Terminology in Analytical Measurement: Introduction to VIM 3

Contents

This guide has been produced by members of the Eurachem Education and Training Working Group and others co-opted to the Project group for this task.

In the world of metrology – the science of measurement and its application – there is a language which has to be learned. The International Vocabulary of Metrology (VIM) was produced to provide a common language, primarily for physical measurements. The VIM 3 is a consistent set of concepts each described by a unique term, the ‘label’ of the concept. VIM 3 is applicable across all scientific disciplines thus making it relevant to those involved in performing measurements in chemistry and biology. Consistent definitions of concepts with their associated terms and symbols are essential if analysts and customers across the globe are to understand each other.

This Eurachem Guide discusses a selection of the concepts in VIM 3, focusing on those most likely to be encountered in analytical laboratories. It aims to cover chemical, biological and clinical measurements and gives examples over and above those in the notes accompanying the definitions in VIM 3. The guide is intended for laboratory staff, accreditation bodies, for those commissioning measurements and for those using measurement results. Lecturers and trainers may also find this guide useful when teaching aspects of metrology.

In this second edition the scope and structure, and the terms and concepts discussed, remain unchanged from the first edition. However, all sections have been reviewed and, where necessary, the text has been revised to improve clarity and ensure consistency with current international guidance at the time of publication.

Availability

This second edition is currently available in English and can be downloaded at no cost from the link below:

• Second edition in English [pdf, 2.2 Mb] (2023-05-17)⁺

⁺ Date of publication on this site

Citation

This publication should be cited* as:

V. J. Barwick (Ed.), Eurachem Guide:Terminology in Analytical Measurement – Introduction to VIM 3 (2nd ed.
2023). ISBN 978-0-948926-40-2. Available from www.eurachem.org

*Subject to journal requirements.

Translations

Translation into other languages is permitted for members of Eurachem. Other offers of translation should be directed to the Eurachem Secretariat for permission. The Eurachem policy on maintenance and development of Eurachem guidance, available on the Policies page, gives further information on translation.

Previous editions

The First Edition in English is available, together with translations of the first edition in Farsi, German, Italian, and Ukrainian, in the publication archive on this website.