Approaches to measurement uncertainty: Aligning practice with standards & purpose.
This webinar will help demystify the often-misunderstood concept of measurement uncertainty (MU), clarifying its purpose, requirements, and practical application within laboratory settings.
Description
This webinar will help demystify the often-misunderstood concept of measurement uncertainty (MU), clarifying its purpose, requirements, and practical application within laboratory settings. It will unpack what ISO/IEC 17025 and other laboratory standards actually require—and, just as importantly, what they do not. Moving beyond the perception of MU as a purely mathematical exercise, the session reframes it as a vital means for understanding measurements, developing scientific confidence, and informing end-user decisions.
Through clear explanations and real-world examples, the webinar will examine two recognised approaches to estimating measurement uncertainty: the bottom-up approach, which derives from individual uncertainty components, and the top-down approach, which draws on existing performance data from validation, quality control, and proficiency testing. Participants will explore when each approach is most appropriate, how to justify their chosen method, and how the two can complement one another in practice.
Addressing common misconceptions head-on, the session will discuss how laboratories can establish an approach to MU that is justified, well-documented, and tailored to their specific needs—without relying on prescriptive templates. It will outline what standard requirements expect and provide guidance on aligning laboratory practices accordingly.
By the end of the session, attendees will be able to view measurement uncertainty not as a compliance burden but as a practical tool for ensuring confidence in results and clarity in reporting—bringing greater understanding to a concept central to the quality and integrity of every measurement.
What You’ll Achieve
- Understand what measurement uncertainty (MU) really means and why it matters.
- Learn practical ways to apply MU in the lab, beyond just maths.
- Compare bottom-up and top-down approaches to estimating MU.
- Discover how to tailor and justify your MU approach without templates.
- Align your MU practices with quality and accreditation expectations.
About this Webinar
This webinar will help demystify the often-misunderstood concept of measurement uncertainty (MU), clarifying its purpose, requirements, and practical application within laboratory settings. It will unpack what ISO/IEC 17025 and other laboratory standards actually require—and, just as importantly, what they do not. Moving beyond the perception of MU as a purely mathematical exercise, the session reframes it as a vital means for understanding measurements, developing scientific confidence, and informing end-user decisions.
Through clear explanations and real-world examples, the webinar will examine two recognised approaches to estimating measurement uncertainty: the bottom-up approach, which derives from individual uncertainty components, and the top-down approach, which draws on existing performance data from validation, quality control, and proficiency testing. Participants will explore when each approach is most appropriate, how to justify their chosen method, and how the two can complement one another in practice.
Addressing common misconceptions head-on, the session will discuss how laboratories can establish an approach to MU that is justified, well-documented, and tailored to their specific needs—without relying on prescriptive templates. It will outline what standard requirements expect and provide guidance on aligning laboratory practices accordingly.
By the end of the session, attendees will be able to view measurement uncertainty not as a compliance burden but as a practical tool for ensuring confidence in results and clarity in reporting—bringing greater understanding to a concept central to the quality and integrity of every measurement.
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