referanselaboratorium

Referanselaboratorium, or reference laboratory in Turkish, is a laboratory designated to provide reference measurements and establish metrological traceability to the International System of Units (SI). Such laboratories serve as authoritative sources for high-accuracy measurements, method validation, and the generation or validation of reference materials that underpin the quality and comparability of measurements across industries and public services.

Functions and roles include developing and validating reference methods, maintaining metrological traceability, and producing or verifying certified reference materials. They perform high-precision calibrations of instruments and measurement systems used in official testing and industry, participate in international comparisons, and supply expertise on measurement uncertainty. They also engage in proficiency testing, method harmonization, and technical guidance for other laboratories.

Organization and governance typically place referanselaboratorium within a national metrology institute or a government research organization. They are usually subject to formal quality management systems and accreditation to standards such as ISO/IEC 17025, ensuring consistent performance and traceability to SI units. Collaboration with universities, industry, and regulatory bodies is common, and laboratories often contribute to national standards development and metrology policy.

Fields of activity span multiple domains, including chemical analysis, electrical and dimensional metrology, radiometry, photometry, environmental monitoring, and medical laboratory science. They may also oversee reference data, calibration servicing, and the distribution of reference materials to other laboratories.

International context involves organizations like BIPM, ILAC, and various NMIs (national metrology institutes). Through comparative studies and standardized reference materials, referanselaboratoriums help ensure measurement reliability, regulatory compliance, and scientific interoperability across borders.