards and Control (NIBSC), which is the pilot study comparisons. was also given to “15 years of CCQM; the major WHO laboratory. More than 95% of achievements and challenges”. Presentations the WHO biological measurement standards The interest of NMIs and other (potential) were given by Drs. Alain Marshal (formerly are produced and held by the NIBSC. The designated institutes to participate in the LNE) and Hun-Young So (KRISS) on whether cooperation with the CCQM and in the JCTLM activities of the CCQM and its working groups we are doing the right job. Dr. Milton talked is very stimulating, leading to increased has again continued to increase. Inasmuch about the achievements and challenges in efforts to make the WHO reference standards as metrology in chemistry in support of the monitoring climate change, while Dr. Sargent traceable to the SI or at least define the values improvement of the quality of life and the talked about achievements and challenges in based on the application of metrological economy, e.g., by taking away Technical food testing. Dr. Craig Jackson (consultant, principles. Barriers to Trade, in many countries is given USA) gave a presentation on metrological a very high priority, it is to be expected that achievements and challenges in laboratory Dr. M. Milton (NPL) reported on the increased the activities in the field of metrology in medicine; Dr. Mike Amos (NIST) presented cooperation between the WMO Global chemistry will continue to increase and to be an interesting paper on metrological Atmospheric Watch committee and the CCQM broadened. Currently about 4500 Calibration challenges in “omics” (human protein and cell WG on Gas analysis. Currently negotiations and Measurement Capabilities (CMCs) claimed measurements) and Dr. Unger talked about are taking place with the aim of establishing by the NMIs and other Designated Institutes metrological challenges in surface analysis. collaboration between a number of NMIs (DIs), out of a total of some 20500 physical and leading in the field of gas analysis and gaseous chemical CMCs, have been reviewed, approved CRMs, the CCQM GAWG and the WMO GAW and recognized in the scope of the CIPM Mutual CCQM plenary concerning the realization of SI traceable Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA). These As usual the CCQM plenary meeting was Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) at the CMCs have been published in the CIPM MRA attended by more than 45 organizations, parts-per-billion level. VOCs play a role in the database KCDB on the website of the BIPM. not only representing NMIs and other DIs, generation of ozone in the troposphere. Dr. A. (www.bipm.org/kcdb) As the validity of the but also representing the intergovernmental van der Veen (NMi VSL and ISO REMCO chair) CMCs has to be demonstrated, for example organizations and international bodies IAEA, presented an update on the work by ISO by the results of Key Comparisons, the CCQM IUPAC, IFCC, ILAC, JCTLM, WHO/NIBSC, REMCO. He mentioned the development of a has decided to study the effectiveness and WMO, Codex Alimentarius Commission/ new ISO REMCO Guide 80 on quality control efficiency of the process of organizing and FAO, ENFSI (European Network of Forensic reference materials and “in-house” RMs. ISO choosing KCs and other comparisons to be Science Institutes), ISO REMCO and CITAC. Guides 30 and 33 are under review. The review carried out. Therefore in 2007 two CCQM Dr. C. Bertler, chairperson of the Quality of the ISO Guide 34 is in its final phase. ISO

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Guide 79 will become a introductory guide to Metrology for bio-fuels formula (folic acid, niacin, vitamin A); Non- RMs and CRMs. Prof. Jornada, President of INMETRO, Brazil, peptide hormones in serum (cortisol and was invited to present an overview on the progesterone) and VOCs in solution. Also, Dr. A. Fajgelj (IAEA and IUPAC) reported on needs, phase of development and activities results of a number of pilot studies have been activities by IUPAC. It was mentioned that the with respect to the realization of global reported: Organic purity assessment series IUPAC document “Metrological Traceability comparability and traceability of measurement (digoxin); Determination of acrylamide in of Measurement Results in Chemistry”, being results on quantities of importance for the cooked high-carbohydrate food; Antifungals composed by Prof. de Bièvre and Dr. Dybkaer, characterisation of bio-fuels. He gave a good in food, like malachite green in fish (salmon), is nearing completion. Mr. A. Squirrell overview of the parameters of importance and Chloramphenicol (CAP) in milk. Future provided information on behalf of the ILAC. He that are nowadays under discussion. One work will include study comparisons on: purity noted that some 30 000 laboratories have now of the questions to be solved by the bio-fuel assessment of high purity organic materials,like been accredited under the ILAC Arrangement producing industry and the users of bio-fuels beta-estradiol; anabolic steroid in urine, like (mostly to ISO 17025). Approximately 10,000 (transport and energy industry) is to define testosterone glucuronide and epitestosterone of these laboratories are involved in chemical which parameters are of critical importance, glucuronide in freeze dried human urine; measurements. ILAC is currently developing and to define maximum and/or minimum pesticides in foods, like pyrethroids in apple a multi-lateral agreement for CRM producers, levels of these quantities (ranges and target juice, and flame retardants in plastics, like based on ISO 17025 plus ISO Guide 34. Mr. uncertainties). This is also an issue for the selected PBDEs and PPBs. Squirrell also gave an overview of the results ISO. He expressed his opinion and wish that of the fruitful cooperation between ILAC and the CCQM becomes active in this area and CCQM Working Group on the BIPM and between the Regional Metrology gives priority to this field of measurement. Inorganic Analysis (IAWG) Organizations (RMOs) and the Regional Prof. Jornada also made reference to the Dr. Sargent reported results of key comparisons Cooperations of Accreditation Bodies. Dr. collaboration in this field between INMETRO on As, Hg, Se and methyl-mercury content I. Kuselman, Chair of CITAC presented a (bio-ethanol), NIST (bio-diesel) and the EU in marine fish; Trace elements in whole fat short overview of the CITAC activities and (including a number of European NMIs). Drs. soybean powder; Chemical composition of achievements. In particular he mentioned the Sommer (PTB) and Charlet (LNE) mentioned clay and Determination of nitrogen and trace (upcoming) publication of the IUPAC/CITAC the organization of a workshop on bio-fuels elements in silicon nitride powder. Also results Guide on “Selection and use of proficiency and metrology “Bio-fuels Met 2008” on 6-7 of a number of pilot studies have been reported: testing schemes for a limited number of November 2008 in Strasbourg, France. Dr. As and arsenobetaine content in marine fish; participants”. May mentioned the international conference Cd and Pb in herb; Hg in pure water and Purity on “Accelerating Innovation in 21st Century analysis of zinc. Other comparisons in progress Bio-sciences”, organized by NIST and the are: Assay of potassium hydrogen phthalate; Redefinition of the mole University of Maryland on 20-22 October 2008 Analysis of copper alloy (key comparison); In 2007 the CCQM established a working at NIST in Gaithersburg, MD, USA. Dr. Kaarls Assay of HCl; Salinity of seawater composition group on the redefinition of the mole chaired chaired a NMI Directors panel during the and Assay of EDTA. New comparisons are by Dr. M. Milton. Other members are Drs. L. plenary session on the first day. planned for: mercury in natural water (related Besley, M. Salit, R. Wielgosz, R. Kaarls and Prof. to the EURAMET project for water reference de Bièvre. Dr. Milton presented a progress CCQM WG programmes of work laboratories); arsenobetaine; trace elements report and a clear presentation on the essence High priority areas are Food analysis (safety in biofuels and trace elements in frozen urine and consequences of the proposed changes. and nutritional value), Analysis in healthcare and coal or fly ash. It was made very clear that by redefining the (diagnostic, therapeutic, pharmaceuticals), mole based on fixing the value of the Avogadro Environmental measurements and Purity CCQM Working Group on Gas Analysis constant we are deliberately breaking the link analysis. In addition to this programme of work with mass, decoupling it from the kilogram. a need for global comparability and traceability (GAWG) This is very helpful because there has always was expressed in areas like metals, metal alloys, Dr. Milton reported progress in and been confusion between amount of substance (advanced) materials (including polymers and results of key comparisons on ammonia in and mass when units were defined on the basis plastics), fuels and nanostructures, while also a nitrogen; carbon dioxide in synthetic air; of the fixed mass of carbon. Dr. Milton and Dr. growing interest was expressed by the forensic oxygen in nitrogen and CO in nitrogen at 5 μmol/mol. Proposed comparisons include: Mills will publish another paper on this issue. sciences community. The WG is in touch with its stakeholder purity of methane; nitrious oxide (including participation of the WMO GAW/WCC and community, in particular the IUPAC, by CCQM Working Group on Organic publishing relevant papers, while a “mise-en- NOAA); multi-component stack emission gases Analysis (OAWG) pratique” for the “realization” of the mole will (NO, SO2, CO, CO2, propane in nitrogen) and be prepared. Dr. May reported results of key comparisons NO2 in synthetic air. Further collaboration on PAHs in soil; Nutrients in infant/adult with the WMO Global Atmospheric Watch

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programme (WMO GAW) has been reported. at animated surfaces and amount of DNA and laboratories have to be accredited on the basis The organization of a BIPM – WMO symposium, drugs on a surface. of ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 15195 and must among others addressing ozone and green have satisfactory results in the obligatory PT house gases and ocean salinity issues, is now BIPM programme of work schemes. The results of the laboratories listed planned for 2010 at the premises of the WMO Dr. Wielgosz presented the progress and with their services in the JCTLM database are in Geneva. results of the work by the Chemistry Section clearly of good quality. Results of the inter- of the BIPM. The following comparisons comparisons are available at the web-site CCQM Working Group on have been prepared, are being prepared of the DGKL. (www.dgkl-rfb.de:81/index. shtml) The discussion with the relevant EU Electrochemical Analysis (EAWG) and or coordinated by the BIPM: purity of DG is continuing with respect to the formal Dr. Mariassy reported results on electrolytic theophylline; digoxin; 17 beta-estradiol; ozone recognition of the JCTLM database by the EU. conductivity; pH of carbonate buffer; pH of and NO2 in nitrogen. On 12 December 2008 a successful JCTLM oxalate buffer; assay of potassium chloride Members’ and Stakeholders’ meeting and nitrate and nitrite in calibration solutions In the area of organic purity analysis a study was held at the BIPM. Presentations were and natural water. Proposed comparisons is being carried out investigating the optimum given by representatives of CCQM, IFCC, include the further coverage of the pH and number of purity analysis comparisons and EU DG Enterprise (responsible for the EU conductivity scales. CRMs needed to judge the capabilities and competences of the NMIs. (molecular weight IVD Directive), clinical quality assurance – polarity mapping). organizations, ILAC, WHO/NIBSC and clinical laboratories. Also an overview of CCQM Working Group on Bio Analysis Further, the Chemistry Section acts as the developments in Europe, USA, Japan and (BAWG) secretariat of the JCTLM and liaises with Australia was given. Representatives of the IVD Dr. Parkes reported results of comparisons several other international organizations and and pharmaceutical industry presented their on quantitative polymerase chain reaction bodies, including the Codex Alimentarius views and developments in these industries. (PCR) (key comparison); peptide and protein Commission, CCMAS, USP, ENFSI, WMO and quantification; quantitative analysis of DNA ISO REMCO. CCQM and the Pharmacopoeia methylation and protein glycosylation. She On 4-5 December 2008 the CCQM and the then proceeded to briefly summarize progress US Pharmacopoeia (USP) held a workshop in several on-going studies: comparability Joint Committee for Traceability in dedicated to comparability and traceability of fluorescence in ELISA; protein structural in pharmaceutical measurements: “CCQM Laboratory Medicine - JCTLM measurements by circular dichroism; Pharmacopoeia Workshop – Measurement Dr. R. Wielgosz also presented an up-date quantification of cells with specific phenotypic Traceability for Pharma and Bio-pharma on the work of the JCTLM in general and, on characteristics; measurement of a multiplexed Measurements” at the BIPM. Presentations behalf of the chair of JCTLM Working Group panel of RNA transcripts and relative were given by representatives from the 1, Dr. W. May, on the progress by the JCTLM quantification of genomic DNA fragments. CCQM and BIPM, the pharmacopoeia in WG 1 on Reference Materials and Reference New study proposals include: measurement Europe, Japan and the USA, regulators, the Methods/Procedures of Higher Order. Prof. L. of a-amylase activity; measurement of pharmaceutical industry, the metrology Siekmann, chair of the JCTLM Working Group acetylcholine in a microdialysate and atomic institutes NIST, NMIJ, LGC, WHO/NIBSC, IRMM 2, on Reference Measurement Laboratory force microscopy measurement of DNA. and ISO REMCO. Topics addressed included Services and Inter-laboratory Comparisons regulations, industry needs on comparability reported on the progress in establishing and and traceability, standards, reference materials publishing a list of available, reliable reference CCQM Working Group on Surface and reference measurement systems, SI measurement laboratory services and the Analysis (SAWG) and WHO International Units, single and results of PT schemes carried out among the Dr. Unger reported on progress and results in multiple method value assignment and multi- participating laboratories. Lists of reliable silicon dioxide on silicon (key comparison); component/variant value assignment. Reference Materials and Reference Methods/ amount of low z elements in diamond-like Procedures of Higher Order are published on carbon (DLC) films and amount of Fe and Ni in It is planned that this interesting and successful the JCTLM websites of the IFCC and the BIPM 200 nm Fe-Ni alloy films on silicon. The SAWG workshop will be followed up by another (www.bipm.org/jctlm). also reflected on its future activities. These will workshop in two years time. include calibration issues for EPMA, using the In the mean time also lists of available Bessy facilities for the calibration of absolute Reference Measurement Laboratory Services spectrometer efficiency; organic functional Dr. Robert Kaarls have been published in the JCTLM database. group surface density; amount of OH-groups President CCQM In order to become listed the participating at hydrophilic surfaces; amount of NH2-groups The Netherlands

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CITAC in July, the draft was circulated to the ILAC ● 61 Full Members (Signatories to the ILAC CITAC is a stakeholder member of ILAC members for a 60 day comment period. It is Arrangement) representing 47 economies; and actively contributes to ILAC’s work hoped that the document will be approved by ● 21 Associates representing 20 economies; program, particularly with respect to issues the membership and then published on the ● 19 Affiliates representing 17 economies; involving metrology and chemistry. CITAC ILAC website prior to the end of 2008. ● 4 Regional Cooperation Bodies; also has official liaison status with ILAC and ● 1 National Coordination Body; ILAC representatives attend appropriate The mid year meetings of the ILAC Executive ● 26 Stakeholders. meetings which are hosted by CITAC, or its and the ILAC Arrangement Management sister organisation, EURACHEM. Examples Committee (AMC) were hosted by Cofrac in The ILAC membership (total 132 bodies) of these in 2008 include the CITAC Members Paris, in July. Meetings of the IAF Executive and now covers a total of 80 different economies Meeting (March, Paris), the Eurachem (CITAC) the IAF MLA Management Committee (MC), worldwide and approximately 30,000 Proficiency Testing Workshop and CITAC/ were also held during the same week as were laboratories and 5,000 inspection bodies are Eurachem Working Group or Traceability and meetings of the Joint Committee for Closer accredited by the 61 ILAC Full Member. Measurement Uncertainty (October, Rome). Cooperation (JCCC) and the joint session of ILAC and CITAC were also represented at the the ILAC AMC and the IAF MLA MC (JMC). The Joint ILAC/IAF Activities CCQM Plenary (April, Paris) and the recent IAF/ILAC/ISO Joint Working Group also met in The joint activities between ILAC and IAF news about the granting of official observership July, with representatives from ISO traveling to continue to be managed through the Joint to CITAC in the CCQM is most welcome. Paris to participate. Further progress was made Committee for Closer Cooperation (JCCC). on many of the major work items. In maintaining this close cooperation with Various joint activities are currently being CITAC, ILAC have been able to jointly The ILAC committees all held mid-term progressed by various joint groups and annual continue our efforts to strengthen the meetings in 2008, as well as their end of year updates were presented to the membership links between accreditation and metrology meetings in Stockholm. The minutes of the during the Joint General Assembly meeting in (particularly in chemistry) – an essential link committee meetings are published in the Stockholm. to assist accreditation bodies and accredited members area of the ILAC website on the laboratories in delivering traceable and respective committee pages. Discussions regarding the future of ILAC reliable measurement results which are fit and IAF were also held during the first half for their intended use. Issues of common Special thanks go to our colleagues from day of the Joint General Assembly (JGA). It interest include metrological traceability, SWEDAC, the hosts of the 2008 annual was agreed during the JGA that a Task Force proficiency testing, reference materials meetings, for the excellent logistical would be established under the auspices of and further applications of measurement arrangements and support provided JCCC, to consider the issues highlighted by the uncertainty (including qualitative analysis) and throughout the series of meetings which members as requiring further investigation. CITAC’s input on these issues, through their were held in Stockholm from 10 - 22 October The Task Force is comprised of the Chairs membership of ILAC’s Laboratory Committee 2008. These meetings saw many work items and Vice-Chairs of ILAC and IAF, the Chair or (which is currently chaired by Dr. Maire Walsh, come to a successful conclusion together with nominated representative from each region, a CITAC member) is much appreciated. commencement of a number of new activities. stakeholder representatives from three areas namely the ILAC laboratory Committee, A general update on ILAC activities since The joint ILAC/IAF annual meetings for 2009 the IAF industry representative and the IAF February 2008 follows. will be held in Vancouver, Canada, from 10-21 conformity assessment bodies representative October. and a representative of unaffiliated bodies. ILAC Meetings The Task Force is now working on their terms The first ILAC Executive Committee and The ILAC Arrangement of reference and they are planning to hold a Arrangement Committee (ARC) meetings for As at 19 November 2008, there were 61 meeting in mid January 2009. 2008 were kindly hosted by RvA in Amsterdam, Signatories (Full Members) to the ILAC the Netherlands, during the first week of Arrangement, representing 47 economies. The first International Accreditation Day was March. ILAC continues to focus on enhancing a held on 9 June 2008, with many members more widespread understanding of the socio- reporting on the successful activities This meeting included an additional half day economic benefits of the Arrangement amongst undertaken by their organisations to highlight session to begin the process of reviewing the the international community, particularly the benefits of accreditation. Feedback received ILAC Strategic and Business Plan. An Executive governments and regulators. from the survey, circulated to both the ILAC Task Force, led by ILAC’s Vice-Chair Peter and IAF memberships to obtain feedback from Unger, was formed to manage the revision ILAC Membership the members on the inaugural International process. After a final discussion and review ILAC membership as at 19 November 2008 is Accreditation Day, was reviewed by the ILAC session, during the Paris Executive meeting as follows: MCC during their meeting in Paraguay.

