Collaboration on Calibration

Collaborative Efforts to Improve Environmental Monitoring
Oral Presentation

Prepared by R. Burrows
TestAmerica, 4955 Yarrow St, Arvada, Colorado, 80002, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 303-736-0145


ABSTRACT

Calibration, the process for effectively translating a signal into a concentration, is perhaps the most fundamental aspect of any analytical method. Without good calibration, reliable data is impossible.
Following recognition of problems with the commonly used correlation coefficient and coefficient of determination as measures of the quality of a calibration, a collaborative effort resulted in addition of relative standard error (RSE) as an option in both Part 136 and SW-848 methods. RSE has also been added to the 2016 TNI standards.
This presentation will examine whether the changes to date are sufficient to ensure reliable calibration, or whether more is needed.