Referenzsubstanzen

Referenzsubstanzen, also known as reference standards or calibration standards, are highly purified and well-characterized materials used in analytical chemistry and other scientific fields to ensure the accuracy and reliability of measurements. They serve as a benchmark against which unknown samples are compared. The purity and known composition of a reference substance are critical for its function.

The primary use of referenzsubstanzen is in calibration. Analytical instruments, such as chromatographs or spectrometers, are calibrated using a referenzsubstanz of known concentration and purity. This process establishes a relationship between the instrument's response and the amount of the analyte present. Without proper calibration using referenzsubstanzen, the results obtained from an analysis could be inaccurate or misleading.

Referenzsubstanzen are also essential for method validation. When developing or validating a new analytical method, referenzsubstanzen are used to assess the method's accuracy, precision, linearity, and specificity. By analyzing samples spiked with known amounts of the referenzsubstanz, scientists can determine if the method reliably detects and quantifies the target analyte.

The availability and quality of referenzsubstanzen are maintained by specialized organizations and manufacturers. These organizations often provide certificates of analysis (CoA) that detail the purity, identity, and traceability of the referenzsubstanz, often linking it to national or international standards. The correct selection and handling of referenzsubstanzen are crucial for obtaining meaningful and reproducible analytical results in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, environmental testing, food safety, and clinical diagnostics.