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ILAC Liaisons supports the important metrological initiatives make and in particular that it has matured to the The review of liaison activities continues to be a in chemical and biological measurement also point that a Memorandum of Understanding major focus of the ILAC Executive Committee, being undertaken in conjunction with BIPM. between the two organisations was signed who seeks to ensure that ILAC interests are Liaison activity with EURACHEM and CITAC in Madrid in November 2007. Meetings of represented in areas which have an impact on also includes work on method validation, the ILAC(AIC)/WADA WG were held in May the activities of ILAC and its members. The measurement uncertainty and compliance 08 in Cape Town and also during the recent Liaison Database, located in the members area with limits, the use of “good quality” reference Stockholm meetings. of the ILAC website, continues to serve as the materials and proficiency testing. main repository for the ever increasing number ILAC is also commencing discussions with of reports and documents that are produced as The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) the World Health Organisation (WHO) to part of ILAC’s rapidly expanding liaison activity. signed between ILAC and OIML in November determine how we might best cooperate to It can be accessed via the members area of the 2006 was extended to include IAF in October achieve some progress in areas of mutual ILAC website. 2007 in Sydney, Australia. Progress is also interest and involvement. continuing on the ILAC and OIML Joint Work The regular annual series of meetings between Programme, with related items scheduled for ILAC Secretariat ILAC and BIPM, including representatives consideration and progression during the ILAC/ The Secretariat is very pleased to welcome from the Regional Membership Organisations OIML meetings in March 2009. ILAC and IAF Rose Bevins to the role of ILAC Administrator of both ILAC and BIPM, were held in Paris in were also represented at the 13th International (part-time), which she shares with our other March 2008, and included a workshop on the Legal Metrology Conference, held in October part-time ILAC Administrator, Alison Hay. Rose progress in adopting and implementing the in Sydney, Australia. joined the Secretariat in May 08 and is working joint statement on calibration and measurement 3 days a week. capability (CMC) as well as an update on ILAC continues it’s very active role in many ISO The Secretariat is continuing to develop progress in our endeavours to strengthen Technical Committees and CASCO Working the ILAC website with significant updates the links between accreditation (ILAC Groups. In 2007/2008 ILAC liaison officers completed for the ILAC and joint ILAC/IAF Arrangement) and Metrology (CIPM MRA) and (sometimes more than one) participated in committee pages in the members only area. disseminate traceability of measurements from meetings of the CASCO CPC (Chairman’s Policy We have also completed a full audit of the NMIs to field laboratories. This was reinforced Committee), WG 27 (Drafting requirements ILAC website, resulting in some updates and at the April 08 meeting of CCQM with respect to for use in conformity assessment applications), refinements being made. chemical measurements and will be discussed WG 29 (Revision of ISO Guide 65 - Product again at the June 08 REMCO meeting. Certification), CASCO WG28 (Revision of A complete list of all documents that have been ISO Guide 43 – Proficiency Testing), CASCO (or are being) circulated to members for either A meeting of the Joint Committee on Plenary, ISO TC212 (Technical Committee comments or voting can be obtained from the Coordination of Technical Assistance - Clinical laboratory testing and in vitro ILAC website in the Members Section under to Developing Countries in Metrology, diagnostic test systems), ISO TC 69 (Technical Ballots. Accreditation and Standardisation (JCDCMAS) Committee - Applications of statistical was also held in Paris on 7 March 2008 and methods), ISO TC 176 (Technical Committee The ILAC-MRA Mark registration process ILAC delegates represented both ILAC and - Quality Management and Quality Assurance) continues and, as at 19 November 2008, 44 ILAC IAF at this meeting. This committee aims to and the IAF, ILAC and ISO Joint Working Full Members had signed Licensing Agreements provide a holistic approach to issues relating to Group. with ILAC, for the use of the Combined MRA metrology, accreditation and standardisation in Mark (the Combined MRA Mark is the ILAC- developing economies. Representatives of the ILAC also played an active role in the Seminar on MRA Mark used in combination with the Joint Development Support Committee (JDSC) Accreditation of Proficiency Testing Providers accreditation body’s own mark). and the ILAC Secretariat, met with UNIDO and Reference Material Producers, conducted officials in Vienna in July 08. The discussions by INMETRO in Rio de Janeiro, on 5 and 6 June Two editions of ILAC News were published focused on identifying areas of mutual interest 08, with the ILAC representative participating in 2008, in April and October. Members have where the three organisations could work as one of the presenters. This seminar was held been sent a request for articles for the April together in 2008 – 2009. Further consideration immediately prior to the annual ISO REMCO 2009 edition. was also given to the practical mechanisms (reference materials) meetings where ILAC was Further information on ILAC can be obtained by which the three organisations can work also actively involved. together, in the most effective and efficient from the ILAC website at www.ilac.org, or by emailing the Secretariat on [email protected]. manner, to achieve shared goals. ILAC and the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) have continued the cooperation Mr. Alan Squirrell As mentioned earlier, ILAC’s continuing close begun in 2003 and it is pleasing to note the ILAC Executive Liaison Officer cooperation with EURACHEM and CITAC good progress this collaboration continues to Australia

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Information from the Division of Analytical Chemistry (DAC), European Association for Chemical and Molecular Sciences (EuCheMS)

The annual DAC meeting took place just before several international journals and newsletters. There are various Study Groups of DAC which the 2nd Chemistry Congress of EuCheMS in Within DAC a new steering committee has are carrying out the following activities in Torino, Italy, on 16 September 2008. The DAC been appointed comprised of Bo Karlberg their respective areas: initiate cooperation, chairman Bo Karlberg welcomed delegates and (Sweden, chairman), Jens Andersen orgainze meetings, draft reviews or prepare guests from 13 member societies and other (Denmark, secretary), Wolfgang Buchberger guiding documents. For instance, the Study international organizations. The Chemistry (Austria), Paul Worsfold (UK) and George Group "Education in Analytical Chemistry" Congress in Torino was attended by more Horvai (Hungary). provided several lectures and a publication than 2000 scientists and analytical chemistry on the status of the Bologna Declaration was represented by two half-day sessions implementation (Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 391 under the topic "Chemical measurement DAC is the main force behind the conference (2008): 875-880). The other study groups are quality: Societal impact". The next European series Euroanalysis and its 15th event will take "Quality Assurance", "History", "Bioanalytics", Chemistry Conferences will take place in place in Innsbruck, Austria, on 6-11 September and "European Analytical Chemistry on the Nürnberg, Germany, in 2010 and in Prague, 2009 under the chairmanship of Wolfgang web". Czech Republic, in 2012. At present about Buchberger and Wolfgang Lindner. The motto 170000 European chemists are EuCheMS of the conference is "Impact of Analytical The DAC Annual Meeting 2009 will be held on members. Chemistry on the Quality of Life". Further the starting day of Euroanalysis XV. information can be obtained on the webpage The DAC chair informed the delegates that the www.euroanalysis2009.at. Euroanalysis XVI Prof. Hendrik Emons 36th issue of the European Analytical Column will be organized by the Serbian Chemical Liaison person DAC-CITAC had been produced and was published in Society and will be chaired by Slavica Ražić. EC-JRC-IRMM, Belgium

Contribution of IMEKO TC-23 to Food and Nutritional Metrology

This was the first contribution of TC-23 at FAO, Rome, Italy); implementing metrological (i) integration of metrology into F&N the international level to the Conference principles in food composition (I. Castanheira, measurements is essential for improving on Metrology of Environment, Food and NIH, Lisbon, Portugal, and P. Finglas, IFR, the measurement infrastructure of an Nutritional Measurements (MEFNM) that Norwich, UK); contribution of CRMs for institution, took place during 9-12 September 2008, in strengthening F&N analysis (R. Koeber, (ii) educating the future F&N investigators Budapest, Hungary. Although there were only H. Schimmel and H.Emons, IRMM, Geel, with knowledge of metrology is pivotal fifteen submissions to the program from ten Belgium); analytical QA approaches for food for strengthening the very base of countries, the quality of several presentations analysis (H. Kawamura, JMSF, Mutsu, Japan); nutrition education, an agenda that was very high since eight of them were invited national facilities for food matrix RMs (I. has not received much attention by the lectures, specifically chosen to reflect the Castanheira et al. NIH, Lisbon, Portugal and academic community in charge of training depth and breadth of emerging metrological IFR, Norwich, UK), among others. the future F&N investigators, and applications in the food and nutritional (F&N) (iii) the national measurement laboratories areas. (NML) have an indispensable role in The general discussion session highlighted disseminating the QA message. In the The presentations touched on the following the importance of traceability and uncertainty national context, the NMLs are the torch topics: metrological and impending capacity in chemical, physiological and clinical bearing leaders expected to proactively development needs in several F&N areas measurements in several F&N areas, and interact with various groups such as (G,V, Iyengar, FSNSP, Tufts University USA); the need for providing the foundation for the F&N community, for servicing the reference materials for F&N metrology comparability (a vital requirement when results measurement needs. (W. Wolf, USDA, USA); NIST contributions to from different laboratories are evaluated). strengthen F&N measurements (S. Wise et Prof. Venkatesh Iyengar al, NIST, USA); measuring nutrients in foods The discussion also emphasized three key Tufts University and international standards (B. Burlingame, points: USA

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Activities of the EURAMET Technical Committee for Metrology in Chemistry

Transition from EUROMET to EURAMET work programme comprising 15 targeted from outside the EURAMET metrological EUROMET has undergone a major programmes (TPs) was published. A first community. The referees produced a ranking reorganisation in 2007 and re-established phase was lanched in Spring 2007 with a new list of the proposals based on an agreed upon itself as EURAMET e.V. The process was driven European Comission supported project called criteria list comprising aspects like scientific by the prospect of a European Metrology iMERA-Plus. The level of the financial support challenge but also the expected impact of Research Programme (EMRP) co-funded was 21 million Euros. Since the condition project results. 26 out of 40 proposals were by the European Commission under article was co-financing research projects on a 1:2 selected for funding including all proposals co- 169 of the EC treaty. This required that the basis, an additional 42 million Euros had to ordinated by TC-MC members and dedicated European metrology organisation register as be raised by the partner countries as payment to chemistry. a legal entity. in kind. This made it necessary to adapt a selective approach, because not all targeted The opinion of the referees was formally Analysis of appropriate solutions led to the programmes could be funded simultaneously. confirmed by the EU in January 2008 and foundation of EURAMET as an Association Four out of 15 Targeted Programmes (TPs) starting dates of successful projects proposals of Public Utility under German Law (e.V.). In were selected as “test cases“ under the were set for May/June 2008 after completion of accordance with the recommendation of the “iMERAplus” scheme. These were “SI & contract negotiations. 20th EUROMET General Assembly (May 2006) fundamental constants”, “Health” (one of the a single comprehensive body was established so called “grand challenges”) and two so called The four successful projects with participation to coordinate metrology in Europe for both, “single discipline” programmes, “Length” and of TC-MC members were: the operation of an EMRP and the other “Electricity and Magnetism”. Avogadro and molar Planck constants for purposes of EUROMET. At the 21st EUROMET the redefinition of the kilogram General Assembly in May 2007 the decision was Project proposals from consortia of different INRIM (ITA), IRMM (EU), PTB (GER) taken on the termination of the EUROMET- NMIs were requested and funding was granted Coordination: INRIM; Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in in a competitive selection process within and Breath analysis as a diagnostic tool for effect from June 30, 2007. All responsibilities across the selected targeted programmes. early disease detection were transferred to EURAMET. EURAMET has Obviously, none of these programmes were NMi (NL), DFM (DAN), IPQ (PT), LNE (FRA), now 37 members and associates. explicitly devoted to chemistry, so that activities PTB (GER) coming from TC-MC had to be arranged and Coordination: NMi; All EUROMET-bodies continued to work proposed under suitable targeted programmes Traceable measurements for biospecies under EURAMET including METCHEM, also and in competition and/or cooperation with and ion activity in clinical chemistry called Technical Committee for Metrology other physics-oriented activities. PTB (GER), DFM (DAN), INRIM (ITA), LGC in Chemistry (TC-MC) in line with the (UK), LNE (FRA), METAS (SUI), Metrosert nomenclature of the other TCs. Also, In a preparation step, “Expressions of Interest” (EST), SMU (SK), SP (SWE), UME (TUR) the internal organization of METCHEM from participating NMIs were collected Coordination: PTB; continues to exist under TC-MC. It has four and consortia for joint research projects Traceability of complex biomolecules sub-committees, for Inorganic (convenor: (JRPs) were formed on the basis of common and biomarkers in diagnostics - effecting Christophe Quetel, IRMM) Organic (Franz research interests. These consortia had to measurement comparability in clinical Ulberth, IRMM) Electrochemistry (Petra prepare project proposals to be submitted medicine Spitzer, PTB) and Gas (Rob Wessel, NMi). to the EMRP secretariat. Some 20 groups LGC (UK), IRMM (EU), NPL (UK), PTB (GER) from NMIs and designated institutes active Coordination: LGC. The European Metrology Research in TC-MC expressed interests in the targeted Programme programmes mainly in the area of clinical Further Activities in METCHEM/TC-MC The European Metrology Organization chemistry within the Targeted Programme The first meeting of EURAMET TC-MC was concluded its preparation for the European “Health”. Three project proposals related to conducted in Istanbul on 11–15 February 2008. Metrology Research Programme with the this programme were submitted. A fourth All sub-committees had separate meetings on transfer of responsibilities from EUROMET contribution from chemistry was incorporated the first two days of the conference and a to EURAMET. At the same time, 21 European in an interdisciplinary proposal related to plenary meeting was held on 14-15 February. countries committed to the EMRP Article 169 the redefinition of the kilogram under the There was a strong attendance with some 63 activities and agreed in principle to collectively programme “SI & fundamental constants”. representatives from 34 institutions and 24 commit up to 250 M€ over a 7 year period The submitted project proposals were countries. At that time, the results of the EMRP to EMRP. In March, the related EMRP2007 presented in a “Review Conference” in Paris in selection process were already known and had October 2007 to a board of external referees a significant influence on the meeting.

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A EURAMET Workshop entitled “Recent measurements were recently completed. basis of an internationally accepted method developments of the iMERA-Plus programme“ The results give evidence of the good quality for calculating salinity from conductivity was held on February 14th with contributions of measurements conducted by both, NMIs measurements. The objective of the study from the successful projects in the field of and potential calibration laboratories. The was to assess the degree of equivalence clinical chemistry but also with some general large number of participants (32 institutions in conductivity results of practical salinity presentations about the Targeted Programme from 18 countries) reflects the enormous measurements. The results indicate that a “Health” by Prof. Hans Koch, coordinator interest in these activities in environmental degree of equivalence in the order 10-4 can be of the programme, and also by Dr. Hans measurements. In a forthcoming step, reached. But in order to come to more reliable Bachmair, former chairman of the Technical regional comparison measurements organised results, more attention has to be paid to the Committee for Electricity and Magnetism by the reference institutes shall be made in treatment of the uncertainty. The project was (TC-EM) and strongly involved in setting up order to link these laboratories with the local supported by the WG 127 on Thermodynamics the single discipline “Targeted Programme monitoring laboratories. The reference values and Equation of State of Seawater of the - Electricity and Magnetism“. There were are provided by the potential calibration Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research also some reports about IMERA stakeholders laboratories. NMIs also participate in these (SCOR) and the International Association for workshops preparing future EMRP calls. comparisons in order to control the success the Physical Science of the Oceans (IAPSO). Dr. Bertil Magnusson gave a brief report on of the validation. The project comprises a the workshop for “Metrology Needs and supplementary comparison (EUROMET.QM- The sub-committee for gas conducted three Measurement Priorities in the Environmental S2) extending previous CCQM key comparisons workshops. Project 888 “Comparability of Sector“ held in Borås, Sweden, October and also initiated the global CCQM P100 series measurements of NO, CO, and SO2 at low 18, 2007. Dr. Hans Bachmair reported on of comparisons on Hg in water. ambient level” met in March 2007 in Ispra, Italy. the workshop for Metrology Needs and Another workshop was held in conjunction Measurement Priorities in the Energy Sector Environmental issues are also tackled with project 893 on a “Metrology infrastructure held in Amsterdam (NL), in June 2007. in Project 833 (Intercomparison of PCB for airborne nanoparticles” in October 2007 congener in solution, sewage sludge extract in Berlin, Germany. The project intends to Also, a broad range of ongoing activities and and sewage sludge). This long-term project establish the requirements for coordination of projects in TC-MC outside the current scope was carried out in three steps since 2004. The activity within EURAMET for the development of iMERA-Plus programme were discussed. results from the final step showed significant of a metrology infrastructure for nanoparticles. New methods and their possible application improvements compared to previous steps. A third workshop was held in January 2008 in to metrology in chemistry are investigated in Relative uncertainties of comparison reference Turin, Italy in conjunction with Project 934 a PTB-NPL research cooperation on Surface- values are 7-14 %. on “Traceable IR laser-spectrometric amount Enhanced Raman Scattering. Project 924 was fraction measurements (TILSAM)” which aims initiated to support the EU Water Framework A study on the traceability of salinity at gas metrology by calibration-free infrared Directive (WFD). The aim is to propose and measurements in seawater was conducted laser-spectrometry as a potential primary demonstrate the feasibility of a possible by the Sub-committee for Electrochemistry. method. In addition, a range of gas-related system for traceable measurements for short- Salinity is one of the most important comparison projects were discussed, mainly listed analytes within the WFD. The project input quantities of oceanographic and related to environmental issues. concentrates on inorganic analytes. In a first climate models. The distribution of density step, the measurement capabilities of NMIs and inside the ocean is directly related to the reference institutes in the field of water analysis distribution of ocean currents. Temperature, Dr. Bernd Güttler were compared. These latter institutes could salinity, and pressure are used to calculate Chair EURAMET TC-MC act as calibration laboratories in a framework density. The Practical Salinity Scale PSS-78, PTB providing results traceable to the SI. These endorsed by UNESCO/IAPSO, forms the Germany

APMP Liaison Report

The 23rd Asia-Pacific Metrology Programme metrology society (NCSLI) and specialist Japan joined the APMP family. APMP is getting (APMP) General Assembly and related regional bodies (APLAC, APLMF) attended the more involved with the other specialist regional meetings were held in Sydney, Australia from meetings. bodies and they have agreed to coordinate 28 October to 2 November 2007. Metrologists efforts to better promote their activities from member NMIs, and guests from CIPM, Three new members (NISIT) Papua New to the APEC Standards and Conformance BIPM, RMOs (COOMET and SADCMET), Guinea, (KazlnMetr) Kazakhstan and (JEMIC) Subcommittee. This is a good start for APMP

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with promoting a higher profile of metrology APMP Technical Committee on APMP/TCQM Symposium on Metrology in to governments. Reports on the 17th COOMET Amount of Substance Meeting (TCQM) Chemistry was held on 13 June in China. Over meeting, 21st EUROMET GA, 13th SIM GA, 90 delegates from 15 countries/economies 19th JCRB meetings, NCSLI 2007 and BIPM 7th annual meeting of APMP TCQM was attended the symposium. Dr. Robert Kaarls of and CIPM activities along with liaison reports held in Sydney, Australia on 29 – 30 October BIPM and experts from NIST, LGC, BAM, NMIA, from APLAC, APLMF and OIML were presented 2007. A total of 37 delegates from 15 member NMIJ and NIM gave talks in the symposium. at the meeting. economies and two representatives from PTB The main theme of the symposium was about technical cooperation attended the meeting. building and improving national infrastructure Activity reports from CCQM organic analysis, for chemical measurements, issues including DEC, TC and EC Joined Meetings in inorganic analysis, bio-analysis and key traceability and comparability, development Xi’an, China comparison working groups were presented. of reference materials, CIPM MRA and inter- Representatives from eight countries/ laboratory comparisons. APMP’s regular meetings of EC/TC Chairs/DEC economics: NIMT, Thailand, NPLI, India, LIPI, for the year of 2007 were concluded in China’s Indonesia, SIRIM, Malaysia, ITI, Sri Lanka, 2nd APMP TCQM/ DEC workshop was held on historical city of Xi’an on June 14. Starting from GLHK, Hong Kong, China, Chinese Taipei and 14-15 June in Xian, China. The objective of the June 10, this 5-day event covered meetings of NIM, China gave reports on the activities and workshop was to discuss the application of the APMP EC, DEC and TC Chairs. A DEC Technical strategic plans of their respective laboratories. “Guide to Creating or Improving a National Assistant (TA) Workshop, an informative Chairman Prof. Yu Yadong updated newly Infrastructure for Chemical Measurement”. and fruitful discussion platform aimed to proposed comparison programmes, The guide was drafted based on concepts find proper and effective mechanisms and workshops and seminars to the members. and findings gathered in previous workshops approaches to facilitate technical assistance and meetings held in 2006. The Guide had to developing member economies of APMP to Highlights of APMP TCQM Activities been approved by the APMP GA in December underpin their effective participation in global 2006 and published on the website. Six trade, became an important component of countries/economics including China, India, There was a discussion on ISO Guide 34 Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam this event. A local lab tour at the Metrology during the meeting. Dr. Lindsey Mackay of Institute of Shanxi province was also arranged. were invited to the workshop to present their NMIA informed that the 30th REMCO meeting national situation with respect to Metrology In the first section of the meeting, EC held in Tsukuba, Japan on 5-8 June 2007 had discussed feedback from all members on the in Chemistry. Group discussions on how to reported the progress of the revision of ISO identify national needs and develop each strategic planning report (2006 draft), with Guide 34:2000. The new version had been a view to achieve a consensus on objectives individual economy plan for the way forward distributed in October 2007 and it will be were also held during the workshop. In the and priorities that will help determine APMP’s sent to the secretariat for approval in 2008. next-step projects. In the EC/TCCs meeting, workshop evaluation, Dr. Besley, Australia Regarding the content of the new version, reported that, generally, the Guide as well as members discussed the TC issues related to Dr. Mackay remarked that NMIs might have JCRB, RMO and APEC. the workshop was found to be very useful for concerns about the revised requirements on economies starting on this process traceability, homogeneity and stability testing. The workshop progressed following scientific As reported in the REMCO meeting, the final and systematic procedures of case study, Mr. Ma from China reported about the National revised text of ISO/WD Guide 80 “Guide on Conference on Metrology in Chemistry which sub-group discussion, all-inclusive discussion Quality Control Materials (QCMs)” had been and conclusions made effective efforts was held on 14-15 June. Over 60 attendees from submitted to the ISO/REMCO secretariat in China participated in the conference which in identifying ways to enhance technical July 2007. assistance delivery. The workshop conducted provided a platform for technical exchanges case studies by listening to presentations from on key techniques and quality assurance for 5th Workshop of APMP/TCQM Gas Analysis food, environmental and herbal analysis. the recipient economy, the funding/delivering Working Group was held on 22-25 May 2007 agency, as well as the metrology experts, then in Xian, China. 40 delegates from 8 different Dr. Kim of KRISS reported on the 6th ACRM identified lessons to be learned and key issues countries/economies attended the event. and concerns, and finally worked out plans meeting held on 28 – 29 March 2007 in Busan, Prime objective of the workshop was to share Korea. 32 delegates from the 3 relevant NMIs to better carry out the technical assistance to information, knowledge and improve skills and APMP members from developing economies. (KRISS, NIM, NMIJ) and government agencies know-how in gas metrology. The workshop attended the meeting. The progress reports of Dr. Robert Kaarls, CIPM secretary and CCQM divided into three sessions to cover topics on president, as well as two representatives from the three working groups which cover food & traceability in gas analysis, analytical techniques environment, gas and ROHS respectively were UNIDO and PTB attended the Workshop as and skills for industry and environment, and invited reporters. also presented. NMIJ will host the 7th meeting quality assurance/control. in Nagoya, Japan.

