Estimation of Measurement Uncertainty for Testing Laboratories in the Food Sector

Testing Laboratories within the Food Sector are experiencing a renewed focus on their Estimation of Measurement Uncertainty for tests within their scope of accreditation. There are new requirements within ISO 17025:2017 for reporting of Statements of Conformity to laboratory clients. The Decision Rules used to determine conformity have to be agreed with the client. It is not possible to know the level of risk nor to make a statement of conformance if the measurement uncertainty has not been calculated. The LabCred Accreditation and CLAS Accreditation requirements align with the updated requirements in ISO17025:2017, with the purpose of providing confidence in the results reported. “How certain are you of the measurements in your test report? How well does the result represent the value of the quantity being measured?” This course explains the concept of measurement uncertainty and describes the two main approaches for estimation of uncertainty for testing laboratories in the food sector. It is suitable for those who have previously calculated measurement uncertainty or are at the early stages in this process. The aim of this programme is to provide delegates an introduction to the tools and knowledge they need to; a) Select an approach for measurement of uncertainty of their test. b) Calculate and combine uncertainties. c) Report uncertainty in their test reports. d) Comprehend the relationship between measurement uncertainty, decision rules and statements of conformance.

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Course Code
FS040

What's covered?

This course will cover;
• The concept of measurement uncertainty.
• Sources of uncertainty within the test laboratory.
• The statistical techniques for calculation of uncertainty.
• An overview of the various approaches for estimation of measurement uncertainty. The course will focus on the following approaches:

    • Use of Single Lab Validation & QC data (ideally the lab can utilise existing data for estimation of measurement uncertainty)
      Experimental data from Reproducibility Replicates using approach outlined ISO19036:2019 (microbial counts in the food chain). Micro presents unique challenges as the measurand is a living organism and the approach outlined in ISO19036 recognises this.
    • How to update contract review forms to include agreement with clients on decision rules and statements of conformity
    •  How to report uncertainty and statements of conformity in test reports.
    • How to interpret and trend external proficiency test results.
    • Completion of a Gap analysis checksheet which encourages delegates to consider the requirements of ISO17025:2017 and is a useful basis for an action plan.

The training programme is interactive and applies different training methods and styles to deliver the key messages effectively e.g. discussions, group activities and demonstrations. The training includes practical exercises using Microsoft Excel enabling the delegate to verify their knowledge and skills.

The Tutor is experienced in auditing against the ISO17025:2017 and in supporting laboratories with uncertainty calculations and will share experiences on expectations and outcomes by accreditation assessment bodies and laboratory clients.

Who should participate?

Anyone who requires an understanding of uncertainty of measurement and for those who want to calculate & report uncertainty of measurement for their test methods including;
• Laboratory Managers
• Supervisors
• Technicians
• Analysts

What will I learn?

Participants achieve the following learning outcomes from the programme; By the end of this training course you will be able to:

  1. Understand the concept of measurement uncertainty and the specific compliance requirements with in ISO17025:2017.
  2. Appreciate the sources of uncertainty within the test method.
  3. Determine which of the approaches available for estimation of uncertainty is suitable for your test methods.
  4. Consider the needs of your customers and update contract review forms and test reports to include determination of decision rules and compliance statements.

Who are the tutors?

Anne Marie Newell

Anne Marie is an established Quality professional with over 20 years’ experience within the Life Science sector including 7 years as a quality manager where she managed quality, regulatory and health & safety management systems.

Anne Marie holds a BSc. (Hons) Degree in Environmental Health, Diploma in Manufacturing Management, Diploma in Industrial Studies, FETAC award in Process and Product validation, QQI special purpose award in Training, Development & Evaluation and Certificates in Quality Management & Statistical Techniques.

A strong and experienced auditor, Anne Marie has completed IRCA internal auditor training in 1996 and IRCA lead auditor training in 2004 and conducted extensive supplier audits across Europe and the US. Anne Marie regularly conducts gap, pre-assessment and internal audits for clients with standards and regulations such as ISO9001, ISO13485, ISO17025, MDSAP, GMP & FDA CFR 820.

Anne Marie completed her black belt training in 2011 and has gained extensive experience applying the techniques learned. Her background in quality management & statistical techniques enables her to support clients in quality control, validation, and estimation of measurement uncertainty.

Anne Marie is a powerful advocate for developing employee understanding of the end use of product manufactured or service provided and has previously endorsed World Quality Day with yearly events involving employees, customers, and suppliers. Anne Marie is passionate about learning and has an ability to make compliance subjects enjoyable with her collection of shared experiences. She has recently developed a new and unique training course on measurement uncertainty to meet the needs of SQT clients.


What are the entry requirements?

Anyone who requires a basic understanding of uncertainty of measurement and for those who want to calculate & report uncertainty of measurement for their test methods including;

  • Laboratory Managers
  • Supervisor
  • Technicians
  • Analysts
  • Laboratory customers and end users of measurement data.

How do we train and support you?

In-House Courses
Course tutor will contact your organisation in advance. In-house courses can be customised to meet your organisation’s specific requirements. Where appropriate, course exercises can be carried out using procedures, data etc from your organisation.

Course Manual
Delegates will receive a very comprehensive course manual.

Anne Marie Newell

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Anne Marie Newell

Duration: 2 days
Virtual Training: £740
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