The Importance of Having NIST Traceability for Your Lab Equipment

If you have been looking at our lab equipment for anemometers or barometers, you probably noticed that they all come fit with a Traceable® Certificate to indicate traceability to the standards provided by the NIST. Lab equipment is not traceable; however, the results can be and will be measured against those from certified equipment. Metrological traceability is defined by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures as the “the property of the result of a measurement or the value of a standard whereby it can be related to stated references, usually national or international standards, through an unbroken chain of comparisons, all having stated uncertainties.”A measurement value needs uncertainly in order for it to be compared to other results and deemed adequate for whatever designated purpose was originally intended. The NIST, whose mission includes the advancement of measurement science, has a very specific policy on metrological traceability. The full policy can be found here, but here are a few key points: The NIST defines traceability according to the International vocabulary of metrology. It establishes metrological traceability of its results and others. It collaborates on standard definitions to ensure cooperation on an international level – something that has been difficult in the past. If you’re looking for lab equipment, you’ll want items that include a Traceable® Certificate like the lab equipment you’ll find at blue coat services. Contact a customer representative today at 732-447-1100 to learn more about the many types of affordable lab equipment we...