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Discussion of the procedure for CMCs determination of cadmium, mercury, bilateral comparisons between NMIJ claim/review chromium and lead in polypropylene, and NIMT to establish the comparability which was conducted in parallel with a between them for the determination Dr. Lindsey Mackay of NMIA presented the CCQM pilot study. Mr. Ma informed that of oxygen in nitrogen gas mixture. The procedure for NMIs to submit CMCs claim. She this would be the first comparison for nominal amount-of-substance fraction is also briefed the meeting about the relevant polymers and plastics in response to the set to be 0.20 mol/mol. The preparation requirements and the intra-regional review implementation of the RoHS’s directive of mixtures and preliminary verification progress to be involved. around the world. Samples have been measurement were completed by NMIJ prepared and their homogeneity was in March 2008. The bilateral comparison tested satisfactorily. started in April 2008. Progress Reports on TCQM Pilot Progress Reports on the following ● Preload standard absorption tube Studies TCQM Key and Supplementary Dr. Zeyi Zhou of NIM China presented the study on the preparation of preload Comparisons ● APMP.QM-P10: Cadmium and Lead in standard absorption tube for VOCs ● APMP.QM-S1: “Comparison of primary Herb analysis. The standard tubes produced will standards of nitrogen in helium” by Dr. Dr. Siu-kay Wong of GLHK reported that the be proposed as a national measurement Kim of KRISS study was running in parallel with CCQM- standard for VOC analysis according to ● APMP.QM-S2: “Purity analysis of methane” 97 in which 12 NMIs and international National Standard of Indoor Air Quality by Dr. Kato of NMIJ organizations participated. For the APMP and National Regulation of civil building ● APMP.QM-K4.1: “Ethanol in nitrogen” by study, there were 11 participating NMIs air quality in China. Dr. Zhou stated that Dr. Kato of NMIJ and reference laboratories including the study on efficiency rate, repeatability, ● APMP.QM-K1.c: “Nitrogen oxide in KRISS, NIM, NPSL, NIMT, LIPI, TISTR, NPLI stability, homogeneity, and measurement nitrogen” by Dr. Kim of KRISS and NBSM. uncertainty for the absorption tube ● APMP.QM-K1.d: “Sulphur dioxide in standards had been completed and the ● nitrogen” by Dr. Kato of NMIJ APMP.QM-P11: Organo-arsenic in results were all very promising. Dr. Zhou Swordfish proposed conducting a co-certification Dr. Kenji Kato of NMIJ reported that the New TCQM Key Comparisons and exercise for the absorption tube standards. study was co-ordinated by NIM and NMIJ, Bilateral Comparisons Japan and Korea mainly use gas cylinder and was running in parallel with CCQM- ● Key comparison: Cadmium in Rice standards for VOCs analysis. 96 “Total arsenic and arsenobetaine in Dr. Jin Seog Kim of KRISS informed that swordfish”. 3 NMIs (BAM, NIST and UME) the sample preparation for this new Report on the 6th ACRM Meeting participated in the CCQM study while the study completed in October 2007 and the Dr. Kim of KRISS reported that the meeting APMP study had 3 participants including protocol and samples will be delivered to was held on 28 – 29 March 2007 in Busan, KRISS, NPLI and DMSc (Thailand). the participating laboratories. As requested Korea. 32 delegates from 3 relevant NMIs by some delegates to the TCQM meeting, (KRISS, NIM, NMIJ) and government agencies ● Proposed pilot study (CCQM-P109): KRISS agreed to run a parallel pilot study attended the meeting. Dr. Kim reported on Acrylamide in Potato Chips with this key comparison. NIM China and the progress of the work of three working Dr. Jin Seog Kim of KRISS introduced NIMT had indicated interest to participate groups which cover food & environment, gas, this new study which ran in parallel with in the key comparison, while NMI/DMI and ROHS respectively. the CCQM-P109. Samples have been from Thailand (TISTR and DSS), Indonesia prepared and their homogeneity was and Sri Lanka were interested to participate PT Case Study tested satisfactory. The stability test for in the pilot study. the samples was scheduled for November Mr. Liandi Ma of NIM China shared with the 2007. Dr. Kim briefly discussed the GC-MS meeting the NIM’s experience on improving the ● Bilateral comparison between NMIJ and performance of local field laboratories through and LC-MS methods used for the analysis. NIMT: Oxygen in nitrogen NMI/DMI of Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the proficiency testing (PT) scheme organized NIMT will provide calibration service by them. The PT scheme was conducted in India and Singapore had indicated interest for oxygen in nitrogen gas mixtures in participation: two phases. For those laboratories whose and O2 analyzer at concentrations near results were not satisfactory in the first round atmospheric concentration in the coming PT programme, NIM arranged a technical ● Proposed pilot study (CCQM-P106): few years. As a part of the collaboration Metals in Polypropylene exchange meeting and provided CRM for between NIMT and NMIJ in the area of further validation of their methods. Afterwards, Mr. Liandi Ma of NIM China presented gas metrology, NMIJ proposed to organize the proposed study concerning the a second round PT programme was organized

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for these laboratories. The results indicated For sorbic acid and sodium benzoate in NMIJ (TCQM), Mark Ballico, NMIA (TCT one that most of the laboratories had improved curry paste, TISTR, Thailand informed that a year extension) as the new APMP TC chairs. their performance significantly. Dr. Besley of candidate testing material is available and the NMIA suggested that NMIs should consider stability test studies are in progress. To reduce Future Meeting and Activities organizing similar PT scheme with a view to the burden of the pilot NMI, the meeting ● LIPI will be hosting next APMP GA and improve the performance of the local field suggested using tea as the matrix for inorganic TCQM meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia from laboratories. contaminants. Dr. Lindsey Mackay remarked 3-7 November 2008. that NMIA will organize a proficiency testing ● 8th ACRM Meeting, 23rd – 24th September Future comparison programmes on metals in prawn next year. 2008 in Lijiang China. ● Pesticide residues in tea ● 7th workshop of APMP/TCQM Gas Analysis ● Food additives (sorbic acid, sodium New Appointments Working Group in May 2008 in Nogaya, Japan benzoate) in curry paste The General Assembly elected Yoshio Hino ● General Assembly elected Malaysia as the ● Inorganic contaminants in food from NMIJ, YU Yadong from NIM and Chua venue for 25th GA in 2009. ● Comparison of gas standard Sze Wey from SPRING as new EC members For pesticide residues in tea, ITI will review replacing Akira Ono, G. Tong and HSU Chang Dr. Laly Samuel the list of regulated pesticide in Sri Lanka. and Siew Leng Tan, SPRING (TCL), Kenji Kato, MSL, New Zealand

AFRIMETS Amount of Substance Annual Report

General Report on Activities the first four AFRIMETS comparisons in the An AFRIMETS Metrology in Chemistry (MIC) An exciting development in the region was fields of temperature, voltage, dimension and working group was initiated by the first the expansion of the Regional Metrology organic chemistry. At least 5 more comparisons Chairperson of AFRIMETS MiC WG, Ms. Sara Organisation (RMO) representing Africa from are in the planning stages. Prins from the NMISA. SADCMET to AFRIMETS. SADCMET was the RMO for Africa from 1999 to 2008. In July 2007, The enlarged capabilities of the new RMO Other highlights of the year include: five sub regions, representing 36 countries in will also allow the region to perform its own Africa (SADCMET, EAMET, MAGMET, SOAMET intra-regional Calibration and Measurement SADC SQAM Meetings and CEMACMET) and Nigeria (not part of Capability (CMC) reviews. Until now, the The SADC Standardization, Quality assurance, a sub-region), signed the Memorandum of SADCMET CMCs were submitted through Accreditation and Metrology (SQAM) Understanding to officially form the Intra- APMP. The assistance of APMP will still be structures meetings were held in Cape Town Africa Metrology System. Since then Egypt, sought for those parameters where not enough from 5 to 10 May 2008 hosted by the South Ethiopia and Ghana have also become expertise exists within AFRIMETS to perform African Department of Trade and Industry members and AFRIMETS now represents 40 the review, but it will be phased out over a (the dti). The meetings were attended by countries spread over the width and breadth period of a few years. AFRIMETS will therefore over 70 delegates from SADC member states of the continent. maintain strong links with APMP and build on as well as invited international SQAM experts its relationships with the other RMOs. and observers from all over the world. The The structures required for AFRIMETS to purpose of the meetings is to review activities become a fully fledged RMO were established As the only NMI in the region participating carried out by each structure during the past and in October 2008, the International in the CIPM MRA, the National Metrology year and to plan for items to be addressed in Committee for Weights and Measures Institute of South Africa (NMISA) still provides the coming year. (CIPM), on the recommendation of the JCRB the link for the region to the international (Joint Committee of Regional Metrology metrology community. Egypt and Kenya are SADCMET held its meeting on 6 May and it Organisations and the International Bureau of now preparing CMC submissions and are also was attended by all its members and associate Weights and Measures –BIPM), gave the final participating in international meetings and members. The meeting received reports from approval for AFRIMETS to take over the role of technical activities. Egypt is being assisted the Chairs of the Technical Committees who the RMO in Africa. by EURAMET who organises comparisons each gave highlights of the activities for the to support NIS CMC claims. SADCMET, and past year. AFRIMETS promises exciting developments specifically the NMISA, assists Kenya. A number for metrology on the continent and a large of bi-lateral comparisons are currently being World Metrology Day 2008 poster number of activities have already taken place, organised to support KEBS CMC claims in a World Metrology Day posters, together with with more planned for 2009. The most exciting number of parameters. Some comparisons the circular issued by the BIPM on copyrights development this year was the registration of have already commenced.

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of the poster, were distributed to all SADCMET first bi-lateral activity was identified to assign indirectly impact the accuracy of mass, volume members who used the posters during World a value for a wheat flour sample that is being and temperature measurements in chemical metrology day commemorations. used for a proficiency testing exercise in East laboratories in the region. Africa. Second General Assembly (GA) SADCMET Water Testing Laboratories meeting of AFRIMETS SADCMET EU Project Proficiency Scheme The second GA meeting of AFRIMETS was In 2005 the Southern African Development SADCMET has been running a water-testing held in Tunisia from 1-4 July 2008. The Community (SADC) signed a financing proficiency scheme for the past four years meeting was superseded by an Executive agreement with the European Community focusing on the chemical analysis of water. Committee meeting and a MAGMET (EC) to fund the SADC Standards, Quality, From this year the PT system has been workshop in Metrology. The GA was attended Accreditation and Metrology (SQAM) extended to microbiology analyses and in by over 50 delegates representing most of the programme with an amount of €14.2 million. this respect, the Uganda National Bureau of member states of AFRIMETS, representatives The SQAM Support Programme is a concrete Standards was appointed to be the pilot lab for from the PTB (Germany), EURAMET, LNE outcome of the joint EC-SADC efforts to the microbiology water analysis. The result (France), the BIPM, the African Committee for closely link trade and development. It is also evaluation workshop took place in Kampala, Metrology (CAFMET) and the Arabic Forum an important contribution that is purposed to Uganda during the second week of December for Metrology. The PTB and LNE became the assist SADC economies to make full use of the 2008. The reports of the previous Water PT first Associate members of AFRIMETS and opportunities of the Economic Partnership are available on the SADCMET website on EURAMET, CAFMET and the Arabic Forum Agreement (EPA), currently under negotiation www.sadcmet.org became the first Observer members. with the EU both in terms of facilitating inter regional trade as well as trade with the Specific MIC activities at the NMISA European Union. Kenya – CCQM Chemical Workshop The metrology in chemistry laboratories at The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) hosted the NMISA are currently the only laboratories The overall objective of the SADC SQAM the 1st International Seminar on Metrology in in Africa operating at the CCQM level. The Programme is to support trade and investment, Chemistry in Kenya during August 2008. The laboratory therefore plays a leading role in enhance the protection of consumers and seminar was led by Dr Bob Kaarls, the secretary providing advice to other countries in Africa improve the competitiveness of suppliers of the CIPM and president of the Consultative that are establishing MIC facilities. of products and services in SADC Member Committee of Amount of Substance (CCQM), States. The purpose of this programme and Dr Willie May, Director of the Chemical A few of the activities at the NMISA the past is to contribute to the development and Science and Technology Division at NIST year include: implementation of a regional policy on (USA). Dr Wynand Louw (the Acting CEO of technical regulations and the establishment the NMISA and AFRIMETS Chair) and Sara Prins of a more effective, efficient and functioning Metrology in Organic Chemistry were also invited to participate as facilitators trade related SQAM support infrastructure. Often the methods prescribed in EU and presenters at the seminar. The 2-day This will strengthen existing SQAM capacities regulations are not readily available or seminar was attended by ~60 local and ~10 within Member States and at SADC level. The accessible in SA, due to the high cost of the other-African delegates, with introductions programme is designed to provide technical equipment, cost and availability of reference to metrology in chemistry by Drs Kaarls and assistance and training as well as equipment to materials for the methods, or the high level May. Dr Louw introduced AFRIMETS, while SADC SQAM infrastructures. In addition, SADC of specialisation required to operate the Ms Prins discussed the efforts of the NMISA SQAM institutions will be linked with their equipment and validate the methods. The to establish a Metrology in Chemistry group. European counterparts for specific awareness, Organic Group at NMISA develops and The active participation by both facilitators training and cooperation activities. validates equivalent methods on instruments and attendees caused a successful seminar widely available in laboratories in South including the identification of specific focus For SADCMET, the project will focus on Africa. Supporting food safety, the laboratory areas for the development of Metrology in four metrology parameters judged to be the validates two independent methods for the Chemistry in Africa. most basic for trade and testing purposes. value assignment of Ochratoxin-A in wine. An These include mass, volume, dimensional automated method has been developed to Wynand Louw and Sara Prins then visited and temperature, and an amount of 2.3 improve the reproducibility of the extraction. the chemistry facilities at the Kenyan Bureau € million has been allocated for this thrust to of Standards (KEBS). KEBS is in the process cover selective upgrading and acquisition of A similar approach is being followed in the of establishing a MIC facility and discussions equipment, technical training and training in analysis of Persistent Organic Pollutants were held on best practises and possible future quality management systems. Although not (POPs), to assist South Africa in fulfilling the collaboration between the MIC programme at directly applicable to MIC in the region, the requirements of the Stockholm Convention. KEBS and the MIC programme at NMISA. A training in mass, volume and temperature will The laboratory has developed and optimized

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novel methods for the analysis of chlorinated higher in the speciated than elemental form. that can now be supplied to gas manufacturers pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons Speciation capability will assist in studies on in South Africa. (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), bio-availability of elements as well as toxic dioxins, furans and brominated flame determination (eg Hg and Cr are toxic in Participation in International retardants (BFRs), using specific column certain forms). Comparisons technology and isotope dilution mass SADCMET (NMISA) participated in 10 spectrometry. This has lead to a collaborative The Inorganic laboratory’s scope was also comparisons in metrology in chemistry project with the University of Liege, Belgium expanded significantly and discussions were during 2008. A list of the comparisons is and the South African Police Forensic Science initiated to explore alternative ways (technique supplied below. In addition, three AFRIMETS laboratory in the analysis of contaminated accreditation) for accreditation of the chemical comparison are being planned in the fields of soil samples, collected in SA, extracted in laboratories to better serve the South African organic and inorganic chemistry. Belgium and sent back to SA for comparative food industry. analysis at the forensic laboratories. This has Futeure Meetings enabled NMISA to compare results obtained Following on the ‘Food Safety 2010’ seminar Various MIC activities are planned in Africa with a high level instrument in Belgium. in Cape Town South Africa, the MIC group during 2009. MIC workshops will be held These developments are now playing a major had met with the Consumer Goods Council’s in South Africa in conjunction with the 3rd role in the national effort with the University Food Safety Initiative to explore ways to General Assembly meeting of AFRIMETS from of Limpopo (situated jn northern SA), the provide traceability for critical measurements 13-16 July 2009. Participation of experts in MIC University of Pretoria and UIS Analytical in the South African food industry. A number from other regions will be most welcome. All Services to determine the cause of a crocodile- of areas where the NMISA can contribute interested parties can contact Sara Prins at dying pandemic in the National Kruger Park. have been identified, one of the most critical [email protected]. being the requirement for matrix certified The Biofuel Initiative is progressing well, reference materials. The MIC group has The venue for the GA is the Mabalingwe Private and a technique developed has proven already established its analytical capability Game Reserve just north of Pretoria, see: very successful for the estimation of the in this field by participating in several food www.mabalingwe.co.za. concentrations of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters related international comparisons over the last (FAMEs) in different biodiesel sources. FAMEs number of years, for example Sn, Pb and Cd in are one of the possible ways to fingerprint tomato paste; Fe, Zn, Cd, Pb and Cr in bovine biodiesel, an important capability in ensuring liver; and Chloramphenicol in milk. that the proposed tax incentives for biodiesel can be implemented successfully. Gas Standards for Industry The laboratory expanded their offerings Dr. Wynand Louw Chemical Certified Reference Materials under the Guide 34 (Preparation of Reference Mrs. Jayne de Vos (CRMs): The NMISA continued to support the Materials) to 7 primary reference mixtures NMI, South Africa South African industry with the sale of CRMs and primary reference mixtures. There was a List of International Comparisons that NMISA participated in or started significant increase in the orders for both the organic solutions (aqueous No International Number Laboratory Description ethanol and sodium fluoride) that 1 CCQM-P73 Gas Gravimetry: 30 to 70 ppm NO in nitrogen are used in blood alcohol analysis, 2 CCQM-K52 Gas 360 ppm CO in air and special gases. 2 3 CCQM-K53 Gas Gravimetry: 100 ppm O2 in N2 Measurement standards for 4 EUROMET 900a Gas 5 ppm CO in nitrogen the Food industry 5 CCQM-K51 Gas 5 ppm CO in nitrogen Efforts to establish a chemical speciation facility at the NMISA 6 BIPM.QM-K1 Gas Ambient level ozone was boosted by the Metrology in 7 CCQM-P90 Organic CAP in Milk Chemistry group’s first participation 8 CCQM-K56 Inorganic Ca, Fe, Zn and Cu in Whole Fat Soybean Powder in a speciation international comparison - CCQM-P86.1: 9 AFRA IV-12 Inorganic Research Reactor Programme for Socio-economic selenomethionine in wheat flour Development, Trace elements in nutrition and yeast. Selenium is an essential additives, medicinal plants and food materials element, and its bio-availability is 10 CCQM K-67 SAM The quantification of Fe-Ni alloy films

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SIM Liaison report

SIM Chemical Metrology Working Group recommendations, agreements and plans, which was scheduled to hold in Mexico on Meeting was held in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, the conclusion was drawn to organize some 19-21 November. Ideas about the possible on 1-2, October 2008, in conjunction with comparisons, which could be defined as Joint APMP/SIM 2-week School on Chemical SIM General Assembly Meeting. Participants SIM CMWG Key Comparison (with potential Metrology were announced. were from Argentine, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, parallel Pilot Study). As a part of Sub group-I Canada, Mexico, USA, Trinidad & Tobago, St. work program there are: It was decided, in conjunction with the next Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica, Ecuador, Colombia, SIM Chemical Metrology Working Meeting in Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador ● Ethanol in Aqueous Matrix, coordinated May 2009, to have a half-day awareness seminar, and Honduras. Also present were Dr. Robert by INMETRO beginning on November as well as a workshop on how to identify and Kaarls, President of CCQM and Mr. Ulf Hillner 2008 prioritized needs, requested by Subgroup III, of the Office Technical Cooperation of PTB. ● Trace elements in potable water for which a guide document elaborated by coordinated by NRC, its protocol to be APMP will be circulated. A workshop on the Several regional issues were discussed, presented on May 2009 comparison results on Ethanol in Aqueous including CMWG Strategic Planning, which ● Report on homogeneity and stability Matrix is scheduled for the participants. The consisted of brief presentations on current study on meat by INTI by May 2009 date and venue will be defined later. state of Chemical Metrology Programs within each SIM economy, grouped into three needs- Additional activities for training will be It is also scheduled to hold a CMWG meeting based CMWG Subgroups, and discussions on organized by LATU, Uruguay on measurement in October, where workshops on uncertainty how to better address the varying needs of SIM uncertainty for SURAMET and ANDIMET, estimation in chemical measurements and countries with Chemical Metrology Programs specially designed for the participation of how to get governmental financial support will that are at different stages of development. Subgroups II and III. take place.

