Calibration in Environmental Chemistry – Past, Present and Future

Collaborative Efforts to Improve Environmental Monitoring
Oral Presentation

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


Contact Information: [email protected]; 303-885-3348


ABSTRACT

Calibration, the process for effectively translating a signal into an amount or concentration, is perhaps the most fundamental aspect of any analytical method. Without good calibration practices, 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 for assessing calibration quality in both 40CFR Part 136 and SW-846 methods. RSE and Relative Error (RE) have 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.