1. (New) Measurement Uncertainty in Microbiology
2. (This Week) Measurement Uncertainty Training Classes
3. (New) Multi-Budget Uncertainty Calculator – Version 2.0
4. (New) Simple Uncertainty Calculator – Version 6.1
5. (New) ISO/IEC 17025 QMS Template – Version 2.0
6. (Coming Soon) Uncertainty Budget Template for the Fluke 8508A DMM
6. Find a Proficiency Testing Provider (with this Database)

1. (New) Measurement Uncertainty for Microbiology Counting Methods
Recently, I encountered a client that had an issue with an assessor. The assessor recorded a nonconformity claiming the lab was not estimating uncertainty correctly for their test results.

The client had a Microbiology lab that tested samples in accordance with USP <61> where results are the enumeration of colony-forming units (i.e. colony counting). The client followed the appropriate method to estimate uncertainty, but the assessor did not accept it. Instead, they provided the lab with a guidance document from ALACC and recommended the following information related to estimating uncertainty for chromatography (i.e. not at all the same).

Funny enough, the same document provided by the assessor included a section on “Measurement Uncertainty for Microbiology” which recommended a method based on A2LA G108. Plus, the accreditation body’s guidance document on measurement uncertainty recommended following ISO 21748 which, in appendix C.3, provides an example to estimate uncertainty for an AOAC plate counting method and refers to the A2LA G108 guide.

You can check out the ALACC document using the below link:
How to Meet ISO 17025 Requirements for Method Verification

If you read the A2LA G108 guide, it provides four methods to estimate uncertainty which are based on ISO 19036, ISO 21748, and the JCGM 100:2008.

Long story short, the assessor was not familiar with Microbiology lab processes nor the methods they should follow to estimate uncertainty. The issue is resolved and all parties are now happy.

So, I put together a quick list of methods Microbiology labs can follow to estimate uncertainty. This should helpful for any Microbology lab personnel or assessors that audit them.
ISO 19036 – Microbiology of the food chain – Estimation of measurement uncertainty for quantitative determinations
ISO 21748 – Guidance for the use of repeatability, reproducibility and trueness estimates in measurement uncertainty evaluation
A2LA G108 – Guidelines for Estimating Uncertainty for Microbiological Counting Methods
SAC-SINGLAS Technical Guide 2 – A Guide on Measurement Uncertainty in Chemical & Microbiological Analysis

Check it out an let me know if there are any additional methods that I should add.

2. (This Week) Measurement Uncertainty Training
This week, our Measurement Uncertainty for ISO/IEC 17025 training classes are on sale.

You have 3 training options.
Standard: Training lectures
Advanced: Training lectures with demonstrations
Premium: Training lectures with demonstrations and 1-on-1 consulting included

All of the classes are online and self-paced, so you can complete them on your own time. Plus, you can access the training videos for 6 months (even after you complete the training), and you will receive a training certificate.

Click the link below to check them out.
See our Measurement Uncertainty for ISO/IEC 17025 Training Classes

3. (New) Multi-Budget Uncertainty Calculator – Version 6.1
We just updated our Multi-Budget Uncertainty Calculator to version 2.0.

This is a major update to add new features and functions that are consistent with our other calculators.

You can check out the new calculator using the below link:
Multi-Budget Uncertainty Calculator – Version 2.0

4. (New) Simple Uncertainty Calculator – Version 6.1
We just updated our Simple Uncertainty Calculator to version 6.1.

This is a minor update with some great improvements to make this uncertainty calculator even better.

You can check out the new calculator using the below link:
Simple Uncertainty Calculator – Version 6.1

5. (New) ISO/IEC 17025 Quality Management System Template
We just updated our ISO/IEC 17025 Quality Management System template to version 2.0.

This is a major update that completely updated the entire template.

The quality manual has been updated to better meet the ISO/IEC 17025 standard based on new trends and interpretations of the standards (both in North America and Europe). Also, more options have been added to both testing and calibration laboratories so you can easily customize it for your laboratory.

Every procedure, log book, and form has been updated to include new features, automated fields, and more tips and instructions to be more user-friendly.

You can check out the new calculator using the below link:
ISO/IEC 17025 Quality Management System template – Version 2.0

6. (Coming Soon) Uncertainty Budget Templates for the Fluke 8508A and 5560A
Based on popular request, we have new measurement uncertainty templates coming out later this month.

These will include full uncertainty budget calculators and templates for the following items:
Fluke 5560A Calibrator
Fluke 8508A Digital Multimeter
The templates will cover all measurement functions and ranges where you only need to enter your Type A uncertainties (i.e. Repeatability and Reproducibility data) and your calibration uncertainties from your certificates. The rest will be handled for you including the calculation of your CMC uncertainty functions so you can simply copy them into your scope of accreditation.

Keep a lookout for future emails. I will let you know as soon as they become available.

7. Find a Proficiency Testing Provider
People always ask me for recommendations for proficiency testing providers.

For calibration labs, there are a lot of options. For testing labs, the options can be limited based on your location.

One thing that can help is to check on the EPTIS database.

If you need to find a particular PT scheme, use the EPTIS database to get a list of all of the PT schemes and providers.

This is faster than individually searching every accreditation body database.

Click the link below to check it out and give it a try.
EPTIS – Find a Proficiency Testing (PT) scheme or round for your laboratory

Reference: ISOBudgets LLC