Based on the discussions from each Ulf Hillner informed on the up-coming IAAC Dr. Yoshito Mitani of the Subgroups as to action items, course on Organization of Proficiency Testing, CENAM, Mexico

Update on ISO/REMCO

The 31st Meeting of ISO/REMCO was held in Communication’ convener (Ales Fajgelj) to certificates, labels, and reports (ISO Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, from 10–13 June 2008 ensure good communication. Guide 31, 2000); and was hosted by the National Institute of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial The assignments of both representatives and ● complete revision of the guide on the Quality (INMETRO). ISO/REMCO now has 69 deputies to these liaison committees were also use of certified reference materials (ISO members of the International Organization reviewed. Guide 33, 2000); for Standardization (ISO) and liaison with 20 international organizations and 6 other ISO ISO/REMCO has an established ● submission of the revised guide on committees. The liaisons are very important work program. Main activities for quality systems of reference material for the implementation of ISO/REMCO’s 2008 and beyond include: producers for voting (ISO Guide 34); work program. Most of the documents of ISO/REMCO directly affect work in other ● complete revision of the vocabulary ● development of a new guide for the (international) organizations. It is important (ISO Guide 30, 1992), by extensive production and use of reference that work is not duplicated, and where consultation with other liaison materials for metrological quality possible resources are shared to obtain the organizations; control (ISO Guide 80); best results. For this reason, ISO/REMCO has given a stronger mandate to its Steering ● a complete revision (following on from ● development of an introductory Group SG1 ‘International Coordination & a systematic review), of the guide on document ‘Guide to the Guides’;

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● development of a guidance document guides. The key requirement for this document SG2 ('Technical Guidance'). WG6 has been for the production of CRMs for is that it must be freely available to allow users renamed ‘Information Services’ with the qualitative analysis; to make informed and considered decisions, remit to provide marketing communication and therefore a new draft will be produced support to the convenor of SG1. An ad ● further study into the matter of with this mandate. hoc group to investigate the feasibility of ‘metrological traceability’, in particular preparing a Technical Specification on the how the concept is expressed REMCO has also noted that CRMs for establishment of metrological traceability and on CRM certificates and related qualitative analysis are growing in number and its statement on CRM certificates and related communications. importance. For the authentication of food or communications has been formed. Moreover, microorganisms, the fight against doping in ISO/REMCO agreed to appoint Hendrik Emons The Technical Report on RM classification sports, the control of pesticides and residues (EC-JRC-IRMM) to be the next REMCO chair (ISO/TR 10989) has been approved and in foodstuff, and many other analytical tasks for the period 2009-2011 and the ISO TMB published. are these CRMs very important. But so far, has meanwhile confirmed his appointment. guidance on the production and use of RMs Angelique Botha (South Africa) will serve as During the REMCO meeting a draft ‘‘Guide has been mainly focused on RMs/CRMs for new REMCO Vice Chair. to the ISO/REMCO Guides’’ was reviewed quantitative measurements. A gap analysis and discussed. The present ISO/REMCO review by a REMCO Ad-hoc Group established The next ISO/REMCO meeting will be held in Guides 30–35 provide an in-depth treatment in 2007 has confirmed the need for RM Teddington, UK (3-7 July 2009) in conjunction of specific aspects. A general guidance guidance in this field, and this group has with BERM-12. document is deemed advantageous for users now been formally established as a REMCO and potential producers of RMs, who may be Working Group. Dr. John P. Hammond unfamiliar with the role of RMs and CRMs in Starna Scientific Ltd., UK measurements, or who understand the roles Regarding REMCO's committee structure, of these materials, but are unfamiliar with several of the current Working Groups (WG) Prof. Hendrik Emons the classification and use of the ISO/REMCO have been reassigned between SG1 and EC-JRC-IRMM, Belgium

Improvement of COMAR database

COMAR, the international database for data from several RM producers and provide input by the producer for the CRM certified reference materials (CRM) has been information in a uniform way. COMAR has descriptions. This is accomplished by improved by BAM for the benefit of CRM users been established to help laboratories to find using CAS numbers rather than specific and producers worldwide. the proper CRM needed. The database gives molecule names in the internal search information on the worldwide availability of process. This helps to find a complete The usefulness of reference materials (RM) is certified reference materials. list of CRM hits for a specific compound beyond question. RM provide "measurement in spite of the diversity of names as is benchmarks" for materials testing and chemical BAM has recently improved COMAR in order usually found in chemistry. analysis and ensure reliability and worldwide to make searching in COMAR more simple and comparability of measurements in these target-orientated and to make the process of ● The “CRM description field” has been fields. The use of RM is a basic requirement updating data more efficient. extended to 1000 characters to allow for quality assurance. In addition CRM are more CRM information to be entered. very important for establishing traceability, New COMAR features for improving The description field allows a simple especially in chemical analysis. the search are: string search and is therefore an important and easy-to-handle tool. Even in the age of web based technologies and ● The search for a particular molecule services finding a proper reference material is ● A new search tool “matrix search” has name now results in all CRM hits a demanding task especially for newcomers or been added, both as a separate tool referring to the same CAS (Chemical for new kinds of materials. The best choice is or in combination with the search Abstracts Service) number, whatever to use reference material databases that collect tool “chemical composition”. This is a molecule name was used for data

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significant improvement to aid finding a proper matrix CRM. Matrix CRM are key to major fields of analytical applications (e.g., environmental chemical analyses). Currently the new search tool has not yet been released. Prior to its release, a substantial part of the existing COMAR CRM entries have to be assigned to the new catalogue of matrix keywords supporting the search. The assignment process will take some time. COMAR will announce the release of the new search tool on the COMAR website.

For the matrix categorisation COMAR uses a list of matrix keywords recently developed by ISO REMCO (ISO’s Committee on Reference Materials) as part of the ISO Technical Report 10989 "Categorization of reference materials – Guidance on, and keywords used for RM categorization".

● The new combination of the search tool “chemical composition” with the search in the “CRM description field” makes handling much easier and allows for more carefully targeted queries.

The database is maintained in a cooperation of 20 national or international institutes. COMAR contains information on about 11 500 CRM from about 220 reference material producers in 25 countries. Keeping the data up-to-date requires a huge effort by the cooperating institutes.

Closer involvement of RM producers in the update The new COMAR version (released in March 2008) allows closer involvement of the various providing of current CRM information. The the COMAR cooperation in April 2008. For CRM producers in the update process. A COMAR data management is shown in Fig. 1. information about their reference materials new level of COMAR update rights has been NIST refers to the own RM website. created that can be assigned to individual CRM COMAR council meeting producers. In the past COMAR was operated Considering the importance of current At the last COMAR council meeting that was information on available RM the COMAR using update rights of only country wide held in connection with the ISO REMCO validity assigned to the cooperating national council agreed on actions for cancellation of meetings in Rio de Janeiro in June 2008 (see not updated database entries. or international institutes. The new level of Fig. 2), there was agreed an amendment to the update rights allows the COMAR partners to Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that Demand and Access share the burden of data updating with the reflects the revised update right handling. With The demand for information about available affiliated CRM producers. That helps to make reference to the efforts necessary to keep their CRMs is still growing in parallel to the ever COMAR updating more efficient and aims CRM entries up-to-date, NIST resigned from

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increasing number of chemical and biochemical entering their CRMs into COMAR are invited 2. European Reference Materials (ERM®) measurements. Among other producer to contact the national COMAR partner or the http://www.erm-crm.org/. overarching databases [1 - 3], COMAR has been COMAR central secretariat at BAM (for contact a key source of information on the worldwide points see the COMAR website at: www. 3. Reference materials total information service availability of CRMs, covering a broad scope of comar.bam.de). Interested CRM producers of Japan (RMinfo) application fields. The use of COMAR is free should comply with the quality requirements http://www.rminfo.nite.go.jp/english/index.html. of charge and the number of COMAR users, of the relevant ISO guides (ISO Guides 31, 34, logins and search results displayed has been and 35). growing for years (see Fig.3). References Dr. Thomas Steiger and Ms. Rita Pradel The recent improvements of COMAR are COMAR Central Secretariat intended to meet this challenge now and 1. Virtual Institute for Reference Materials BAM into the future. CRM producers interested in (VIRM), http://www.virm.net/. Germany

Fig. 3. Access to COMAR: There are currently about 650 user logins and 2 600 displayed search results monthly

● 21 / CITAC NEWS ● FEBRUARY 2008 CITAC NEWS FEBRUARY 2009 / 21 IImportantmportant PPapersapers oonn MMiCiC iinn 22008008 The Application of Uncertainty to USP’s Compendial Reference Standards Program: Certified Reference Materials

Shawn Dressman William F. Koch Ronald G. Manning Steven Lane Walter W. Hauck Roger L. Williams

USP provides comprehensive, practical, stated uncertainty), requirements for periodic certification of reference materials are given relevant, and timely documentary standards proficiency testing (ISO Guide 43, Parts 1 and in, among others, ISO Guides 34 and 35. and reference materials (RMs) to help ensure 2) and the need for and use of CRMs [2]. ISO Guide 31 gives guidance regarding the the strength, quality, and purity of medicines According to ISO, an RM is a material that is contents of certificates. Guide 34, amended (drugs, biologics, and excipients) and foods sufficiently homogeneous and stable with in 2003, specifically addresses requirements (dietary supplements and food additives). As respect to one or more specified properties for the competence of reference material part of its public health mission to establish and has been established to be fit for its producers. useful pharmaceutical standards based on the intended use in a measurement process for best possible science, USP intends to develop value assignment (ISO Guides 30 and 31). RM PILOT STUDY RMs as Certified Reference Materials (CRMs). properties can be quantitative or qualitative USP executed a pilot study on five candidate An overview of metrology concepts as they and can be used only for specific purpose(s) RMs. Following blending of bulk candidate relate to USP’s standards; a history of and in a given measurement. Uses may include RM, candidate RMs were subdivided and description of USP’s RM collection; value the calibration of a measurement system, packaged into standard vials. Samples were assignment decisions of USP’s Reference assessment of a measurement procedure, pulled from early, middle, and late portions Standard Expert Committee (RSEC); and assigning values to other materials, proficiency of the packaging run for testing by three scientific issues and opportunities are testing, and quality control. A CRM is an RM collaborative USP-qualified laboratories that discussed in reference [1]. The development that is characterized by a metrologically followed a common test protocol. Results of USP CRMs results from increasing national valid procedure for one or more specified were analyzed for content, homogeneity, and international acceptance of modern properties and is accompanied by a certificate and uncertainty. Measurement uncertainty metrological principles and approaches. The that provides the value of the specified was determined according to ISO Guide 98 United States Food and Drug Administration property and its associated uncertainty. A [6]. The mass balance approach was used to (FDA) and manufacturers of medicines CRM is a means for establishing trueness assign property values, i.e. mg of analyte/mg of and foods are increasingly adopting ISO and traceability to the measurement material = (100.0% – Total Chromatographic approaches to establish and maintain system, thereby enabling consistency and Impurities% ÷ 100) · (100.0% – ROI% ÷100) laboratory quality systems that meet the comparability of measurements and results Where ROI% = percent residue on ignition. requirements of ISO 17025 [2]. FDA’s over periods of time and among laboratories. Impurities were determined by compendial new guidance on GMPs reflects ISO 9001 Traceability is the property of a measurement high-performance liquid chromatographic approaches, and FDA’s Office of Regulatory whereby the result can be related to a (HPLC) procedures expressed as a percentage Affairs (ORA) laboratories are adopting ISO reference through a documented unbroken of the total detectable area and techniques 17025 standards for the Competence of chain of calibrations, each contributing to the such as Loss on Drying (LOD) <731>, Testing and Calibration Laboratories [3]. measurement uncertainty [4]. The general Water <921>, Residual Solvents <467>, and USP’s Rockville, MD, headquarters and India framework for certifying reference materials is Residue on Ignition <281> for the candidates, laboratories are both ISO 9001 certified and discussed in ISO Guides 30–35 [5]. ISO Guide according to the USP–NF. accredited to ISO 17025 (see authors’ notes). 34 provides an elaboration of various ways ISO 17025 includes sections on traceability, in which this traceability can be achieved, uncertainty (uncertainty should be properly including the inter-laboratory approach UNCERTAINTY CONSIDERATIONS estimated), quality control (each result described in this paper. Metrologically Uncertainty in the assigned value of a USP should be demonstrably valid within its valid procedures for the production and RM becomes part of the total uncertainty

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of a laboratory’s assignment of value to a TAR of 4:1 is clearly met, and one could argue standards includes the uncertainty of the measurand in a given sample or product (e.g., that the contribution of the CRM to the total primary standard. quality control). The uncertainty contribution of the CRM must be small with respect to the measurement uncertainty is negligible or Thus, the uncertainty of the secondary total uncertainty so that it is not the dominating insignificant. The USP CRM Certificate of standard is larger than that of the primary factor. The test accuracy ratio (TAR) or test Analysis includes the certified values for the standard. Because the uncertainty is based on uncertainty ratio refers to the maximum material, demonstration of the traceability of a confidence interval, this uncertainty may be allowed error and is expressed as the ratio of the values to an SI unit of measure, expression overcome with increased testing. the ± limits of the acceptance interval to the of the uncertainty of the certified value, and expanded uncertainty. For example, if an active an explanation of how the certified values SUMMARY pharmaceutical ingredient (API) monograph and uncertainties were measured. USP is USP’s strategic plan emphasizes accelerating acceptance criteria are 98.0%–102.0%, the aware, however, that some of its RMs exhibit introduction of new RMs in pace with acceptance interval is ± 2%. A 4:1 ratio means comparatively greater uncertainty: e.g., some monograph development and maintaining the expanded uncertainty of the RM needs potency standards are defined by a unit the quality of RMs that are currently available. to be less than one-fourth of 2%. Thus, the of activity, as is the case for enzymes and The quality of a USP RM is evaluated and maximum allowed error is 0.5% for 100.0% ± antibiotics. This observation, however, does expressed by the provision of information 2%. A TAR of 4:1 is most commonly used and not yield a conclusion about what uncertainty discussed in this article. The scientific aspects is USP’s choice. is small enough. It may be that—as with many of this information are the responsibility of acceptance criteria—an a priori decision will the RSEC of the Council of Experts—and of Figure 1 shows the probability of a failing result be useful in determining what is small enough, the entire USP Council of Experts—working with acceptance criteria of 98.0%–102.0%, a e.g., a 4:1 TAR approach. This would yield a with USP scientific staff. A consensus has worst-case error in the CRM, and a laboratory quality boundary for USP’s RM collection. If developed in the RSEC that these approaches coefficient of variation, CV = 0.5%. The ideal the a priori limit were to be exceeded, USP are sound. This article reflects that consensus case would be the bottom curve where there would do additional studies to assure the and articulates a scientific way forward for is no error in the assigned value for the USP public that an RM uncertainty would not be USP to offer CRMs in accordance with ISO CRM. As the TAR ratio increases, the closer greater than the specified amount. When the Guide 34. Although further experience will be the ideal (no USP error) is approached. This is uncertainty is likely to be very low, USP could beneficial, the pilot study has concluded, and illustrated in Figure 1 by TAR 8:1 and TAR 4:1. design smaller multi-laboratory studies than the five articles studied have been placed in would be needed for candidate RMs with commerce without publication of uncertainty RESULTS AND DISCUSSION higher expected uncertainty. values. USP will continue to apply the new The pilot study results are summarized in Table approach with selected additional candidate 1. (p.24) The expanded uncertainties were At times, quality control laboratories may materials, thus allowing the pilot approach extremely low, which is not unexpected since qualify secondary standards to primary to become increasingly routine. Beyond these USP’s RMs are highly purified chemicals national or international standards. When this publication, staff will advance further drawn from pharmaceutical production. The this occurs, the uncertainty of the secondary needed communications and training: e.g., the Prescription/Nonprescription Stakeholder Maximum impact of error in USP Forum may wish to consider a Project Team devoted to the topic. USP has not concluded an approach that will make available a certificate required for a CRM. This has important implementation aspects that require careful staff consideration. Pending implementation of a certificate, the public will not know which RMs offered by USP have the requisite testing Prob’y Fai that would support a CRM. For this reason, USP intends rapidly to advance consideration of a certificate. Overall, USP’s advances in ensuring the quality of its RM collection are intended to align with regulatory and manufacturing approaches to ensure that patients and practitioners have available official articles (ingredients and products) of Lab Mean (%) the most optimal and relevant quality. Figure1: Probability of a failing result with a worst-case error in the CRM (CV = 0.5%)

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Table 1. Total Expanded Uncertainties in Comparison to the Associated Monograph Acceptance Criteria

Certified Value Methods in Certified Total Expanded Monograph Uncertainty as (mg/mg) Value Calculation Uncertainty (mg/mg) Acceptance Criteria Percentage of Monograph Assay Range CRM 1 0.997 HPLC impurities, LOD 0.0006 98.0%–102.0% 3%

CRM 2 1.000 HPLC impurities, ROI 0.0005 98.0%–102.0% 3%

CRM 3 0.999 HPLC impurities, ROI, 0.002 98.0%–102.0% 10% LOD CRM 4 0.997 HPLC impurities, ROI, 0.002 90.0%–110.0% 2% LOD CRM 5 0.939 HPLC impurities, ROI, 0.004 945 μg/mg–1030 μg/mg 13%a Residual Solvents, Water

aUsing symmetrical acceptance criteria of 970 μg/mg –1030 μg/mg to calculate percentage.

