Certified reference materials for defensible analytical results

Certified Reference Materials, commonly known as CRMs, support calibration, method validation, instrument performance checks, measurement traceability and laboratory quality control. Lotus Corporation helps QC, Analytical Development, R&D and testing laboratories identify reference materials based on analyte, concentration, matrix, method, instrument and applicable documentation requirements.

A CRM should not be selected only because its product name appears similar to the requirement. The certificate, assigned value, uncertainty, traceability, matrix, concentration, stability and intended use all matter. Our team therefore requests the analytical context before reviewing suitable products from available manufacturers and supply channels.

CRM categories we can review

• Single-element and multi-element inorganic standards for ICP, ICP-MS and AAS.
• Organic reference materials and analytical standards for chromatographic applications.
• pH, conductivity and other physical-property reference materials.
• Ion chromatography standards and anion or cation solutions.
• Environmental, food, pharmaceutical and industrial testing reference materials.
• Custom or application-specific mixtures, subject to technical feasibility and manufacturer availability.
• Reference standards for instrument checks, calibration verification and laboratory control workflows.

What to include in your enquiry

For the most accurate recommendation, share the analyte or element, required concentration, matrix or solvent, pack size, analytical technique, intended use and any preferred accreditation or traceability requirement. If you are replacing an existing CRM, include the current manufacturer and catalogue number together with the certificate or specification whenever available.

Understanding ISO 17034 and ISO/IEC 17025

ISO 17034 addresses the competence of reference material producers, while ISO/IEC 17025 addresses the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Product-specific certification and scope must be checked on the manufacturer documentation; a general brand or laboratory statement should not be assumed to apply to every product. Lotus Corporation can help coordinate the available certificate and product documentation before or after supply, as applicable.

Documentation-conscious supply

For regulated laboratories, the certificate is part of the product decision. We recommend verifying the assigned value, measurement uncertainty, traceability statement, homogeneity, stability, expiry or retest information, storage requirements and scope of accreditation relevant to the intended use. Our role is to help the procurement and laboratory teams obtain the correct commercial reference and available supporting documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions