Part A of the “Blue Book,” Form and Style for ASTM Standards, introduces the statement of measurement uncertainty as an optional part of the report given for the result of applying a particular test method to a particular material.

Preparation of uncertainty estimates is a requirement for laboratory accreditation under ISO 17025. This guide describes some of the types of data that the laboratory can use as the basis for reporting uncertainty.

1. Scope

1.1 This guide provides concepts necessary for understanding the term “uncertainty” when applied to a quantitative test result. Several measures of uncertainty can be applied to a given measurement result; the interpretation of some of the common forms is described.

1.2 This guide describes methods for expressing test result uncertainty and relates these to standard statistical methodology. Relationships between uncertainty and concepts of precision and bias are described.

1.3 This guide also presents concepts needed for a laboratory to identify and characterize components of method performance. Elements that an ASTM method can include to provide guidance to the user on estimating uncertainty for the method are described.

1.4 The system of units for this guide is not specified. Dimensional quantities in the guide are presented only as illustrations of calculation methods and are not binding on products or test methods treated.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications

E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process

E141 Practice for Acceptance of Evidence Based on the Results of Probability Sampling

E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods

E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics

E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

E2554 Practice for Estimating and Monitoring the Uncertainty of Test Results of a Test Method in a Single Laboratory Using a Control Sample Program

Other Standard

Keywords

measurement error; precision; propagation of errors; random error; systematic error; test results; Type A; Type B; uncertainty;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 17.020 (Metrology and measurement in general)

Citing ASTM Standards

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