Referenzlaboren

Referenzlabore, in German often referred to as Referenzlaboren, are laboratories designated to provide reference measurements, reference methods, or reference materials to ensure the accuracy and comparability of results across testing networks. They operate at national or international level and serve as independent benchmarks for calibration, method validation, and quality assurance.

Functions include the development and validation of reference methods, the production and certification of reference materials, and the performance of high-precision measurements that are traceable to the International System of Units (SI). They supply tie points for routine laboratories, support proficiency testing and interlaboratory comparisons, and help establish measurement uncertainty budgets.

Referenzlabore are commonly found within national metrology institutes, central government laboratories, or specialized research facilities. They work under formal accreditation regimes and adhere to recognized standards such as ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 15189, or ISO/IEC 17043, depending on their domain. Their results typically carry higher credibility under the traceability chain to SI units and are used to verify or certify partner laboratories and commercial test sites.

In metrology, environmental analysis, clinical chemistry, food safety, and pharmaceutical testing, reference laboratories provide authoritative measurements that anchor the broader testing network. They may participate in international comparisons and accreditation schemes administered by bodies such as the BIPM, ILAC, or regional metrology organizations to maintain global comparability.