You Talk, We Understand—The Importance of a Common Language of Measurement ^†

The basic principles of metrology (the science of measurement) are the same across disciplines. Increasingly, scientists work in interdisciplinary teams. It is therefore important to have a common ‘language of measurement’, to aid communication. The International Vocabulary of Metrology (VIM) was produced to provide this common language. The third edition of ‘the VIM’ was produced by WG2 of the Joint Committee for Guides in Metrology (JCGM) and published as JCGM 200:2008 and as ISO/IEC Guide 99 [1]. A revised version of JCGM 200 was published in 2012 [2]. Having a clear set of definitions should reduce disputes and misunderstandings, and allow for a consistent interpretation of concepts, for example between regulatory or assessment bodies and laboratories. The availability of clear definitions also aids translation of standards and guidance documents.

In 2012, Eurachem published the guide ‘Terminology in Analytical Measurement—Introduction to VIM 3’ [3]. The guide aims to put the definitions that are most important to analytical scientists in a context that they will hopefully recognize. It is applicable across a range of sectors, including chemical and bio-measurement. The guide identifies the most important concepts and terms requiring particular attention. It also highlights where the terminology commonly used in laboratories differs from the VIM terms. The target audience for the guide includes laboratory staff, accreditation bodies, those commissioning measurements, those using measurement results and lecturers and trainers involved with teaching aspects of metrology.

This presentation will provide an overview of the structure of the VIM and the Eurachem guide, and discuss some of the concepts which often cause confusion in laboratories.