NATA deficiencies (aka conditions for accreditation) give you a clue on how you measure up. The question is, how common are those deficiencies? You never really know how you compare with your peers, and it can be difficult to know what to focus on. Sure, there are those performance reviews, but are you being told …read more »
Most NATA-accredited labs will butt up against the requirements for metrological traceability. Those requirements seem to have become more difficult to meet, with even the tiniest and what would seem an insignificant piece of equipment or reference material being the subject of a condition for accreditation. Many labs have told us of the relentless demands …read more »
How many times have you laboured away at doing Measurement Uncertainty, wondering what’s the point, besides ticking the NATA box? Do you even know what you’re doing in the first place? Well, the good news is that there is a point beyond simply complying with accreditation requirements, There are so many more things to MU …read more »
written by Maree Stuart It’s the question that can excite you or make you groan, “Show me your method validation data”. It’s not like we are scammers trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the nearest gullible person. After all, we’re professionals! And the same response might apply when you’re asked about your method …read more »
written by Maree Stuart I had a conversation with someone recently where we discussed what was meant by the concept “Quality”. The discussion quickly reached the subject of quality control and it was clear that there was a lack of understanding of what this term meant. We recently wrote about Quality Basics and included some …read more »
We enjoy any opportunity to celebrate significant dates on the scientific calendar, but World Metrology Day continues to be a favourite. Not only because we run a Measurement Uncertainty training course on this day. But also because metrology plays such a central role in scientific discovery and innovation. This year’s theme is Metrology in the …read more »
What if we told you that you’ll never have to do Measurement Uncertainty again? Would there be cheering? Balloons and streamers? Morris dancing in the halls? While we’d like to witness such unbridled joy (although perhaps not the Morris dancing…) unfortunately it’s not going to happen. And that’s because Measurement Uncertainty (MU) is a vital …read more »
Whether you’re a NATA accredited lab in an assessment or going through a certification audit, it’s highly likely that there will be a discussion about metrological traceability. In fact, most labs will understand that there is a need to compare results over time or between different batches or laboratories. Metrological traceability enables tracking back to …read more »
We’ve written previously about what can happen when your measurements aren’t quite as good as they should be. measure These mistakes can cost money and, in some cases, can also cost lives. And sometimes they just make you scratch your head… The Laufenburg Bridge In 2003 construction began on a bridge to span the Rhine River. …read more »
It’s entirely possible that metrological traceability won’t come up at your next social gathering. However, if you’re looking for a conversation starter in a lab, this is a sure-fire winner! Anyone working in science and technology understands that there is often a need to compare results over time or between different batches or laboratories. Measurement …read more »
Measurement Uncertainty. OK, we understand that this isn’t the sexiest of topics. In fact, it probably isn’t something that makes it through your front door, let alone into the bedroom! However, if you’re running a lab, Measurement Uncertainty (MU) is something you should know about in all its shades of grey. Let’s take a look …read more »
Traceability is an indispensable part of any quality management system. It’s an essential topic in any audit of a quality management system, whether it’s a NATA assessment or a certification audit. It enables tracking back to a point of origin through to the point of release or use. Just as any good detective will tell …read more »
We hear it from laboratories all the time (quite often accompanied by an eye-roll or a groan!). Measurement Uncertainty (MU) is something that laboratories do because they have to. Because ISO 17025 and ISO 15189 say so. And, of course, because NATA says so. Every measurement is subject to some uncertainty. That’s why the MU process …read more »
Not even a pandemic can keep me from writing about World Metrology Day! The theme for 2020 is Measurements for Global Trade. There are multiple global trade agreements that underpin good measurement. Measurements are critical in ensuring products are fit for purpose. And this includes protecting healthcare workers and the general population from the ‘invisible …read more »
Breaking news! The Guardian says “The only uncertainty is how long we’ll last”. Clearly they haven’t heard about the MAS MU for Testing Labs workshop! Calculating Measurement Uncertainty (MU) can be a daunting prospect for some people. Once they see that it involves numbers, their brain goes numb! That’s why our training course is different. …read more »
It’s a nice, sunny Sunday afternoon and you’ve decided to take a drive. So you hop in your car and off you go. But I bet you’ve never given a thought to how metrology helps you do this. Let’s take the physical car itself Your car is made so that it can actually …read more »
Our social media feeds are filling up with the doom and gloom of celebrities and musicians we lost in 2016. The world has also experienced some tumultuous events through the likes of Brexit, Trump and the long-running war in Syria. But it’s been a great year for science, with some important discoveries and insights into …read more »
The NATA equipment tables might be on their way out! Who will tell me how often to check my gizmo? So, you’ve been minding your own business and just doing as NATA says to do for equipment calibrations for years. Now they tell you that you might have to work out your own calibration frequencies and ‘prove’ that …read more »
In honour of World Metrology Day which occurs on May 20th, we pulled together a list of the three most embarrassing mistakes in metrology in celebration of measurement scientists across the world. They’re sure to make you glad you’re good at your job. Metrology mistake 1: Mars Climate Orbiter It was September 1999 and our …read more »