Certified reference material production in Turkey

TÜBİTAK UME, the national metrology institute of Turkey has become involved in the development of reference materials since 2000, when the first proficiency test was organized for the field laboratories. After 2009, TÜBİTAK UME has established a clean chemistry laboratory for reference measurements and state-of-the-art reference material processing and storage facilities in collaboration with EC-JRC, European Commission Joint Research Center, Belgium which is one of the world’s leading developer and producer of reference materials. Accelerated with these studies, TÜBİTAK UME scientists focused on reference material production, certification and development of reference measurement techniques, giving first priority to environmental monitoring, food safety and clinical measurements. Simultaneously, the necessary procedures and documentation have been prepared and integrated to the quality management system of the institute to produce and certify reference materials according to the ISO Guide 34 (General Requirements for the Competence of Reference Material Producers). ISO Guide 34 transformed to the standard ISO 17034:2016 which requires the reference material producer to assess each of its production and testing systems, assigns an uncertainty value to all reference materials classified as “Certified Reference Material-CRM” and demonstrates traceability of measurements to SI units wherever possible. In 2016, TÜBİTAK UME has become the first reference material producer in Turkey accredited according to the ISO Guide 34. A total of 18 certified reference materials whose certifications have been completed since 2013 were included in its accreditation scope.