References materials.” Pharm Forum. 2008;34(6):1608- Membership for the Reference Standards 1611. Expert Committee can be found in the original 1. Williams RL, Project Team 4, the 2000–2005 article. USP’s Rockville, MD, headquarters is Reference Standards Committee of the USP 5. ISO. Guide 30-Terms and Definitions Used ISO 9001 certified, and accredited to both ISO Council of Experts and Its Advisory Panel, in Connection with Reference Materials (1992); 17025 and ISO Guide 34 as a Reference Material USP Staff, Consultant. Official USP reference ISO Guide 31-Reference Materials-Contents of Producer of Chemical CRMs. USP’s India and standards: metrology concepts, overview, and Certificates and Labels (2000); ISO Guide 32- China laboratories are also both ISO 9001 scientific issues and opportunities. J Pharm Calibration in Analytical Chemistry and Use certified, and accredited to ISO 17025. USP’s Biomed Anal. 40; 2006:3–15. of Certified Reference Materials (1997); ISO first CRM, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, Guide 33-Uses of Certified Reference Materials was released on 23 September 2008. The 2. ISO. Guide 17025—General Requirements (2000); ISO Guide 34-General Requirements certificate of analysis is available at http:// for the Competence of Testing and Calibration for the Competence of Reference Material www.usp.org/pdf/EN/referenceStandards/ Laboratories. Geneva, Switzerland: ISO; 2005. Producers (2003); ISO Guide 35-Reference certificates/1181007-K0F118.pdf, accessed 16 Materials-General and Statistical Principles for December 2008. USP’s responses to comments 3. FDA. Pharmaceutical CGMPs for the 21st Certification (2006). Geneva, Switzerland: ISO; the Pharmacopeial Forum article can be found century—a risk-based approach. Rockville, [dates as shown]. in Reference 4. MD; 2004. Available at www.fda.gov/ohrms/ dockets/ac/04/briefing/2004-4078B1_08_ 6. ISO. Guide 98-Guide to the Expression of CGMP-Report.pdf. Accessed 16 December Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM). Geneva, Dr. Shawn Dressman 2001. Switzerland: ISO; 1995. Dr. William F. Koch ([email protected]) Mr. Steven Lane 4. Reference Standards Expert Committee AUTHORS’ NOTES Dr. Walter W. Hauck Subcommittee on Certified Reference This article is a summary and update of the Dr. Roger L. Williams Materials, Lane S, Dressman S, Hauck WW, CITAC Award winning paper published by the USP, USA Koch WF, Williams RL. USP responses to authors in Pharmacopeal Forum (2007) 33:2- comments on Stimuli article, “The application 14, that is available at http://www.usp.org/pdf/ Dr. Ronald G. Manning of uncertainty to USP’s compendial reference EN/USPNF/Vol33No6Stimuli.pdf accessed 16 Department of Health and Human standards program: certified reference December 2008. Services, USA

24 / CITAC NEWS ● FEBRUARY 2009 IImportantmportant PPapersapers oonn MiCMiC iinn 22008008 Essential for Metrology in Chemistry, but as yet unachieved: intercontinentally understood concepts and associated intercontinentally agreed terms

are involved in such language, concepts Metrology – Basic and General Concepts and about measurement are needed which are Associated Terms, VIM edition 3”. understood in the same way by all parties concerned. Commonly - which nowadays On the global scene of the 21st century, means intercontinentally - agreed terms in one agreement across borders is needed on the language are then necessary, ‘labeling’ these definitions of the common concepts (with concepts. They are the tools in the writings we their associated terms) we use in border- use in relations with border-crossing nature. crossing relations. Such a set of intercontinentally agreed terms is the only conceivable base for translation into “Objects, concepts, designations, and necessarily different terms in other languages, definitions are fundamental to terminology ...” 3-4 or more. In addition, we also need to [4] and “concepts are not to be confused with talk clearly to ourselves in the first place, in abstract or imagined objects (i.e., we observe order to precisely formulate our thoughts. concrete, abstract or imagined objects in a There too, clarity is of the utmost importance. given context, conceptualise them in our Lack of clarity in conceptual thinking about minds and then attribute a designation Introduction measurement and all its features, does not to the concept rather than to the objects Metrology is the “field of knowledge only generate unclarity of the text we write. themselves” [4]. The best way to achieve this concerned with measurement”[1] , and “... Lack of clarity in our writings also influences is to define a concept for use in our thinking, includes all theoretical and practical aspects unwillingly the clarity of our thinking. in an international vocabulary and assign a of measurement, whatever the measurement specific term to each concept. Such a VIM has uncertainty and field of application” [1] We have several languages available to been available in the first and second editions whereby measurement is understood as a communicate about measurements and their for 23 and 13 years, respectively. It was used “process of experimentally obtaining one or results: mathematical equations, pictures and very little in the chemical measurement more quantity values that can reasonably be sentences. All three need adequate tools to community at large with the exception of attributed to a quantity” [1]. These definitions carry out that task: symbols, pictogrammes the clinical measurement field which is set the scene to think about concepts and and terms. These tools must mean the same probably 10-15 years ahead of any other terms used in all measurement, hence also in to all on the intercontinental scene. Pictures domain in chemistry [3], and in more refined any chemical measurement. All measurements are readily understood, usually better than physico-chemical and purely ‘metrological’ have fundamentally identical conceptual texts. Symbols are also understood rather measurement laboratories. They were thought foundations, but the use of the results well, especially in mathematics, physics and to be applicable only in ‘high metrology’ where may be situated in many and very different chemistry. Indeed, some of the oldest and more significant digits were being pursued in applications. most needed commissions of the International a measurement result for academic reasons, Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) rather than being pushed by daily practice. It is useful to think about the ultimate reasons and the International Union of Pure and That is certainly true in that one field of to perform measurements: Applied Physics (IUPAP) aim at a common measurement which is chemistry: many new a) to go from qualitative knowledge (something understanding of symbols (as well as of measurement methods were developed in is larger, taller, bigger, ... than something nomenclature, units and some terminology): chemistry during the last few decades, and else), to quantitative knowledge (something - SUNAMCO (Symbols, Units, Nomenclature, some of them have a profound societal impact is so many times larger, taller, bigger, ... than Atomic Mass Committee) in IUPAP; such as advanced biochemical, clinical, and something else) which carries much more - ICTNS (Interdivisional Committee for DNA measurements. A common vocabulary information, and Terminology, Nomenclature and Symbols) for all of them, is essential for world-wide b) to communicate about the magnitude of the in IUPAC. communication. quantities1 we use in Basic and general terms for measurement - describing our observations of nature, have been systematically addressed in the At the end of the 20th century, several reasons - carrying out our scientific experiments using “International Vocabulary of Basic and General became apparent for a fundamental revision measurements. Terms in Metrology”, in its first edition VIM12 of VIM2: In communication between parties, a language [2], in its second edition VIM2 [3] and in a) our thinking about measurement had is needed as vehicle for the ideas we want its thoroughly revised edition VIM3 [1], evolved because of deeper insight in the to exchange. When measurement results henceforth called “International Vocabulary of process of measurement, especially in

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chemical measurement; that required the “constructing a single vocabulary of metrology might be at the origin of a very frequent definitions of basic and general concepts that is able to unambiguously encompass observation that a pair of measurement results to be widened to accommodate these and harmonize all of the approaches is obtained for the same measurand in the same deeper insights; the meaning of the terms difficult” [5]. An ideal vocabulary proved material, appear to show differences which representing these revised concepts, had to be elusive, the main reason being that are significant, not because they are real, but to be reviewed accordingly; much laboratory jargon has gained so much because the measurement uncertainties of b) the need for a VIM to fully encompass ‘civil right’ by frequent usage, that the each of the results are underestimated (i.e. the chemical measurement; VIM1 and VIM2 measurement community wants to find it so-called “error bars” indicated are too small). were mostly written for physics and back in a vocabulary to support their position The revised VIM3 definition as the “quantity engineering by mostly physicists and in case they are involved in discussions and intended to be measured”, makes any chemical engineers; settlement of disputes, even on the scientific treatment of the sample to be measured, an c) the explosive development in the last scene. In VIM3, consistency between concepts intrinsic part of the process of measurement, 20 years of biochemical measurements was preferred to be of overriding importance, and the ‘uncertainty’ (variability) unavoidably and their various applications such as not the “consecration of jargon” into the VIM associated with each chemical operation in measurement of ‘biological activity’ and as frequently requested. Unfortunately, a few the process of measurement, an integral part DNA measurements, had to be covered exceptions had to be made under the pressure of the final measurement uncertainty of the by the definitions of basic concepts in of hundreds of reactions during the formal measurement result. measurement; consultation period (6 months in 2004) and d) ISO Guides and Standards were –and still during the formal voting period at the end of A further point about measurand. It is are- not written using a consistent common the revision (3 months in 2006). quite current to use the identification vocabulary; that requires an up-to-date of the analyte (component, chemical edition in which chemical measurement is The clarification to be brought by VIM3 by compound, such as atoms of Cd, molecules fully covered; delivering a more consistent set of concepts, of a dioxin) as ‘measurand’ whereas in e) VIM2 [3] “was neither fully coherent nor will now be illustrated by way of a few chemical measurement -as in any other terminologically quite satisfactory” [4]; examples of revised concept definitions measurement- quantities are measurand. E.g. f) the publication, after 15 years of work, with their associated terms (the ‘labels’ of in spectrometric measurements, the quantity in 1993/1995 of the ISO Guide for the concepts). One of them is a central concept measured is ‘concentration’ (amount-of- Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement in measurement. substance per volume, unit: mol/litre) or (GUM), and initiated by the CIPM; it ‘mass fraction’ (mass per mass, unit: kg/kg) constituted a fundamental change in the Measurand or content (amount-of-substance per mass, thinking about a measurement result and The definition of ‘measurand’ in VIM2 being a unit: mol/kg), or amount fraction (amount- its measurement uncertainty; that had to be “particular quantity subject to Measurement” of-substance per amount-of-substance, unit: reflected in the definition of the concepts [VIM2, 2.6] [3], probably has contributed mol/mol). The new definition clarifies this by involved; it is remarkable that the GUM is to a paradoxal situation. Chemists can defining measurand as a “quantity intended to still not fully understood and applied in argue, if pressed, that they comply with be measured” (VIM3, 2.6) [1]. the chemical measurement community 15 the definition of ‘measurand’ when they years later3; deliver as measurement uncertainty of a The new definition also settles the old -and g) clarity in important documents for global result of a chemical measurement, some ongoing- discussion about the uncertainty use had become of paramount importance form of uncertainty of the electric current of sampling being part of the measurement in settlement of disputes in global trade, measurement of their instrument consisting uncertainty: if the measurand is defined before in the drafting and implementation of of a repeatability or reproducibility statement the measurement to be the concentration in EC Directives, and mutual acceptability (or the performance specification by the the sample submitted, then the sampling is not of measurement results across borders manufacturer of the instrument), whereas part of the measurement and therefore cannot in areas such as clinical chemistry, chemical measurements usually have chemical contribute to the measurement uncertainty of greenhouse gas measurements, and the steps involved such as a chemical preparation the measurement result. On the other hand, CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangements at of the sample. In many cases, these chemical if the analyst has accepted that a particular BIPM. operations have much larger variabilities than measurand is a concentration of a specified the instrumental measurement. Thus, on chemical compound in a large geological Thus preparation of a 3rd edition (“VIM3”) was formal grounds (i.e. the VIM2 definition of the layer, or sediment, a sampling plan will have to initiated in 1997. It was achieved and published measurand) the major contribution to the final be developed by a suitable sampling method. in 2008 [1], patronized by BIPM, IEC, IFCC, uncertainty of the measurement result, i.e. the Such a method is basically different from ILAC, ISO, IUPAC, IUPAP, OIML. “Ideally, every variability of the chemical operations prior to a measurement method and the resulting term in a vocabulary should designate only one the electric current measurement, could be sampling uncertainty will have to be added concept, in order to minimize confusion”, but, ignored. Thus the definition of measurand to the uncertainty of the final measurement

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result, consistent with the definition of the and compliant translations be made in 30- Let us quote P Giacomo, the then Director measurand in order to deliver a measurement 40 languages. The VIM3 makes this now of BIPM, in the Foreword of the 1st Edition result consistent with the definition of the possible. of the VIM [2]: ‘All branches of science and measurand. technology need to choose their vocabulary Conclusions with care. Each term must have the same There has always been a problem with meaning for all of its users; it must therefore incompletely defined measurands. An example 1. On the global scene, clear border-crossing at the same time express a well-defined is the measurement of the amount of e.g. agreements are needed. Such agreements concept ...’. The present revision of VIM2 to leachable Cd in the measurement of a ceramic can only last if they are based on common VIM3 is of primordial importance for clarity plate rather than the amount of total Cd. In understanding. Good understanding and understanding within and between the such a definition, the measurement procedure can only be built on clarity in the measurement communities world-wide, an (“detailed description of a measurement ...” - communication tools used. essential requirement for making mutually VIM3, 2.6) [1] describes an empirical procedure understood, hence useful, agreements. suitable to obtain the intended measurement 2. Proper communication presupposes result. It is of great practical importance for the commonly understood concepts with intended use of the measurement result and associated terms. Footnotes has, therefore, to be included in the definition 1 The concept with associated term ‘quantity’ of the measurand. Thus, it is useful to have a 3. Common intercontinentally understood is used here in its metrological meaning, not concept of measurand which accommodates concepts and associated terms are the in the meaning ‘amount’. An unfortunate an ‘operationally defined measurand’ i.e. necessary tools in languages where language evolution has taken place: the a measurand defined by a measurement measurements are involved. original French term ‘quantité’ meaning procedure. ‘amount’, was borrowed by the English 4. Unambiguous terms describing concepts, language to also mean ‘amount’. However, The translation problem are needed in at least one language in order the term which is used in French to mean the Correct translation is known to be very to achieve unambiguity in the translation things we measure, ‘grandeur’ (concentration, difficult. It is even doubted whether it can be needed into 30-40 other languages. volume, time, mass, temperature) had no done exactly. In each language, each term has corresponding term in the English language. a semantic field around it, resulting from its Closing remarks Then ‘quantity’ was started to be used as history and the context in which it is used. For international trade in food and feed to be the translation for ‘grandeur’. A recipe for But that is also the case for the terms of the fair, for border-crossing implementation of confusion. Thus, quantity is a term covering language into which a term is being translated. environmental regulations to be identical for two entirely different concepts in English. It follows that a common concept in the all parties concerned, for interchangeability of That is a problem when translations must be minds, must be intercontinentally understood results of clinical measurements to become a made into other languages. In measurement, and a common definition intercontinentally reality, in fact, for any border-crossing it would be indicated to reserve ‘quantity’ accepted before any translation into a non- interpretation of measurement results in exclusively for the things we measure and not English language of terms can be meaningfully chemistry to become possible, clarified, well use it to mean ‘amount’. attempted. For VIM3, the possibility of such a understood and commonly agreed concepts translation has now become a reality as VIM3 is and terms are essential to materialize mutual 2 VIM is the acronym for ‘Vocabulaire de published on the website of BIPM: acceptibility of measurement results. Similarly, Métrologie’, the ‘International Vocabulary of www.bipm.org/en/publications/guides/vim.html their translations from one language -english- Basic and General Concepts in Metrology’. to 30-40 other languages, must be realized and Both the English and French languages are The use of VIM3 should go further. There fixed unequivocally. Countries having English official languages in this matter. is a big need to implement a commonly as native language have not yet realized agreed metrological language in ISO that they are at a considerable advantage 3 In the period 1998-2005, I made a systematic Guides and Standards, ILAC Multilateral over countries where such translated terms sounding in my audiences for lectures and Agreements within ILAC, Mutual Recognition describing concepts may not yet be available, seminars on ‘Metrology in Chemistry’ on the Arrangements under CIPM, EC Directives, let alone understood or accessible. Countries five continents. Less than 5% of the more WTO documents and probably many others. not having English as native language, may than 20 audiences knew about the existence That could ensure consistency and compliance not have realized to the full extent that they of a VIM or GUM let alone used them, with world-wide with common intercontinentally are at a considerable disadvantage until one exception (10%). I must assume that the understood concepts and intercontinentally intercontinentally understood concepts with persons composing those audiences were agreed associated terms in one language, intercontinentally agreed terms are available. rather preselected as the announced topic was presumably English. Only then can consistent almost invariably ‘Metrology in Chemistry’.

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References and general terms in metrology, ISO of Measurement Result (Preliminary Geneva 1984, Amendment 1987 Rationale for VIM3), Accred Qual Assur 12 1. BIPM, IEC, IFCC, ILAC, ISO, IUPAC, 3. BIPM, IEC, IFCC, IFCC, ISO, IUPAC, (2007) 201-218 IUPAP, OIML, International Vocabulary of IUPAP, OIML, International Vocabulary Metrology - Basic and General Concepts of Basic and General Terms in Metrology, This article is a summary and update of the and Associated Terms (VIM), JCGM ISO Geneva 1993 CITAC Award winning paper published by the 200:2008, 4. ISO/DIS 704 Terminology Work – author in Metrologia (2008) 45:335-341. www.bipm.org/en/publications/guides/ Principles and Methods, ISO/TC 37/SC 1, vim.html ISO 1999, Geneva Prof. Paul De Bièvre 2. BIPM, IEC, IFCC, ISO, IUPAC, IUPAP, 5. C Ehrlich, R Dybkaer, W Woeger, Independent Consultant on MiC OIML, International vocabulary of basic Evolution of Philosophy and Description Belgium

Establishing SI traceability for measurements of mercury vapour

Andrew Brown Richard Brown Warren Corns Peter Stockwell Introduction UK. The concentrations of twelve particulate- tight syringe via a septum. The temperature of Mercury is a highly toxic and persistent bounded metals in the same sites were also the vapour is recorded, thus allowing the mass pollutant found in ambient, indoor and determined by ICP-MS analysis. of mercury removed to be calculated. workplace air. Coal-burning power plants are the largest anthropogenic source of mercury The vast majority of mercury vapour emissions to the air, whilst the chlor-alkali measurements currently undertaken around industry, crematoria, breaking mercury the world are ultimately traceable to the products, and the burning and improper vapour pressure of mercury. This is given in disposal of products or wastes containing the scientific literature by several different mercury, can also release mercury into the empirical equations [3], but the agreement environment. Human exposure to mercury can between these is not good, with data from also be via dental amalgam and the ingestion of different equations sometimes differing by crops, animal products or water contaminated up to 10 % (see Figure 1). There is no current by mercury following deposition processes. international agreement on which is the best equation to use, meaning that results obtained Accurate measurement of the concentration from methods using different equations may of mercury vapour in ambient air is essential not be able to be compared directly. in order to meet European legislation [1] established to protect the health of the public. The mercury vapour equation is used to Figure 1. Graph showing the relative In the UK, NPL operates the UK heavy metals calculate the mass of mercury withdrawn difference between the four most monitoring network [2] on behalf of the from a ‘bell-jar’ calibration device (see Figure commonly used empirical equations for Government’s Department for Environment, 2) containing a small amount of elemental the vapour pressure of mercury. The data Food and Rural Affairs. This network requires mercury. A saturated vapour of mercury is plotted relative to the vapour pressure the measurement of the mercury vapour develops within the bell-jar, and a known calculated by the most commonly used concentration at 15 monitoring sites across the volume of this vapour is sampled with a gas- equation, that in ISO 6978-2 [4].

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mercury vapour concentration in the bell- Also, as adsorption tubes were dosed for jar could be linked to the SI by the novel approximately 24 hours to enable a sufficient traceability chain shown in Figure 3b. Note that mass of mercury to be collected, the output the order of the traceability hierarchy in Figure of the dynamic mercury generator had to be 3b is different to that shown in Figure 3a as the demonstrated to be stable over long periods bell-jar is now positioned below the mercury of time. This was achieved by calculating vapour generator – this difference arises as the Allan deviation from the response of the the dynamic mercury vapour generator is now mercury generator over this extended time directly traceable to standards of mass. period, which was shown to generate no significant drift.

