Metrology 2009 – Round Tables Sessions Presentation

What’s at stake for metrology in the health field

Measurement issues in healthcare are varied and relate to the following: tools and instruments for biology (weighing, volume measurement, temperature-controlled chambers, thermocyclers), biochemistry metrology to assist diagnosis, measurement of physical units such as blood pressure, audiometry, etc.
Besides, medical biology laboratories are faced with measurement of many analytes in various complex environments. These analyses are intended to help health professionals deliver more reliable diagnosis and improve the quality of treatment. The “healthcare metrology” panel will tackle most of the technical, as well as standard-related topics (standards applicable to analyses laboratories, the bonus of accreditation, criteria of quality and accuracy for analyses results, adequate tools and methods, etc.)

Metrology and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions effects

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions has become a major society issue and a top political priority. States make important moves to curb these emissions and implement increasingly drastic regulations covering sectors such as the automotive and building industries and all industries contributing to the greenhouse effect. Industrials set out to meet these requirements through research and development. However, they have difficulties ensuring that current or future regulatory requirements are met. The current- and affordable- measuring methods are not necessarily sufficient to assess performance against given thresholds. Besides, there is a need to ensure consistency between regulatory requirements and means of control. How can metrology help industrials reach compliance with these requirements?

Metrology and industrial performance with

Measuring is often viewed by companies as luxury, and many questions arise about the metrological function as a guarantee of measurements quality, and about the line of action to take. However, standard requirements are clear: “the company must demonstrate its ability to provide a product that is compliant with customer and applicable regulatory requirements”. The panel will address issues such as product and measurement results conformity, measurements and calibration optimisation, inadequate quality policies (excessive or insufficient focus on quality procedures)

Industrial temperatures and new materials with

What are the temperature measurement issues surrounding industrial processes for manufacturing materials such as plastics - polymers, composites, ceramics, glass, etc. - in a severe environment? These measurements are often complex. Discussions will focus on the most recent measurement techniques used, the underlying difficulties such as regulatory and standard-related constraints or constraints associated with industrial manufacturing processes, but also on the environment in which they are performed and economic challenges.  

Accreditation, economic and strategic issues

Accreditation is a necessary tool allowing economic players to demonstrate the competence of bodies entrusted with the task of performing controls and measurements. It is also a strategic move for industries, society and public authorities. How is this “confidence line” implemented? Who are national and international accreditation players? Which real guarantees does accreditation give? How reliable are the results provided by accredited bodies? And, above all, how can calibration laboratories accreditation foster the development of a metrological culture and an increasing need for reliable measurements? These are some of the issues that will be discussed.

Wireless measurements in the industrial environment

The boom of communication and computer technologies resulted in an evolution of communication protocols for measuring instruments. Wireless sensors, intelligent sensors, sensor networks can be found now on the market and prompt a great number of internet exchanges. This panel will provide an insight into the potential of these technologies for measuring instruments evolutions and applications. What can be expected from these new technologies in the field of metrology and measurement? What are mature technologies? What are their applications?