The UK Valid Analytical Measurement Programme has pump-primed developments
in chemical metrology, through a major project on reference methodology and
reference materials. This paper provides an overview of developments durin
g 1994-1997 and covers work on primary methods for trace inorganic and trac
e organic analysis, including the use of isotope dilution mass spectrometry
: studies of sample pre-treatment including digestion, extraction, and sepa
ration aimed at improving this weak link in the traceability chain; priorit
isation, production and marketing of both pure substance and matrix referen
ce materials; and international collaboration concerned with interlaborator
y comparisons and the development of concepts terminology and systems to un
derpin the international chemical measurement system. References are given
to a number of papers covering specific parts of the programme.