Finally, the accuracy of the atomic fluorescence analysis of the adsorption tubes dosed Figure 2. The ‘bell-jar’ calibration with smaller masses of mercury apparatus used to provide a known was improved by using a drift volume of mercury-saturated air for correction procedure, where calibration of the mercury vapour the response of the instrument analyser. to a known mass of mercury was measured regularly during For automatic measurements, calibration may the course of the analysis. A also take place by means of a dynamic mercury polynomial function was fitted vapour generator, which produces mercury- to these data, and subsequently saturated air by flowing a constant stream applied to the instrument of clean air through a chamber containing responses obtained from all a heated mercury reservoir. This dynamic calibration injections and mercury vapour generator is therefore in turn analyses of the dosed tubes. ultimately traceable to the vapour pressure of mercury and the bell-jar. The full traceability Figure 3. Traceability chains for mercury chain for these measurements is shown is vapour measurements: traditional Figure 3a. (Figure 3a), and novel (as demonstrated Results in this work) (Figure 3b). The arrows The results from the study are summarised This article provides an overview of recent represent the direction in which the in Figure 4, which shows the relationship work at undertaken at NPL [5], which has traceability hierarchy descends. between the drift-corrected instrumental for the first time linked directly mercury response and the mass of mercury for three vapour measurements to standards of sets of data: mass, thus establishing traceability for these Experimental challenges measurements to the SI system of units. The A number of experimental challenges were (1)‘Bell-jar’: Mass of mercury determined from work was carried out in collaboration with overcome during the course of the work. the volume of saturated mercury vapour PS Analytical (www.psanalytical.com), a UK Firstly, In order to weigh the small amount of injected from a syringe and the saturated company specialising in instrumentation for mercury collected on the tube (a mass of only mercury vapour equation. trace elemental analysis. approximately 140 μg on a tube weighing 8 g, (2)‘Sampled tubes – gravimetric’: Mass of i.e. less than 2 parts in 105), a high accuracy mercury determined from the mass output SI traceability has been achieved by collecting (1 μg resolution) balance with a custom- rate determined by gravimetry, multiplied the output from a dynamic mercury generator built pan was used, with precautions taken by the sampling time. over a period of time long enough such that to eliminate the effects of static charges. A (3)‘Sampled tubes – generator’: Mass of the amount of mercury accumulated on buoyancy correction was also applied to all mercury determined from the mass output an adsorption tube could be determined measurements – this is crucial for a weighing rate determined from the instrument gravimetrically. The mass output rate of of such accuracy, as a change in air pressure settings, multiplied by the sampling time. mercury calculated from this procedure was of only 20 mbar between the weighings before then used to dose other adsorption tubes with and after sampling (a realistic scenario in the In order to enable each set of data to be seen much smaller masses of mercury, similar to United Kingdom) would change the true mass clearly, x-axis offsets of 100 ng and 250 ng have the masses removed from the bell-jar during of the tube by over 70 μg – equivalent to half been applied to the second and third data sets calibration. Using this approach, the saturated the mass of mercury collected. respectively.

● 29 / CITAC NEWS ● FEBRUARY 2008 CITAC NEWS FEBRUARY 2009 / 29 IImportantmportant PPapersapers oonn MMiCiC iinn 22008008

their expanded uncertainties. The agreement of, and a proposal for, the most accurate between the first two sets of data (‘bell-jar’ method for the calibration of mercury vapour and ‘sampled tubes – gravimetric’) shows that measurements [8] and an investigation into when using the most common equation for the calibration of a mercury vapour indicator the vapour pressure of mercury [6]: for occupational exposure measurements [9].

References 1. European Parliament and Council of the European Union Directive 2004/107/EC the predicted mercury masses are compatible of 15 December 2004 relating to arsenic, with those determined using a method traceable cadmium, mercury, nickel and polycyclic to the SI system of units through the unbroken aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient chain of traceability shown in Figure 3b. air, Official Journal of the European Figure 4. Plot of corrected instrumental Communities, 2005, L23, 3–16. response against mass of mercury for In the above equation, yHg is the saturated 2. R. J. C. Brown, R. E. Yardley, D. Muhunthan, three sets of data: (1) ‘bell-jar’ [•]; (2) mass concentration of mercury vapour in D. M. Butterfield, M. Williams, P. T. air; T is the temperature of saturated vapour Woods, A. S. Brown and S. L. Goddard, ‘sampled tubes – gravimetric’ [■, x-axis offset by 100 ng], (3) ‘sampled tubes – inside the bell-jar; A, B and D are empirically- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, determined constants equal to -8.1344, 2008, 142, 127-140. generator’ [▲, x-axis offset by 250 ng]. . . -1 3,240.9 K and 3,216,522 K ng ml respectively; 3. M. L. Huber, A. Laesecke and D. G. Friend, To investigate the agreement of the three and δ is the deviation of the theoretical Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, data sets, generalised least-squares (GLS) fits saturated vapour mass concentration of 2006, 45, 7351-7361. were performed to the data (thus taking into mercury in the bell-jar from reality, which was 4. International Standard ISO 6978-2:2003, account the uncertainties inherent in both the assigned a value of unity for this study. Natural gas - Determination of mercury - Part x-axis and y-axis data). The GLS output quantity 2: Sampling of mercury by amalgamation compared is the gradient of the calibration Conclusions on gold/platinum alloy. curve, which is effectively the drift corrected The agreement between the data in Table 5. A. S. Brown, R. J. C. Brown, W. T. Corns and sensitivity of the instrument. Variations in 1 shows that this work has confirmed that a P. B. Stockwell, Analyst, 2008, 133, 946-953. the masses of mercury determined for the direct traceability link may be made between 6. R. Dumarey, E. Temmerman, R. Dams and three sets of data mean that individual points measurements of mercury vapour in ambient J. Hoste, Analytica Chimica Acta, 1985, 170, from different data sets cannot be compared air and the SI. Thus in theory, SI traceable 337-340. directly, but they can be compared as part of measurements can either be made directly, 7. R. J. C. Brown, A. S. Brown, R. E. Yardley, W. a set of points (the calibration relationship) using the mass output of the mercury vapour T. Corns and P. B. Stockwell, Atmospheric that define the sensitivity of the instrumental generator, or indirectly, using this mass output Environment, 2008, 42, 2504-2517. response. to provide a calibration of the expected mass 8. R. J. C. Brown and A. S. Brown, Analyst, concentration of mercury saturated air within 2008, 133, 1611-1618. the bell jar apparatus. Importantly, this method 9. R. J. C. Brown, A. S. Brown, W. T. Corns and Dataset Gradient does not need any knowledge of the predicted P. B. Stockwell, Instrumentation Science (1) Bell-jar 35.9 ± 1.6 output of the mercury vapour generator, or and Technology, 2008, 36, 611–622. (2) Sampled tubes-gravimetric 30.9 ± 3.7 even how it operates; it only requires that its mass output rate, and the rate at which the This article is a summary and update of the (3) Sampled tubes-generator 34.4 ± 2.2 output is sampled, has a variability or drift CITAC Award winning paper published by the over time which is minor in comparison to the authors in Analyst (2008) 133:946-953. Table 1: Gradient and expanded ability to perform an analysis of the mercury uncertainty of the linear best fit obtained collected on an adsorption tube. Dr. Andrew S. Brown by GLS analysis of the three data sets in Dr. Richard J.C. Brown Figure 4. Related studies NPL, UK Other related research carried out at NPL The calculated gradients of each line are includes the publication of a practical Dr. Warren T. Corns shown in Table 1 where it can be seen that uncertainty budget for the measurement of Prof. Peter B. Stockwell all three values agree with each other within mercury vapour in ambient air [7], assessment PS Analytical Ltd, UK

30 / CITAC NEWS ● FEBRUARY 2009 MMeetinge e t i n g RReportse p o r t s The Metrology Track at the 17th International Conference of the Israel Society for Quality November 18-20, 2008, Jerusalem, Israel

The conference was organized by the Israel greeted the participants on behalf of CITAC, The second session was "Measurement Society for Quality in cooperation with the using some minutes and slides to promote of Nano-particles and Interpretation of American Society for Quality, Co-operation the CITAC structure and mission. Then Interlaboratory Comparison and Sampling on International Traceability in Analytical Prof. Franz Ulberth, Institute for Reference Results". One of the most attractive lectures at Chemistry (CITAC), the Israeli Metrological Materials and Measurements, Joint Research this session was delivered by Dr. Inna Popov, Society, Israel Laboratory Accreditation Center, European Commission, delivered a the Nano-Science Center of the Hebrew Authority and some other institutions. brilliant plenary lecture "Reference Materials University of Jerusalem. She discussed and Measurement in the Quality Infrastructure results of the international project for study Due to the current world economic upheaval, in Europe and Beyond". The lecture was of nano-crystalline silicone spheres prepared participation decreased from the usual 2000 sponsored by System Advanced Laboratories by plasma-chemical technique, in which participants to 1400, but nevertheless it was a Ltd., Israel. the CITAC members Prof. Yury Karpov and diversified meeting. Dr. Vasilissa Baranovskaya (representing GIREDMET, Russia) and I (representing INPL, The long standing tradition of the biannual Israel) were involved. Another interesting International Conferences on Quality in Israel is lecture was presented by Prof. Vladimir to discuss quality problems with metrologists. Okrepilov, Test-St.Petersburg, Russia: "Quality The 17th Conference in Jerusalem brought in Nanoscale Sector: Role of Metrology and together specialists in quality and a group Standardization". I reported at this session of experts with outstanding knowledge of on the development of the IUPAC/CITAC metrology and its application to real problems, Guide for selection and use of PT schemes for in particular those related to quality of life and a limited number of participants, now under trade. review process in IUPAC. Dr. Orna Dreazen, Consultant, Israel, delivered a lecture "How does the Uncertainty of Sampling Affect Interpretation of Measurement Results?". Prof. Franz Ulberth The third session was dedicated to the history After the plenary session, participants had of metrology and its noticeable developments. time for visiting the exhibition and posters. In particular, uncertainty of vitamin B1 At the ALD booth, one could buy books of measurement in baby food was discussed by Dr. Zigmund Bluvband. His book, "Quality's Dr. Itzhak Skalski, Bactochem, Israel. This Greatest Hits. Classic Wisdom from the topic is very "hot" in Israel, where some babies Leaders of Quality", ASQ Quality Press, USA, even died from the vitamin deficiency in the 2002, attracted my attention for its depth and food produced by "Remedia", a company splendid sense of humor. recently indicted and now on trial. Dr. Zigmund Bluvband Three consecutive sessions on metrology took It was long, nice and fruitful conference day The metrology track was organized on the place in continuation of the Metrology Track. for all of us, completed with a night tour of second day of the conference, November Jerusalem. The participants were thankful to 19, 2008. It started with plenary greetings by The first, "Terminology, Statistics and the PCO - ISAS International Seminars - who Mr. Oren Nakar, Conference Chair, Quality Software in Measurements" included a lecture organized the technical part of the conference Manager of Motorola Israel; Dr. Zigmund by Prof. Yury Adler, Moscow Institute of Steel very professionally. Bluvband, President of ALD Ltd and former and Alloys, Russia, titled "Statistical Thinking President of the Israel Society for Quality; and and Metrology: Enemies or Friends?!". When Mr. Gregory Watson, Chairman and Managing summarizing the heated discussion, I quoted Dr. Ilya Kuselman Partner of Business Excellence Solutions - a Dr. Zigmund Bluvband's comment from his CITAC Chairman Finland based company - and President-elect book: "Statistics are like a bikini - what shows INPL of the International Academy for Quality. I also is real, but what's hidden is vital". Israel

● 31 / CITAC NEWS ● FEBRUARY 2008 CITAC NEWS FEBRUARY 2009 / 31 MMeetinge e t i n g RReportse p o r t s The 6th Eurachem Workshop on PT/EQAS in Rome, Italy Focus on standardization and new developments

The 6th Workshop on with a limited number Proficiency Testing/ of participants (the External Quality draft guideline will be Assessment in Analytical available on the IUPAC Chemistry, Microbiology website, www.iupac.org and Laboratory Medicine, and the CITAC website organised by EURACHEM, www.citac.cc). Ian Mann jointly with CITAC and (SAS, Switzerland) EQALM, was held in Rome, and Antonio Menditto Italy, on the 6-7 October (ISS, Italy) lead the 2008. Several Italian training sessions on organizations, including the “Selection, use and public research institutes interpretation of PT/ devoted to public health, EQA Schemes”, based metrology, environmental on the draft revision of protection and innovative a joint EA-EURACHEM- technologies, as well as EUROLAB document, the accreditation bodies expected to be released and the standardisation in 2009. Both courses body for chemical were complemented by industry, worked together practical exercises. to make this event A book of abstracts possible and to promote Niewöhner (Bundeskriminalamt, Germany) was distributed to the the knowledge and practice of PT/EQA in who described the PT scheme for gunshot participants and is available on-line at the Italy. As at previous workshops, the scientific residues. The end-user perspective on PT/EQA Workshop Website www.iss.it/eurachem. Full programme included both key-note lectures, was presented by Magnus Holmgren, Quality proceedings of the event, covering keynote associated working groups and poster sessions. Manager of SP Technical Research Institute of lectures, working group discussions and poster Special attention was given to the draft ISO/ Sweden. Maria Belli of the Metrology Service of contributions, subjected to peer-review, will be IEC standard for PT/EQA, with Daniel Tholen, the Environmental Institute of Italy summarised published as a special issue of Accreditation the convenor of the CASCO Group, reporting the current practice and guidance regarding and Quality Assurance (Springer Verlag), on the latest development[1]. Key aspects the quality of test materials used in PT/EQA as expected during 2009. Copies of the speakers’ of the developments of PT/EQA within the well as perspectives and future developments. presentations and the Working Groups European Union area were illustrated by Philip Two hundred and forty-four participants from summaries are available at the Workshop Taylor (EC JRC IRMM) in the light of the recent 47 countries [see box] attended the Workshop Website www.iss.it/eurachem and the decisions of the European Parliament and the sessions and provided an important input to EURACHEM Website at www.eurachem.org. Council on strategies for the marketing of the discussion in the Working Groups as well Based on the participant evaluation of the products and the consequent requirements as to the poster sessions with 74 accepted Workshop and Training Courses indicating for accreditation and market surveillance[2,3]. poster contributions. overall satisfaction with the scientific content The prospective over the wider world was and the structure of the event, although some given by Abdulghani Shakashiro (IAEA) who The two half-day training courses planned wished for more time for poster presentation, reported on the activities of the Agency to to precede the Workshop were subscribed the event seems to have met its expectation support the quality of measurements and by 140 and 130 trainees. Such eager demand and provided input for a next workshop, now comparability of analytical results in developing could only be satisfied thanks to the trainers scheduled for the autumn of 2011. countries. New developments in important who agreed to run two sessions of each and emerging fields of PT were addressed by course. Michael Koch (Universität Stuttgart, Support to the 6th Workshop from EPTIS, Annette Thomas (WEQAS, UK) who discussed Germany) and Piotr Robouch (EC JRC IRMM) EuCheMS, International Laboratory the issues associated with frequency of PT/ illustrated the mysteries of “Statistics for PT/ Accreditation Cooperation, European EQA; Tommy Šlapokas (Swedish National EQA Schemes” to an attentive audience and Commission's Joint Research Centre Institute Food Administration), who reported about Ilya Kuselman (INPL, Israel) presented the for Reference Materials and Measurements the key issues of the organization of PT/EQA new guidelines from IUPAC and CITAC for the and LGC Standards is gratefully acknowledged. for microbiology in drinking water and Ludwig organization and data treatment in PT/EQA In addition, the International Atomic Energy

32 / CITAC NEWS ● FEBRUARY 2009 MMeetinge e t i n g RReportse p o r t s

Agency, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt 3. Regulation (EC) N. 765/2008 of The European (Germany) and the United Nations Industrial Countries represented at the 6th Parliament and of the Council of 9 July 2008, Development Organization provided support EURACHEM Workshop on PT/EQA: Official Journal of the European Union to delegates from developing countries. Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, L218/30, 13.8.2008 Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burundi, References Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Mr. Brian Brookman Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Chair, Scientific Committee 1. Dan Tholen,(2008) Accreditation and Quality France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, LGC Standards Proficiency Testing Assurance 13:727-730 India, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Latvia, Lithuania, UK Macedonia, Namibia, Netherlands, 2. Decision n. 768/2008/EC of the European Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Dr. Antonio Menditto Parliament and of the Council of 9 July 2008, Rwanda, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Dr. Marina Patriarca Official Journal of the European Union, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Chairs, Organising Committee L218/82, 13.8.2008 Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, UK, USA Istituto Superiore di Sanitá Italy

Eurachem symposium on Chemical Measurement Quality at the 2nd EuCheMS Chemistry Congress - Turin, Italy 16-20 September, 2008

After welcome and introductory remarks by Siekmann, University of Bonn, under the Elio Bava, INRIM, and Bo Karlberg, Department title Improvement of Laboratory Diagnostics of Analytical Chemistry at Stockholm University, by Introducing the Concept of Measurement New perspectives on metrology in chemistry Traceability in External Quality Assessment. to support EU directives were presented by Philip Taylor, IRMM, pointing out the general Other presentations dealt with traceable need for quality of measurement and how to values in EQAS for trace elements in human improve the situation for chemists both in labs serum (Marina Patriarca, ISS, Italy), the role and in education today. The Environmental of the Italian NMI (Michela Sega, INRIM), Challenge for Analytical Sciences was presented development of flow system to determine by Manfred Grasserbauer, Vienna Technology styrene metabolites (Karine Marques, Porto University, focusing on the major elements of University), determination of mercury by the EU Policy on environmental protection anodic stripping voltammetry (Agnese EuCheMS (European Association for Chemical and sustainable development and the resulting Giacomino, Turin University), terpene and Molecular Sciences) is an organization challenges for analytical sciences. A speech fingerprint of dairy products (Simona Belviso, founded in 1970 to promote co-operation in on Reliable Quantification in Genomics and Turin University), and EURACHEM (Bertil Europe in the field of chemistry and molecular Proteomics-Scientific Challenges and Societal Magnusson, and Marina Patriarca). sciences. Members are mainly the chemical Impacts was given by Hendrik Emons, IRMM. societies in Europe (see www.euchems.org). Within the biochemical sector there is a strong The symposium offered a comprehensive view need for reference materials matching as close of the critical issues facing the establishment During the 2nd EuCheMS Chemistry Congress, as possible the complex nature of real biological of sound paths in chemical analysis. Thirty held in Turin (Italy) from 2008 September samples to get comparable results. Emons posters completed the survey, analyzing 16th to 20th a symposium on Chemical presented examples from current research issues that range from new trends and method Measurement Quality: Societal Impacts and development programmes at IRMM on developments, to specific analytical, procedural was organized by the EuCheMS Division of GMOs, genetic testing, human biomarkers and monitoring problems in environment, Analytical Chemistry (DAC) in cooperation with and microbiological analysis. In the clinical health and food control. sector, accredited reference (calibration) Eurachem. Main topics were the challenges, Dr. Bertil Magnusson laboratories have been established, which perspectives and impacts of measurement SP Technical Research Institute of provide reference measurement services for quality in analytical chemistry on various Sweden societal activities. Oral contributions and setting target values in proficiency testing but posters covered areas such as environment, also to diagnostic kit manufacturers. Several Dr. Enzo Ferrara health, industry, trade, and forensics. achievements were presented by Lothar INRIM, Italy

● 33 / CITAC NEWS ● FEBRUARY 2008 CITAC NEWS FEBRUARY 2009 / 33 MMeetinge e t i n g RReportse p o r t s Test & Measurement Conference

25 – 26 August, 2008, Johannesburg, South Africa

delegates expressing the opinion that more of the same should be organized for future conferences. This aspect alone makes the T&M Conference one of the best ‘value for money’ events in the world and at around a R100 per paper/tutorial it is no wonder that is has grown in popularity over the years.

