NIST-traceable standards and ISO 17034 certified reference materials (CRMs) are not the same thing. A NIST-traceable standard has values linked to NIST through a documented chain of comparisons. An ISO 17034 CRM is made by a producer assessed to ISO 17034 and comes with a certificate stating the certified value, its uncertainty and its traceability. Sabiha Research & Development supplies pH buffer solutions and metal standard solutions in both forms, so this guide explains how to choose.
What are NIST-traceable standards?
NIST is the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the USA. A standard is “NIST-traceable” when its value can be linked to a NIST reference through a documented chain of calibrations or comparisons, with the uncertainty considered at each step. Laboratories use them to calibrate instruments and to run daily quality control.
What is an ISO 17034 CRM?
A certified reference material is supplied with a certificate that states a certified value, the uncertainty of that value and how it traces to recognised references. ISO 17034 is the standard that a reference material producer must meet to make one. Laboratories use CRMs when they need to defend a value, for example in method validation, in audits and for NABL or ISO/IEC 17025 assessments.
NIST-traceable standard vs ISO 17034 CRM
| NIST-traceable standard | ISO 17034 CRM | |
| What it means | Value linked to NIST through a documented chain of comparisons | Made by a producer assessed to ISO 17034, with a certified value |
| What the certificate shows | The traceability link and the measured value | Certified value, uncertainty, traceability and stability information |
| Typical use | Routine calibration and daily quality control | Method validation, audits and ISO/IEC 17025 evidence |
Which one you need depends on your method and on what your auditor or customer requires. When in doubt, check your method or ask your assessor.
Which should you choose?
- Choose an ISO 17034 CRM when you must show a certified value with its uncertainty, or when a standard or an assessor asks for one.
- Choose a NIST-traceable standard for routine calibration and check where traceability to NIST is what your procedure requires.
- Not sure? Send us your method and the analytes you test, and we will suggest a product.
Reference standards from Sabiha Research & Development
We are an ISO 17034 accredited reference material producer in Derabassi, Punjab. Our range includes:
- pH buffer solutions: ISO 17034 CRMs at pH 4, 7, 9, 9.2, 10 and 12.45 in 500 ml bottles, and NIST-traceable pH buffers. See our ISO 17034 pH and conductivity standards and our NIST-traceable pH and conductivity standards.
- Conductivity standards: ISO 17034 CRMs at 1.413, 0.147 and 12.88 mS/cm in 500 ml bottles.
- Metal standard solutions: single-element and multi-element, as ISO 17034 CRMs and as NIST-traceable standards. Our NIST-traceable multi-element mixes cover 3 to 21 elements at 100 mg/L in 5% nitric acid, in 50 ml and 100 ml packs. See our ISO 17034 metal standards and our NIST-traceable metal standards.
- Ion chromatography standards: NIST-traceable. See our ion chromatography standards.
Browse all NIST-traceable standards or all ISO 17034 reference standards. Each product page shows pack sizes and prices.
Frequently asked questions
What does NIST-traceable mean?
It means the value of a standard can be linked to a NIST reference through a documented chain of comparisons that takes uncertainty into account.
Is a NIST-traceable standard the same as a CRM?
No. Traceability describes a link to a recognised reference. A CRM is a reference material supplied with a certified value, its uncertainty and traceability information, made by a producer assessed to ISO 17034.
How do I check a NIST traceability claim?
Read the certificate. It should state the value, the uncertainty and the reference the value traces to. If it only says “NIST traceable” with no detail, ask the supplier for more.
Do you supply NIST-traceable standards in India?
Yes. We supply NIST-traceable pH buffers, metal standard solutions and ion chromatography standards from Derabassi, Punjab, and deliver across India. We also offer pH buffers and metal standards as ISO 17034 CRMs.
Which one should I buy for NABL or ISO/IEC 17025?
That depends on your method and your assessor’s requirements. Many laboratories use ISO 17034 CRMs where they must defend a value. Tell us your method and we will suggest the right product.
Need help choosing?
Tell us the analytes and the method, and we will recommend the right standard. Request a quote or contact us, call +91 7558317955, or email sabiharesearchdb@gmail.com.
