Referansenormer

Referansenormer, or reference standards, are materials of known identity and purity used in analytical chemistry and related fields for calibration, validation, and quality control. They serve as benchmarks against which unknown samples are compared to determine their identity, quantity, or quality. These standards are typically produced and certified by accredited organizations or manufacturers and come with a certificate of analysis detailing their properties and purity.

The use of referansenormer is crucial for ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and comparability of analytical results across different laboratories and over time. In pharmaceutical analysis, for instance, reference standards of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and impurities are used to quantify the drug substance in a formulation and to detect and quantify any unwanted substances. In environmental monitoring, reference standards for pollutants in water, air, or soil enable accurate measurement of contaminant levels.

Referansenormer can be categorized into primary, secondary, and working standards. Primary standards are of the highest purity and are usually established by national metrology institutes. Secondary standards are typically prepared in-house or by commercial suppliers and are qualified by comparison to primary standards. Working standards are used for routine laboratory analysis and are often derived from secondary standards. The proper selection, storage, and use of referansenormer are essential for maintaining the integrity of analytical measurements.