The NLA has organized and run this event for more than 25 years and has established a superb track record in this regard, with many delegates coming back year after year to share in the experience.

The NLA Board at its Board Meeting in September, after this event, voted in favour The National Laboratory Association (NLA) of running the event again in 2009 and the Physical Laboratory (NPL) in England NLA is pleased to confirm that the T&M 2009 held its annual T&M Conference at the who provided a useful and interesting Misty Hills Conference Centre – just north Conference will take place 14 – 16 September background to the Guide to the 2009, and given the success of this year’s event of Johannesburg, South Africa, where nearly Estimation of Uncertainty (GUM), and 300 delegates were exposed to the latest it will also be held at Misty Hills. Those planning its future development. This document to attend should ensure that the dates are in developments and ‘goings on’ in the laboratory is extremely important to all labs, and world. their diaries and that suitable arrangements delegates were given a rare opportunity are made with regard to budgets. to listen to one of the world’s experts Delegates not only had the opportunity to in this area explain what is likely to CITAC members who wish to make a rub shoulders and listen to experts in the field happen in forthcoming years. from many different scientific disciplines, but contribution are invited to download the 2009 ● A combination of nearly 50 papers, Call for Papers from the NLA web site http:// were also able to network with their peers tutorials and posters were presented over the three days that the Conference ran. www.nla.org.za , in order to see what the over the duration of the Conference, theme is and how to make a submission. The with the usual high standard being This year’s event was significant from many NLA looks forward to welcoming everyone to maintained. its 2009 event. points of view, with the following being the A feature of this year’s event was the number highlights: of tutorials and learning experiences that Mr. Steve Sidney delegates were afforded. The most popular National Laboratory Association (NLA) ● The Department of Water Affairs and of these were the Temperature, SPC and South Africa Forestry took the opportunity to Uncertainty in Chemical Measurements, with partner with the Conference in order to announce its strategy of upgrading the capability of water testing laboratories in South Africa. In addition, they used the Gala Dinner as an ideal occasion to make various awards to the winners of the Department’s annual water saving project. The scholars were given the opportunity of presenting their projects and the winners were handed certificates. ● Various overseas speakers made technical contributions and the Conference was fortunate to host Professor Maurice Cox of the National

34 / CITAC NEWS ● FEBRUARY 2009 MMeetinge e t i n g RReportse p o r t s Accelerating Innovation in 21st Century Biosciences: Identifying the Measurement, Standards and Technological Challenges 19-22 October, 2008, NIST, USA

On October 19-22, 2008, a major international of biosystems for energy production. DOE medicine, bioremediation, emerging symposium and workshop was conducted is working on extracting more energy from infectious diseases/anti-microbial resistance, entitled “Accelerating Innovation in 21st ethanol, diesel, hydrogen and co-products gene therapy and marine versus terrestrial Century Biosciences: Identifying the from fermentation. biofuels production. Measurement Standards and Technological Environment - Steve Weisberg, President, Challenges”. The meeting was organized by an Southern California Coastal Water Research A detailed report on the outputs from the 18-member international steering committee Project Authority who highlighted the need meeting is being prepared and will be rolled and co-sponsored by NIST and the University for ways to monitor whole ecosystems, out as a series of documents focused on various of Maryland Biotechnology Institute. The develop more effective bioremediation sets of readers (legislators, stakeholders and purpose of the conference and workshop methods, grow the aquaculture industry NIST scientists and planners). However, in was to identify and prioritize measurement, and develop algae for biofuels production general, the consensus from the workshop standards, and technology gaps that result Manufacturing - Jim Thomas, V.P Product indicated some clear high-level measurement in barriers to innovation and impediments Development, Amgen Inc., described the science and technology gaps needing attention to achieving maximal societal and economic need for new technologies to facilitate by the metrology community. There were: benefits of new discoveries in the biosciences. more robust biomanufacturing processes ● Better methodologies and practices for and to understand the entire production sample handling; The meeting kicked off with a plenary organism’s physiology and move towards ● More robust protein measurements; day that featured roundtable discussions more flexible manufacturing to get a greater ● High throughput multiplexed measurements; on international bioscience policy by amount of product produced per cell. ● Improved tools and standards for international governmental bioscience leaders Agriculture - Pamela Ronald, Professor bioinformatics and on operational/budgeting strategies of Plant Pathology and Chair of the Plant - Data collection, analysis, modeling, by NMI Directors. These leaders indicated Genomics Program at the University of archiving, etc.; that major funding is helping to drive better California, Davis, and Raoul Adamchak, ● Improved tools and methods to ensure measurements in areas such as health, co-authors of “Tomorrow’s Table: Organic confidence in data and enable comparability agriculture, food, nanotechnology, particularly farming, genetic and the future of food” across multiple platforms on genomic, proteomic and metabolomics described the blend of environmentally - Whether medical imaging, clinical assays, technologies. The EU, in particular, is planning friendly farming with the growing utilization environmental sensors, etc. a several billion Euro program on metrology of genetic engineering to improve for health and environmental issues. In the crop yields and quality. Measurement The output from the workshop and other U.S., the America Competes Act calls for a technologies could help increase yields and stakeholder discussions supports the NIST doubling of the NIST budget, some of which farm incomes while reducing pesticide use, plan to expand programs in the biosciences will likely be for bioscience-related programs. fertilizer run off, soil erosion and enable by leveraging its multidisciplinary expertise better monitoring of species diversity and in the quantitative physical, chemical and Visionary plenary speakers in medicine, energy use. informational sciences to provide the energy, agriculture, biomanufacturing and All of the plenary speakers highlighted the measurement infrastructure to: environment shared their vision of the need for better measurement technologies ● Provide confidence in the results from future and discussed issues surrounding and standards for accelerating innovation. measurements of complex biological measurement challenges in those areas. High-throughput genomics, proteomics and systems; and thereby; Medicine - Leroy Hood, President, metabolomics are needed along with validation ● Enable increased innovation. Institute for Systems Biology, described services for new measurement technologies as It is clear that, now and into the foreseeable his vision for P4 medicine - that is they become available. future, bioscience-related innovations will personalized, predictive, preventative have an increasing impact in the fields of and participatory. Dr. Hood highlighted The workshop that followed involved energy, national security, the environment, the need for better measurement tools, technical panels of experts who produced manufacturing, nanotechnology, food and integrated multidisciplinary approaches a set of prioritized measurement barriers nutrition and healthcare for certain—and and advanced computational tools in order in the areas of agriculture, energy, perhaps even in additional fields. The full to make P4 medicine a reality. environment, manufacturing and medicine. impact of these innovations cannot be fully Energy - Anna Palmisano, U.S. Department In addition, a separate “Hot Topics” was realized unless cutting edge measurement of Energy Associate Director of the Office conducted to facilitate discussion and obtain science and the ability to generate relevant of Science for the Office of Biological and recommendations on some of the more standards keep pace with the field. Environmental Research, who discussed controversial areas including: stem cells, the need for technologies to enable the use transgenics, synthetic biology, personalized Dr. Mike Amos, NIST, USA

● 35 / CITAC NEWS ● FEBRUARY 2008 CITAC NEWS FEBRUARY 2009 / 35 MMeetinge e t i n g RReportse p o r t s First European meeting on Metrology of Biofuels 6-7 November 2008 in Strasbourg, France

This first workshop was organised by LNE and the meeting from around the world, with PTB in cooperation with the Collège Français particularly a strong representation from de Métrologie. It aimed at exchanging ideas Brazil. Most National Metrology Institutes and experiences with scientists involved in this were represented at this workshop. The complex area to foresee better understanding workshop was organized in different other renewable fuels for transport. Within of the metrological needs with respect to sessions with oral presentations and posters: the Directive, the European Union makes technical and socio-economic issues, to Traceability, Environmental sustainability, recommendations for partially replacing fossil support production and use of energy from Legal Metrology and Standardization, Energy fuels by biofuels. biomaterials and to identify challenges to be and thermophysical properties, Health and solved in the near future. Safety and Engineering. The meeting ended The workshop dealed with metrology on all with a panel discussion on the definition of biomaterials used for energy production: Biofuels are considered as an alternative metrology needs prospects on the biofuels biogas, liquid biofuel and solid materials. source of energy complementary to fossil issue. These must also be considered together with fuels used today. Directive 2003/30/EC of the fossil fuels since both often used in parallel European Parliament and of the Council of Dr. Philippe Charlet or in combination. 70 people attended 8 May 2003 promote the use of biofuels and LNE, France

Quality Assurance in Food Safety and Human Nutrition: Metrological Perspectives

This training course was conducted from investigations; quality assurance in nutritional are being introduced to set a functional 5-7 November 2008, at the Central Food assessment and surveillance; microbial food food safety system in motion: these are: Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) safety; instrumentation and laboratory needs sustained awareness for food- borne diseases, in Mysore, India. The institutional support for F&N safety and role of CODEX; food safety an effective surveillance strategy backed by was extended by Dr. V. Prakash, Director, standards, proficiency testing and laboratory a good measurement system and trained CFTRI. Dr. V. Prakash and Dr. M.C. Varadaraj accreditation requirements; and capacity and personnel in the field. Many tools are available (Head, Human resource development, leadership development issues in F&N areas. for implementing food safety programs. These CFTRI) also assisted in designing the course. include: robust sampling methods, validated The participants were 13 food and nutrition Conceptual frame for the training analytical methods, certified natural matrix food teaching faculty members of colleges and course: and nutrition reference materials, methods universities from the state of Karnataka. The Food safety is a persistent problem faced by for assessment of measurement uncertainty training course faculty included: Dr. G.V. every country. Prevention is the best remedy and links for establishing traceability, among Iyengar (FSNSP, Tufts University, Course to achieve a sustainable state of food safety others. The overall beneficial outcomes are: a Director), Dr. Anura Kurpad (St. Johns Medical aided with HACCP measures. Prevention sound and functional food safety management Academy, Bangalore), Dr. Jamuna Prakash programs also require monitoring (testing system at the national (policy) level; scientific (University of Mysore, Mysore) and Drs. M.C. the final outcome) to ascertain the efficacy and technical expertise to meet the food safety Varadaraj, K.N. Gurudatt, V.D. Sattigeri and and effectiveness of the preventive steps. requirements; an institutional measurement K.M. Appaiah (senior staff members from the However, this may lead to facing a dilemma, infrastructure with a strong metrology CFTRI). reflected by 3 situations: (i) ever increasing base; a recognized chain of command for demand on assured food safety, (ii) in a quality assurance i.e. traceability chain in the Key topics addressed were: country responding slowly to food safety metrological domain, a pool of educators to Metrological concepts relevant to food safety priorities, consumers not being able to quickly propagate the message of good measurements, concerns; prescriptive vs independently influence corrective steps, and (iii) the inability among others. validated analytical techniques for food quality of food importers/countries to directly and measurements; metrological perspectives quickly influence corrective measures where Prof. Venkatesh Iyengar governing nutritional, physiological and clinical the food is produced. A host of timely and Tufts University measurements; reference materials for F&N well-coordinated actions are necessary and USA

36 / CITAC NEWS ● FEBRUARY 2009 AAnnouncementsn n o u n c e m e n t s 12th International Symposium on Biological and Environmental Reference Materials 7 - 10 July, 2009, Oxford, UK

LGC and the organising committee invite you is 13 February 2009). Submissions should be to attend the 12th International Symposium sent to the organisers at [email protected]. on Biological and Environmental Reference Prizes will be awarded for the best posters. Materials (BERM12). This forum has been Exhibition stands are also available to any specifically established to encourage discussion organisation wishing to display their products of the issues related to the development or other information. Requests should be of biological and environmental reference sent to the organisers at [email protected]. materials and their role in the quality assurance Proceedings: All accepted abstracts will be of analytical measurements. included in a printed booklet for distribution to delegates at the symposium. In addition, delegates will be invited to submit scientific Who should attend? ● Quality assurance/quality control, including This important event should be of direct accreditation, proficiency testing, and use papers based on their contributions to the concern to a wide range of analytical scientists of reference materials in method validation journals ABC and ACQUAL. and managers in the food, environment, and quality control healthcare, pharmaceutical, chemical and ● Reference materials challenges and trends, Venue life sciences sectors, as well as national including advances in analytical methods, Oxford was established as a town in the 9th measurement institutes, academic groups nanotechnology, new reference material century and is home to the oldest university and instrument suppliers. The meeting will areas, homogeneity and stability testing, in the English-speaking world, with nine also enable reference material suppliers, processing and packaging, and transport centuries of continuous existence. Oxford accreditation bodies, legislators and other and regulations. is to many more places of interest and some stakeholders to obtain a broad overview of the beautiful English countryside. It is some 60 current position and new advances in the field. Symposium programme miles (90 km) North West of London, with The scientific programme starts on Wednesday good road and rail links to Heathrow, Gatwick Scope of the symposium 8 July with welcome addresses. The symposium and Birmingham airports. The symposium will focus on developments in will then follow the format of plenary sessions the production and use of reference materials followed by two parallel sessions covering the Nowadays, the city is a bustling cosmopolitan for a wide range of applications, including various topics, as follows: town. It still has its ancient university, but is biological, clinical, forensic, waters, soil and 8 July: International metrology and also home to a growing hi-tech community. food. The symposium will also explore the cooperation, and QA/QC, Proficiency testing The symposium will be held at Keble College, relationship between reference materials and and the use of reference materials. which was established in 1870 and is located in international metrology and accreditation 9 July: Environment and energy, and Health, the heart of Oxford close to museums, parks bodies, and will look at what the future holds medicine and forensic. and shops. It is within walking distance of for reference materials. Symposium topics 10 July: Food, and Reference materials: Oxford train and bus stations. Accommodation scheduled include: challenges and trends for delegates has also been arranged at ● The environment and energy, including Keble College, which will give all delegates soil, water, air, biofuels, green energy, Invited plenary speakers include an opportunity to sample the full ’college climate change, marine pollution, Hendrik Emons, IRMM, Robert Kaarls, CCQM, experience’. hazardous waste, and vegetation Maire Walsh, ILAC, Ales Fajgelj, IAEA, Adrian Bristow, NIBSC, John Butler, NIST, Damià ● Health, medicine, and forensic topics, Social and accompanying persons Barceló, IIQAB-CSIC, Steve Wise, NIST, Roger including laboratory medicine, DNA and programmes Wood, UK Food Standards Agency, Andrée genomics, proteomics, microbiology, There will be full social and accompanying Lamberty, IRMM, and Ulrich Panne, BAM vaccines and biological standards, persons’ programmes, which include a trip to There will also be two dedicated poster health and dietary supplements, and Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston sessions, on the afternoons of 8 and 9 July, pharmaceuticals Churchill. and posters will be on display throughout the ● Food topics, including production, safety symposium. There will be a welcome reception and quality, adulteration and authenticity, Registration agriculture, and animal feeds and a symposium dinner for delegates and accompanying persons. Delegates are invited to register for BERM12 ● International developments, including online at: www.berm12.com. international metrology activities, ISO Presentations and exhibition standards, protocols and guides, and Both oral presentations and posters are Mr. Nick Boley, LGC regional cooperation welcome (deadline for submission of abstracts UK

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14th International Congress of Metrology Measurement as a Strategic Tool for Improved Production, Faster Cycles and Lower Costs June 22-25, 2009, Paris, France

In today's environment, metrology is no longer leverage of company performance. Then regarded as a costly requirement, but rather as it shall contribute to effectively limiting a strategic asset. It is an essential step of any rejects, improving productivity by reducing quality and performance effort and a major setup times and lowering costs. As a suitable decision making factor in an increasing number measurement system can greatly reduce of industrial and service organizations. rejects, over-quality costs and waste can be kept under control, contributing to effective The International Congress of Metrology is the sustainable development implementation. largest European event in this field, and its 14th edition will focus on Measurement Process Major international forum of Improvement as a requirement for product & process quality insurance in industry and metrology laboratories. Nearly 1000 professionals from Metrology is a field in constant change, with about fifty countries will meet to discuss these new developments and constraints to deal with: issues June 22 - 25, 2009 in 180 conferences systems miniaturization, increased accuracy... and 6 round tables, and in a major exhibition Measurement processes improvement in of 90 top suppliers in the field and 4 field visits industry and laboratories contributes to a large of companies. environmental management (measurement of extent to such organizations performance pollutants in the air, water, etc.), its application optimization. is a little bit harder to manage in areas such as Increasingly wider application of human safety (e.g. ABS systems in cars, tire The next International Congress of Metrology measurement processes pressure monitoring, speed control...). But will be one of the largest world forum of ideas As new and more accurate measuring when it comes to measurement of company and practices dedicated to such measurement instruments were being designed based savings, its implementation gets more tricky! processes improvement, bringing together on technical and scientific developments, hundreds of manufacturers and scientists from metrology was applied to an increasing all over the world. Manufacturers will get new number of new fields over the years. In the Potential leverage of measurement practical solutions meeting their needs and past, measurement had been traditionally easy to implement within their organization. limited to such characteristics as dimensions, for improvement in manufacturing Measurement gives manufacturers the electrical quantities, time or mass, but it is After the previous events held in Lyon in assurance that their final product will meet now commonly applied to such new fields 2005 and Lille in 2007, the 14th International stated requirements. Reliable and easily as environmental control, health, biology, Congress of Metrology will take place in Paris comparable measures help to make a good chemistry, nanotechnologies, or sensory and June 22 - 25, 2009. immaterial metrology. product on the first time. Used by Engineering departments at the product design stage, they Nearly 1000 participants from about fifty contribute to monitor production quality Both open and concealed measurement countries in all parts of the world, professionals control and management. processes are now at work in our everyday in companies, laboratories and bodies, health life. As a universal and vital decision-making organizations and measuring instruments Manufacturers shall build measurement into tool in health, safety or environmental fields, manufacturers, metrology users, quality the production process, and not limit its use measurement can have dramatic impact in officers, managers and decision makers, to final quality product inspection. Metrology major issues. teachers and researchers will meet in industry shall be custom designed to meet each round tables to discuss such issues as: However, if such impact may be obvious in company's needs. It shall be implemented in a friendly and practical manner, and planned fields like health (strength of drugs, of radiation ● What’s at stake for Metrology in the health well ahead of production to carry out effective in radiotherapy, medical biology analyses ...) or field,

38 / CITAC NEWS ● FEBRUARY 2009 AAnnouncementsn n o u n c e m e n t s

● Metrology and reduction of greenhouse Unique trade exhibition of latest technical Two leading companies on this field sponsor gas emissions, advances with about 90 exhibitors will be the 2009 Congress: Stork Intermes, provider organized. of calibration and materials testing services, ● Metrology and industrial performance, and Hexagon Metrology, world leader of high performance products and instruments. ● Industrial temperatures and new The French College of Metrology is in charge materials, of managing this unique event in Europe, For more information visit: jointly with the following international www.metrologie2009.com ● Accreditation, economic and strategic organizations: EA, Euramet, BIPM, OIML issues, and NPL, and along with the following user companies and technical centres: Eurocopter- Dr. Philippe Charlet ● Wireless measurements in the industrial Group EADS, Renault, Acac, BEA Métrologie, LNE environment. Cetiat, CETIM, IMQ, INSA of Lyon, and LNE. France

“Measurement Science in Chemistry” consortium - a leading force in analytical chemistry higher education in Europe

In response to the huge need for people The jointly delivered study program is a fully The Intensive course is carried out in the form educated in chemical measurements (analytical Bologna-compliant master’s level program of a summer or winter school. This course chemistry) nine European universities have with the volume of 120 ECTS points. The covers the most advanced topics of MiC and is recently joined forces and have formed a program is open to students worldwide with one of the main added value components of consortium, which offers a jointly delivered bachelor’s degrees in chemistry (or related). the JDP: no single member university of the Master’s degree program Measurement To guarantee admission of the best possible consortium is able to cover the topics taught Science in Chemistry (MSC). students the admission follows a two-level at the intensive course. In 2008 the summer procedure: student first enrols at any of the school took place in Celje (Slovenia) and in The intention of this consortium is to offer consortium member universities to the local 2009 it will be in Blagoevgrad (Bulgaria). master-level education in analytical chemistry master’s program and then additionally applies adapted to today’s job market requirements for a place in the MSC program. The core of These universities were initially brought for analytical chemists, especially focusing the program is taken at the home university together via the EC JRC-IRMM AcadeMiC on the quality assurance of analytical and additionally the MSC students are offered initiative, thus deploying its mission to measurement results. The key concepts of an international intensive course, student promote a common and reliable European analytical quality - traceability, validation, exchange and teaching by European experts. measurement system in support of EU policies. measurement uncertainty, etc. - are not new, IRMM now acts as the mentoring organization but are rarely taught routinely at universities. The generic outline of the program is presented of the consortium with the main task to ensure The consortium sets as its aim to contribute in Table 1. This corresponds to the average of that the program addresses the present and to radical improvement and harmonization of the different Universities of the Consortium. emerging needs originating from the European analytical chemistry higher education Europe- The basic modules are given in bold and regulatory context and to foster the accessibility wide. may be organized slightly differently (i.e. of European students to this program. containing different courses/subunits) at each In recognition of the academic quality of the member university in order to accommodate Detailed information on the consortium and program, ECTNA (the European Chemistry local conditions. It is possible that at some on the study program is available from the Thematic Network Association) awarded the universities some parts of the modules of Year consortium website www.msc-euromaster.eu MSC consortium the Chemistry Euromaster 1 are taught during Year 2. and from the consortium coordinator Ivo Leito ® quality label in spring 2008. ([email protected]).

