The time taken from submission to publication of internationally recognized measurement capabilities in the fields of Chemistry and Biology has been reduced with the application of the web-based KCDB 2.0 platform, as reported by the CCQM Key Comparison and CMC Quality Working Group (KCWG). On average, over 300 calibration and measurement capabilities (CMCs) in Chemistry and Biology are reviewed each year at the intra-regional and inter-regional level, with the KCDB 2.0 platform allowing time savings in this process to be achieved.

The inter-regional review process for CMCs for chemical and biological measurements is coordinated by the CCQM KCWG. During 2020 and 2021, the annual face-to face meetings of this group were replaced by on-line meetings and the use of the KCDB 2.0 web platform for the review of chemistry and biology CMCs was introduced.

The adoption by the CCQM of the KCDB 2.0 platform in 2021 was underpinned by preparatory work commencing the previous year. This preparatory work included the organization of BIPM Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer Programme (CBKT) training sessions for potential CMC writers, reviewers and regional metrology organization (RMO) technical committee (TC) Chairs, as well as mock review exercises. In parallel, an instruction document was prepared for CCQM JCRB review using the platform and the CMC review guidelines developed by the CCQM KCWG were reviewed with the support of the KCDB Office.

During 2021, the first batch of CMCs for Chemistry and Biology have been processed and published with the KCDB 2.0. The new procedure allowed the time taken between submission for inter-regional review (JCRB) to publication of the CMC to be reduced to 60 days. A key improvement in the process, recognized by the CCQM KCWG, is the ability of the KCDB 2.0 system to allow individual processing of the CMCs avoiding delays to the completion of review of other CMCs in the same batch.

The BIPM CBKT programme continues to support national metrology institute (NMI) and designated institute (DI) staff that are new to the KCDB 2.0 process, through a series of online training sessions.

KCDB 2.0 - Online technical exchanges for Chemistry and Biology

For registration, please contact your RMO Secretariat.