The issue of reporting the measurement uncertainty in accredited tests

Abstract

The globalisation of trade and environmental and health requirements, supported by the physical–chemical characterisation of relevant items, have promoted relevant evolutions on how test laboratories report results from their analysis. The relevance of reporting measurement results from the characterisation of these items with the measurement uncertainty is unquestionable to guarantee determinations are adequately uncertain and the objective interpretation of analytical information. The latest edition of the ISO/IEC 17025 standard, which supports the International Accreditation of test laboratories, even mentions the need to manage the impact of measurement uncertainty in the risk of false conformity assessments. Some accreditation bodies have considered this novelty and the reiteration that measurement results should be reported with the measurement uncertainty to make reporting the measurement uncertainty mandatory. This correct interpretation of the accreditation standard and society's expectations regarding the role of laboratories in the management of the most relevant interests of the community should be generalised.