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Modules ECTS C1 Consortium of Universities: University of Tartu Year 1 (60 ECTS) University of Warsaw Fundamentals of Measurement Science (incl Measurement Science in 10 C Claude Bernard University of Lyon Chemistry) University of Maribor Data evaluation and management 10 C University of Lisbon Instrumental Methods 10 C University of Bucharest Adam Mickiewicz University of Poznan Sampling, sample preparation and separation methods 10 C Maria Curie-Skłodowska University of Lublin Applications of analysis 20 C South-West University of Blagoevgrad

Year 2 (60 ECTS) Prof. Ivo Leito Pan-consortium international intensive course (summer-school/ 30 C winter-school) University of Tartu Estonia Practical examples (case studies) on method validation, different methods for 8 C,S,E assessment of uncertainty and their respective contents of information and demonstration of traceability Quality management systems (ISO 17025 and GLP), Economic and legal 6 C,S,E aspects (with relevance to EU legislation) of measurements Advanced topics in analytical chemistry (advanced sample preparation 10 C,S,E methods, bio- and medical analysis, etc) Advanced statistical methods for data evaluation 6 C,S,E

Master thesis 30 C

1C-compulsory, S-semi-elective, E-elective. MMessagesessages ffromrom NNewew MMembersembers Message from Prabhat K. Gupta

my current scientific activities. MiC program the ‘ADB-Methane Asia Campaign 1998-99 has recently started in India and spreading sponsored by Asian Development Bank (ADB), awareness about MiC & its benefits, capacity under the Asia Least-cost GHG Abatement building of human & other resources at national Strategy (ALGAS) project. Other scientific level of NPL & its partners in various sectors of work included the studies of emissions of the economy, helping in accreditation process trace gases from different sources like bio- for chemical areas & related PT programmes mass burning (shifting cultivation, agriculture for dissemination of traceability & improving residues, fuel woods etc.) and transport sector; quality, providing apex level services by NPL & aerosols & precursor gases (viz. O3, CO, NOx, designated labs, and production of CRMs are SO2 etc.), GHGs inventorization and their It is an honor to have been elected as a member some of the important plan tasks of NPLI and budget estimates. Participation in scientific of CITAC. I look forward to contributing its designated partners. expedition to Antarctica in 1988-89 and the in CITAC activities in the coming years. By Indian Ocean Experiment program from heading the chemical metrology program I have been engaged over the years on the 1996 to 1999 for the measurements of GHGs, at NPLI, a national network programme on emission/ sinks and mitigation of various aerosols, precipitation, and trace gases, apart Metrology in Chemistry (MiC) and Certified greenhouse gases (GHGs) like N2O, CH4 and from the activities related to the preparation reference materials (CRM) activities, the CO2 from agricultural ecosystems/ wetlands/ of India’s initial national communication issue of providing metrological traceability in forests ecosystems etc., including national (NATCOM) to the UN framework convention various chemical areas is a priority of many of methane campaign in 1991. We had coordinated on climate change (UNFCCC), in GHG

40 / CITAC NEWS ● FEBRUARY 2009 MMessagesessages ffromrom NNewew MMembersembers

inventories for Indian Agriculture sector the chair of BIS (Bureau of Indian Standard) CRM awareness and education in the country, (Rice cultivation, Livestock, Agricultural soils CHD 6 industrial gas committee, member of measurement traceability in the region by and agricultural residue burning) have been other BIS CHD committees, life member of extending the network cooperation with useful. It has also led to two NATCOM-SNC several scientific societies and EC member scientific colleagues globally and CITAC (second national communication) activities for of the metrology society of India. My current cooperation. providing measurement traceability in GHGs duties in NPLI provide excellent opportunities to all Indian NATCOM teams in all sectors. I am to apply many of above experiences for MiC/ Mr. Prabhat K. Gupta, NPLI, India

Message from Jerry D. Messman

in the analytical laboratory is fundamentally analytical applications within the healthcare important, and the integration of its principles community and other regulated industries. and concepts into educational curricula worldwide is essential. Commercial metrology companies such as Stranaska Scientific play an important I’ve been involved in various analytical intermediary role within the traceability and spectrometric aspects of metrology hierarchy, and I expect their recognition and in chemistry and related applied sciences involvement to increase over the coming throughout my entire professional career years. By helping bridge the wide traceability beginning more than 30 years ago with the I am honored to have been elected as a gap between the NMI and the plethora of U.S. National Bureau of Standards (NBS), now new member of CITAC. I welcome this laboratory users of analytical instruments and known as the National Institute of Standards opportunity to participate in CITAC activities systems, a competent commercial metrology and Technology (NIST). My memorable years and to contribute as needed in the process of company can significantly reduce the routine at NIST helped build a strong foundation strengthening or reinforcing the infrastructural analytical measurement burden of the NMI. of historical knowledge and metrological merits of metrological traceability in analytical This allows the NMI to utilize its resources experience upon which my small fledgling laboratories. and scientific skills more effectively such as company, now known as Stranaska Scientific in international key comparison studies and LLC, was founded. primary artifact development programs. I share the perspective with those who believe that the comparability and transparency of Underpinned by its proud heritage and I look forward to meaningful interactions with analytical measurements is a necessary and cultural linkage to NIST, the company is CITAC members, and providing a voice from beneficial goal, and when realized, is an recognized for the scientific rigor of its PhD- the analytical perspective of a commercial impeding process to the gradual erosion of credentialed measurement programs and metrology company. the standard bar for trueness, reliability, and educational outreach. For the past 15 years, scientific defensibility of analytical data. The Stranaska Scientific has continually strived to advocacy and promotion of metrological advance the state-of-the-art of ultraviolet and Dr. Jerry Messman traceability as part of a new quality culture visible spectrophotometric metrology and its Stranaska Scientific LLC, USA Message from Yury Parkhomenko As the Director of this Institute and a specialist represent Giredmet at CITAC. Also Prof. Yury in diagnostics of semiconductors and nano- Karpov, Head of the Analytical Department materials, I can say that the new materials of Giredmet and a CITAC member of many fabrication is dramatically increased, while years, will continue his activity at CITAC as the metrology & analytical methods in this field are representative of the Russian Association of developed insufficiently. I hope that together Analytical Laboratories “Analytica”. with the colleagues from CITAC, representing different countries and international I wish advances to CITAC and success to all of organizations, we will be able to contribute its members. more to the method development. I am very glad that the Russian Institute for Prof. Yury Parkhomenko Rare Metals Industry “Giredmet” became the Dr. Vasilissa Baranovskaya, a specialist in Giredmet first collective member of CITAC. spectral and mass-spectral analyses, will Russia

● 41 / CITAC NEWS ● FEBRUARY 2008 CITAC NEWS FEBRUARY 2009 / 41 MMessagesessages ffromrom NNewew MMembersembers

Message from Olívio Pereira de Oliveira Junior

result of the dispute, for the satisfaction of the I got my academic degree (1982), Masters people gathered around, was that the fish- of Science (2000) and PhD (2006) at the seller eventually conceded and the old lady got Universidade de São Paulo. I worked as a fellow one more fish in her bag. From that day on the at the IAEA laboratories (Seibersdorf, Austria) owner of the bike repair shop ceased to have and as a detached national expert at the IRMM peace of mind because everyone wanted to use (Geel, Belgium). I developed my entire career his kilogram in daily acquisitions. at the Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, a governmental research institute, It took me about three decades to understand dealing with vacuum technology, mass that the reason of that quarrel was about spectrometry and metrology in chemistry, traceability and metrology. Moreover, that activities that launched me to the international experience made me understand why a scene, presently in the areas of certification of I was probably seven years old when I trusted and agreed reference is so important isotope reference materials and interlaboratory witnessed a very interesting scene in a street in ordinary life. comparison of measurement results. I am of my small Brazilian countryside village: an looking forward to seeing CITAC fellows at old lady was arguing with the fish-seller about This remembrance came to me on the the next CITAC Member Meeting, to share the weight of the fish she wanted to buy. It was occasion of my election as a new member of our views on metrology and to start working quite common at that time to buy fresh fish, CITAC. My feelings can be summarized in two together for the benefit of all old ladies in this fruits and lettuce in the streets. As she firmly words: joy and responsibility. Joy because this world. questioned the kilogram artifact he was using technical society will allow me to interact with as the reference in his balance, he allowed her professionals tackling the hottest problems to pick up the kilogram of the bike repair shop and challenges in the chemical measurement Dr. Olívio Pereira de Oliveira Junior next door. At this moment many housewives world; and responsibility because I will have Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas of our street were following the scene and we the duty to represent well the views of the e Nucleares boys had already stopped playing football. The Brazilian analytical community. Brazil

Message from Ivo Leito

metrology in chemistry, and with a good contribute to improvement of the education reputation and worldwide connections CITAC level of analysts at laboratories. Over the has good possibilities to be an important years CITAC has actively contributed to contributor to the huge task of setting up such education of analytical chemists by compiling infrastructure. (or participating in compilation of) numerous guidance materials. I think that CITAC has great In my opinion, one of the key aspects for potential to further advance the education of success here is education. Rapid changes have analytical chemists worldwide. taken place in the measurement and analysis We are living in a time of unprecedented community and up until now education It is a great honor for me to be elected as a new scientific and technological progress bringing systems in most countries have not been member of CITAC and I am looking forward to changes to all aspects of functioning in able to respond adequately to the changing contribute to the work of CITAC, especially in society. Metrology is not an exception. Given situation. In response to this, the Master’s education. the enormous increase of international program “Applied Measurement Science” has collaboration and trade, there is now, been launched at the University of Tartu and more than ever before, a need for a solid subsequently the international consortium Prof. Ivo Leito chemical metrology infrastructure for the “Measurement Science in Chemistry” has been University of Tartu whole world. With its mission of advancing established. Both of these are expected to Estonia

42 / CITAC NEWS ● FEBRUARY 2009 CCITACI T A C MMembers’e m b e r s ’ LListi s t

Dr Celia Puglisi Prof Dr Hendrik Emons Prof. Ivo Leito INTI Institute for Reference Materials and University of Tartu CC 157, San Martin Measurements (IRMM) Institute of Chemistry BUENOS AIRES (1650) Joint Research Centre European Commission Jakobi 2 ARGENTINA Retieseweg 111 Tartu 51014 Tel + 54 11 4754 5151 2440 Geel ESTONIA Fax + 54 11 4713 5311 BELGIUM Tel +372 518 4176 Email [email protected] Tel + 32 14 571 722 Fax +372 518 4176 Fax + 32 14 571 548 Email [email protected] Mr Alan Squirrell Email [email protected] ILAC Secretariat Prof Timo Hirvi 7 Leeds Street, RHODES, NSW 2138 Dr Olívio Pereira de Oliveira Junior Center for Metrology and Accreditation AUSTRALIA Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares P.O.Box 9, FL-02151 ESPOO Tel + 61 2 9736 8374 (IPEN) FINLAND Fax + 61 2 9736 8373 Av. Lineu Prestes 2242, Cidade Universitária, Tel + 358 9 616 74 50 Email [email protected] 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Fax + 358 9 616 74 67 BRAZIL Email timo.hirvi@mikes.fi Dr Laurie Besley Tel +55 11 3817-7180 National Metrology Institute Fax +55 11 3814-4695 Dr Philippe Charlet (CITAC Secretary) 1 Suakin Street, Pymble NSW 2073 Email [email protected] Laboratoire National de Métrologie et d`Essais AUSTRALIA (LNE) Tel + 61 2 9449 0159 Dr Vera Ponçano (CITAC Past-Chair) 29, avenue Roger Hennequin Fax + 61 2 9983 1398 Technical Director of the Metrology Network of 78197 TRAPPES Cedex Email [email protected] São Paulo State (REMESP) FRANCE Rua Padre Olavo Pereira da Silva, 28 Tel + 33 1 30 69 21 95 Dr Ales Fajgelj Cid. São Francisco, São Paulo Fax + 33 1 30 69 12 34 International Atomic Energy Agency CEP: 05353 100 Email [email protected] Wagramer Strasse 5, P.O. Box 100 BRAZIL A-1400 Vienna, Tel +55 11 8458-3715 Dr Ioannis Papadakis AUSTRIA Fax +55 11 3283-1073 Consultant Tel + 43 1 2600 28233 Email [email protected] Megistis 25, 17455 Alimos, Athens Fax + 43 1 2600 28222 GREECE Email [email protected] Mrs Gabriela Massiff Tel + 30 6977 190905 Fundación Chile Fax + 30 2107 212909 Prof Dr Wolfhard Wegscheider Av. El Condor 844, Ciudad Empresarial, Email [email protected] (CITAC Treasurer) Huechuraba, Santiago Dept. of General & Analytical Chemistry CHILE Dr Tai Lun Ting University of Leoben Tel + 56 2 242 8180 Government Laboratory Franz-Josef Strasse 18 Fax + 56 2 242 8182 7/F Ho Man Tin Government Offices A-8700 Leoben, Email [email protected] 88 Chung Hau Street, KOWLOON AUSTRIA HONG KONG, CHINA Tel + 43 3842 402 7000 Prof Yu Yadong Tel + 852 2 762 3701 Fax + 43 3842 402 7012 National Research Centre for CRMs Fax + 852 2 714 4083 Email [email protected] 18, Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Chaoyangqu Email [email protected] 100013 Beijing Prof Dr Paul De Bièvre CHINA Prabhat K. Gupta Accreditation and Quality Assurance Tel + 86 10 6427 1638 Scientist F and Head Duineneind 9 Fax + 86 10 6422 8404 Chemical Metrology Section B 2460 Kasterlee Email [email protected] National Physical Laboratory BELGIUM Dr. K.S. Krishnan Road Tel + 32 14 851 338 Prof Dr Miloslav Suchanek New Delhi-110012 Fax + 32 14 853 908 EURACHEM-CZ INDIA Email [email protected] Department of Analytical Chemistry Tel: +91-11-45608232 Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) Fax: +91-11-25726938 166 28 Prague 6 Email [email protected] CZECH REPUBLIC Tel + 420 22044 3685 Fax + 420 22044 3685 Email [email protected]

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Dr Ilya Kuselman (CITAC Chair) Prof Yuri Karpov Prof Venkatesh Iyengar National Physical Laboratory of Israel (INPL) State R&D Institute of Rare Metals Industry 11750 Old Georgetown Road Givat Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Association “Analytica” Apartment 2235 ISRAEL 5 B. Tolmachevskij Pereulok, 109017 Moscow North Bethesda, MD 20852 Tel + 972 2 5661856 RUSSIA USA Fax + 972 2 652 07 97 Tel + 7 495 9538791 Tel + 1 301 320 6274 Email [email protected] Fax + 7 495 9538791 Fax + 1 301 320 6274 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Dr Koichi Chiba National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) Dr Wynand Louw (CITAC Vice Chair) Mrs Cathy Burns National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science National Metrology Institute Food and Drug Administration and Technology (AIST), Higashi 1-1-1 of South Africa (NMISA) 6th Ave and Kipling St., DFC-Bldg 20 Tsukuba Central 5-2, Tsukuba 305-8565 P/Bag X 34, Lynnwood Ridge Denver, CO 80225 JAPAN 0040 USA Tel + 81 298 61 4420 SOUTH AFRICA Tel + 1 303 236 3021 Fax + 81 298 61 4420 Tel + 27 12 841 4227 Fax + 1 303 236 3551 Email [email protected] Fax + 27 12 841 2131 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Dr Hun Young So Dr Willie May Division of Chemistry & Radiation Dr Chainarong Cherdchu Director, Chemical Science and Technology KRISS Department of Chemical Metrology and Laboratory PO Box 102, Yusong Biometry, NIST TAEJON 305-600, National Institute of Metrology (Thailand) 100 Bureau Drive KOREA 3/5 Moo 3 Tombol Klong 5, Amphur Klong Mailstop 8300 Tel + 82 42 868 5040 Luang, Phatumthani 12120 GAITHERSBURG, MD 20899-8300 Fax + 82 42 868 5042 THAILAND USA Email [email protected] Tel +66 (0) 2577 5100 Ext. 2342 Tel + 1 301 975 8300 Fax +66 (0) 2577 5096 Fax + 1 301 975 3845 Dr Yoshito Mitani Nakanishi Email [email protected] Email [email protected] CENAM (Metrologia de Materiales) Apdo Postal 1-100 centro Dr Robert Kaarls Jerry D. Messman, Ph.D. CP 76000 QUERETARO, QRO BIPM - CIPM - CCQM Stranaska Scientific LLC MEXICO Klaverwydenstraat 13 4025 Automation Way, Building A, Tel + 52 442 2110 560 2381 VX Zoeterwoude Fort Collins,Colorado 80525 Fax + 52 442 2162626 THE NETHERLANDS USA Email [email protected] Tel + 31 71 580 22 31 Tel: +1 970-282-3840 Fax + 31 71 580 47 77 Fax: + 1 970-282-7040 Dr Laly Samuel Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Measurement Standards Laboratory of New Zealand Dr Steve Ellison Mr Peter S.Unger 5 Sheffield Crescent, Bishopdale 8053 Laboratory of the Government Chemist American Association for Laboratory PO Box 20-028, Christchurch Queens Road, TEDDINGTON Accreditation NEW ZEALAND Middlesex, TW11 0LY 5301 Buckeystown Pike Tel + 64 3 358 6837 UNITED KINGDOM Frederick, MD 21704 Fax + 64 3 358 9506 Tel + 44 181 943 7325 USA Email [email protected] Fax + 44 181 943 2767 Tel + 1 301 644 3212 Email [email protected] Fax + 1 301 662 2974 GIREDMET Email [email protected] Director of Institute, Prof. Dr. Yury Parkhomenko Dr Martin Milton Contact Person: National Physical Laboratory Dr Wayne Wolf Dr Vasilissa Baranovskaya Hampton Road, TEDDINGTON Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Centre 5, B. Tolmachevsky per. Middlesex, TW11 0LW Agricultural Research Service Moscow UNITED KINGDOM US Department of Agriculture RUSSIA Tel + 44 181 943 6826 10300 Baltimore Blvd Tel: +7 495 239 9950 Fax + 44 181 943 6755 Beltsville, MD 20705, Fax: +7 495 951 6225 Email [email protected] USA Email [email protected] Tel + 1 301 504 8927 Fax + 1 301 504 8314 Email [email protected]

4444 // CITACCITAC NEWSNEWS ●● FEBRUARY 2009