A look at the reference material industry

How do analysis and quality managers source and use the reference materials, certified reference materials, pharmaceutical and clinical reference substances and proficiency testing services they need to meet the challenges of working in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory? The simple answer is that starting a CRM producer from scratch is a long, costly and expensive process. The main challenge is achieving Accreditation, both ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/I EC 17034 are essential and if PT is required, ISO/IEC 17043 is also required. The answers from the questionnaire, and in particular Sections 3 and 5, will help show if the level of service, of support and advice available has improved, or worsened, as a result of the changes over time.