Accurate measurements are the foundation of reproducible experiments, robust processes, and sustainable quality.
Developed by the world's measuring experts, Good Measuring Practices is a scientific, risk-based approach to managing the life cycle of your instruments.
It helps you find and document the right instruments fit for purpose. Furthermore, you get advice and training on how to install, qualify, calibrate, and operate your instruments effectively.,
Documentation that your instruments meet your requirements.
Test and qualify your instruments only with necessary actions.
Developed by measuring experts meeting current best practices.
Applicable to every make of instrument around the globe.
Consider the following questions over the lifecycle of your instruments, which will help you ensure good measurement results:
The purpose of a measuring instrument is to provide reliable data that advances your research, assures your product quality, and lets you make the right decisions. There are a variety of instruments that produce data; however, the accuracy of results depends not only on the instruments but also on the user, sample characteristics, environmental conditions, and other factors.
Good Measuring Practices consider all relevant factors for accuracy and reliability of your measurement data. It provides recommendations for instrument selection, a risk-based calibration and test plan, user training, sample handling, reference materials, method selection, plus additional tips and tricks to keep your measurements accurate over time.
METTLER TOLEDO is your expert partner for measuring weight, volume, concentration, pH, conductivity, moisture, density, particle size, thermal characteristics, kinetics, contaminants, and many more quantities.
Find out more about each GxP program by clicking on the links below.
If your results matter, Good Measuring Practices can help you produce accurate, high-quality results day in and day out. Our measuring expertise and scientific, transparent approach support you in choosing the instruments that are fit for your purpose and maintaining their accuracy over time.
The GxP programs are developed on sound metrological principles and are based on current regulations and best practices. Experts from METTLER TOLEDO work with international and national committees to improve and develop new industry standards (e.g., ISO, USP, Ph.Eur., ASTM, OIML, EURAMET, ILAC, EURACHEM, and others).
The GxP programs help you document and prove that your instruments are fit for their intended use – as is required by every major quality standard and guideline such as ISO 9001, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Global Food Safety Initiative accepted standards (BRC, SQF, etc.), and others. Furthermore, the individual GxP programs help you meet instrument-specific standards, such as USP 41, Ph.Eur. 2.1.7, OIML R76-1, EURAMET cg-18, and ASTM E898 for weighing (GWP) or ISO 8655 for pipetting (GPP).
Maintaining, calibrating, and testing your equipment can be a cumbersome and costly activity. Good Measuring Practices define the scope and frequency of performance verification activities based on the risk of your application. If the risk is high, more frequent calibration and testing can help to mitigate the risk. On the other hand, if the risk is low, minimal activities suffice and frequencies can be reduced. The GxP programs help you do a straightforward risk assessment and propose a specific maintenance and calibration plan for your needs.
An instrument is fit for purpose if it meets the requirements of its intended use. From a metrological perspective, it is fit for purpose if the measurement uncertainty of the result is equal to or lower than the required measuring tolerance. In weighing, for example, the GWP calibration certificate compares the measured uncertainty with the user-specified weighing tolerance and thus documents fitness for purpose. A similar evaluation using estimated uncertainties is made before the purchase of a new instrument in the GWP Recommendation document.
Many criteria depend on the specific measurement technology, but some apply to instrument selection in general:
Such requirements are documented in a GxP Recommendation that helps you make the right instrument selection.
Yes. Maintaining traceability and accuracy of measuring results is a key benefit of Good Measuring Practices. Depending on your industry, the regulatory requirements, and the type of measuring technology, it can be challenging to know what qualification is needed and what is not. The GxP programs provide clear recommendations on what qualification activities are meaningful, based on your risk and compliance requirements.
No. Although a majority of the GxP programs focus on lab measuring instruments in R&D, quality control, and quality assurance, the scientific principles also apply to industrial production and packaging. GWP, for example, Good Weighing Practice, applies to any weighing device ranging from a microbalance to a tank scale of several tons.
