ANAB at Pittcon: Measurement Uncertainty Fundamentals

Instructor Deanne Emory – ANSI National Accreditation Board

This course reviews the basic concepts and accreditation requirements associated with measurement traceability, measurement assurance, and measurement uncertainty as well as their interrelationships. Metrology terminology and basic statistics will be introduced, including a discussion on probability density functions and how they are used to quantify uncertainty components. The NIST 8-Step Process for Estimating and Reporting Measurement Uncertainty will be presented with detailed descriptions of how to perform each step. A basic process for the effective evaluation of a calibration service supplier or reference material producer will be discussed and participants will apply the process through a practical exercise. Exercises on identifying uncertainty components, specifying the measurement process and calculating and/or estimating standard uncertainties, combined standard uncertainties, and expanded uncertainties will be completed to solidify the concepts presented. The course concludes with a discussion on reporting of measurement uncertainty and the importance of having sufficient knowledge about the fundamental concepts of measurement traceability, uncertainty and assurance, and statistics for effective testimony regarding measurement uncertainty.