Sampling Uncertainty/Sampling Quality Sub-Committee

Aims and Intentions

Primary sampling can useful be considered to be the first step in analytical measurement, and can often contribute the largest component to the overall uncertainty of measurement. The quality and appropriateness of the sampling procedure is however, often not considered by analytical scientists. The aims of the Sampling and Uncertainty Sub-committee are therefore to

• encourage analysts to include primary sampling in uncertainty budgets for the whole measurement process 
• provide information on methods for the evaluation of the uncertainty associated with sampling protocols 
• assess existing procedures of evaluating methods of sampling and sample preparation, and encourage the development of improved procedures 
• encourage best-practise in ensuring sampling quality that is fit-for-purpose 
• ensure international applicability of guidance from the Sub-committee  by collaboration with appropriate organisations 
• clarify who needs to be responsible for the quality of sampling, and enable their effective communication with the analysts 

Membership

Prof M Ramsey (Chairman).  University of Sussex
Mr B Barnes Environment Agency
Dr S Ellison LGC
Mr M Gardner WRC Medmenham
Dr J Lyn Food Standards Agency
Prof M Thompson Birkbeck College, University of London
Dr R Wood OBE Food Standards Agency
Dr E Newman (Secretary) 

Reports

The following has been published under the auspices of the Sub-Committee:

• EURACHEM/CITAC/Eurolab/Nordtest/AMC Guide on Measurement Uncertainty Arising from Sampling.