ADLERSHOFER KOLLOQUIUM Analytik: The current and future needs for improving the comparability of biochemical measurement results

Topic:
The current and future needs for improving the comparability of biochemical measurement results
Presenter:
Prof. Dr. Gavin O‘Connor,
Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB). Head of Department 3.2 Biochemistry
Professor of Biochemical Metrology at Technische Universität Braunschweig

Chair:
PD Dr. Rudolf Schneider, BAM

Summary:
Recent reports have raised concerns over the lack of reproducibility in scientific research. Most biochemical research relies heavily on the interpretation of measurement results from complicated procedures. Often, little thought is given to the comparability of the results over space and time and/or the infrastructures required to realise worldwide comparable measurement results in this field.
The signing of the meter convention in 1885 prompted advances in measurements in engineering and physics. In 1993, the BIPM established the Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance (CCQM). The aim of this committee is to establish a working infrastructure for disseminating traceability in chemical and biological measurements, based on a similar approach as used for physical and artefact standards. This required the National Measurement Institutes (NMI) in each country to develop reference measurement procedures traceable to the SI. These are used to provide a reference point within a country by characterising reference materials and/or anchoring proficiency testing schemes. These reference measurement services are periodically checked with other NMIs to ensure the comparability of biochemical measurement results worldwide.

The most common approach for developing reference measurement procedures in biological matrices incorporates the use of isotopically labelled internal standards and mass spectrometric detection. This stemmed from the ability of IDMS measurements to provide traceable results, whereby the full measurement process can be described by an equation, enabling the provision
of a full uncertainty estimation of the measurement. These approaches have been successfully applied for the provision of reference measurements of small biological molecules in serum and other biological matrices. However, their development for complex proteins has proven more challenging. Together, we will review the current approaches, elaborate on the challenges and explore possible solutions to improving the comparability of biological measurement results.