Reliable laboratory results begin with reliable reference materials. From environmental monitoring and mining to pharmaceuticals and elemental analysis, laboratories depend on accurate measurements to make informed decisions, maintain quality standards and demonstrate analytical performance.
However, choosing between certified reference material suppliers involves more than comparing prices and product availability. Laboratories must consider certification, measurement uncertainty, traceability and whether a material is suitable for its intended application.
Graham B Jackson (GBJ) supplies certified reference materials from established international manufacturers, helping Australian laboratories access analytical standards for a broad range of testing requirements.
What Is a Certified Reference Material?
A certified reference material (CRM) is a reference material characterised using a technically valid procedure and accompanied by a certificate that states its certified property values, associated measurement uncertainty and metrological traceability.
These documented characteristics distinguish CRMs from reference materials that may have characterised values without the same level of formal certification.
CRMs support several important laboratory activities:
- Instrument calibration and performance verification
- Analytical method validation and verification
- Quality control and assessment of measurement bias
- Measurement traceability and uncertainty evaluation
- Regulatory testing and laboratory quality assurance
For laboratories performing quantitative analysis, the appropriate CRM provides a documented benchmark against which measurement performance can be evaluated.
Why Accreditation Matters When Selecting CRM Suppliers
Not all reference material producers operate under the same quality framework. Accreditation is an important consideration when evaluating the technical competence of a supplier or manufacturer.
ISO 17034 specifies general requirements for the competence of reference material producers. It addresses the processes needed to produce reliable reference materials, including characterisation, homogeneity and stability assessment.
Meanwhile, ISO/IEC 17025 addresses the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. These standards serve different purposes, so laboratories should verify the relevant accreditation and scope rather than assume that one automatically establishes the other.
When comparing certified reference material suppliers, check:
- Whether the producer holds relevant accreditation for the product type.
- Whether the accreditation scope covers the required activity.
- Whether certified values and uncertainty are clearly documented.
- Whether traceability information is available.
- Whether product-specific certificates and storage instructions are provided.
These checks help laboratories assess whether a CRM is appropriate for their analytical and quality-management requirements.
Understanding the Certificate of Analysis
A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is essential documentation accompanying a certified reference material. It helps users understand the material’s certified characteristics and determine whether it meets their requirements.
Depending on the product, the CoA may include:
- Certified values and associated uncertainty
- Metrological traceability information
- Analytical methods used for characterisation
- Lot or batch identification
- Stability, storage and validity information
For example, Inorganic Ventures provides lot-specific CoAs for its certified reference materials, including certified concentration values, uncertainty information and traceability documentation. Its standards are used for calibration, analytical verification and quality control.
Laboratories should review the certificate before use and retain the relevant documentation as part of their quality records.
How to Choose the Right Certified Reference Materials
The most suitable CRM is not necessarily the most concentrated, complex or expensive option. It is the material that fits the analytical method and intended purpose.
- Match the matrix. Select a material that is compatible with the sample type and analytical procedure wherever possible.
- Check analytes and concentrations. Confirm that the CRM contains the required elements or compounds at appropriate concentration levels.
- Review traceability and uncertainty. Ensure the documentation supports the laboratory’s measurement requirements.
- Confirm chemical compatibility. For solution standards, consider the acid matrix, analyte stability and potential interferences.
- Consider practical requirements. Check packaging, storage conditions, shelf life, availability and technical support.
A careful selection process helps laboratories integrate reference materials into calibration, verification and routine quality-control procedures.
GBJ: Supporting Australian Laboratories with Certified Reference Materials
GBJ supplies analytical standards and certified reference materials from established manufacturers, including Inorganic Ventures, ERA Waters and CPAchem. Its product range supports applications across environmental testing, mining, minerals and ores, metals, pharmaceuticals, ICP analysis and other laboratory sectors.
For laboratories looking for dependable certified reference material suppliers, GBJ provides access to international CRM brands alongside product-selection support.
Explore the GBJ website to find reference materials suited to your analytical methods and laboratory requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a certified reference material used for?
CRMs support calibration, method validation, quality control and verification of analytical measurements.
- What is the difference between a CRM and a reference material?
A CRM includes certified property values, associated measurement uncertainty and traceability information. A reference material may have characterised properties without the same formal certification.
- Why is ISO 17034 important?
ISO 17034 establishes competence requirements for reference material producers, helping laboratories assess the quality framework behind a CRM.
- What should I check before purchasing a CRM?
Review its analytes, concentration, matrix, uncertainty, traceability, Certificate of Analysis, storage requirements and suitability for your method.
- Where can Australian laboratories source certified reference materials?
GBJ supplies CRMs and analytical standards from established manufacturers, including Inorganic Ventures, ERA Waters and CPAchem.
For Further Enquiry Contact: sales@gbjpl.com.au