The Consultative Committee for Metrology in Chemistry and Biology – CCQM

Abstract

Reliable, correct results of chemical measurements and analysis, with a measurement uncertainty statement fit for its purpose, are highly important for drawing the right conclusions and making the right decisions. Addressing the complex parameters influencing climate change, the consequences of unsafe food, the costly clinical diagnostics and the health effects of expensive pharmaceuticals, as well as addressing the need for new sustainable energy sources and fair trade, require accurate measurements. In 1993, by decision of the International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM), being the directive and supervisory body under the intergovernmental treaty, known as the "Metre Convention" and signed in 1875 with the aim of establishing and maintaining a global measurement system, the scientific Consultative Committee for Metrology in Chemistry and Biology (CCQM) was created. The CCQM is charged to establish global comparability of chemical and biological measurements and analysis through metrological traceability to the International System of Units, the SI, and very well defined pure reference materials and (primary) measurement methods and procedures. The article describes in short in which context the CCQM started and developed, how it is currently organized, what it has achieved and which priorities are being set in addressing the most important chemical and biological measurement issues in the near and medium term future.

Metrology of cellular analysis: problems and solutions

“…To ensure the reliability and international comparability of cell measurements, including measurements of cell number and determination of cell functional properties, a Working Group on Cellular Analysis of the Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance: Metrology in Chemistry and Biology (CAWG) was founded in 2015 after the split of the Working Group on Bio Analysis [5]. CAWG sets the priority directions for the development of metrological support for cell measurements in the world, establishing global comparability of cell measurements based on the current needs of the biomedical stakeholders.…”

Metrological framework to support accurate, reliable, and reproducible nucleic acid measurements

“…This is achieved by promoting and supporting research, education, training, and good medical practice [16] EURL-GMFF European Union Reference Laboratory for Genetically Modified Food and Feed is responsible for the scientific assessment and validation of detection methods for genetically modified food and feed as part of the European Union authorization procedure and provides support to the National Reference Laboratories for control of GMOs in the European Union member states [5] An Ad Hoc Biometrology Task Group was established, and in 2000, it presented a report on new measurement challenges. In 2001, this task group became the BioAnalysis Working Group (BAWG) of the CCQM [22]. In 2014, the BAWG was split into three new CCQM working groups according to major analytes: the Nucleic Acid WG -NAWG [37], the Protein Analysis WG -PAWG [38], and the Cell Analysis WG -CAWG [24] due to the growing number of separated activities and increased membership.…”

NIST Reference Materials: Utility and Future

“…Beginning in 1994, the Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance: Metrology in Chemistry and Biology (CCQM) began conducting Key Comparisons, publicly documenting the measurement capabilities of participating national metrology institutes (NMIs) and designated institutes (18). These activities are intended to address the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement's goal of improving measurement traceability.…”