Glossary
Assessment of uncertainty in analytical results

Proficiency Testing (PT)

A type of interlaboratory comparison used to evaluate a laboratory's ability to measure using performance indicators, such as performance scores (z-scores and zeta scores, among others).

Reference Material (RM)

A material that is sufficiently homogeneous and stable to exhibit specified properties, and that has been prepared to be suitable for use in measurement or for the examination of qualitative properties.

Certified Reference Material (CRM); Matériau de référence certifié (MRC)

A reference material, accompanied by documentation issued by an authoritative body that provides one or more values of specified properties, along with their associated uncertainties and traceabilities, using valid procedures.