ISO 11352-2012 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 11352:2012 — Water quality — Estimation of measurement uncertainty based on validation and quality control data. This International Standard specifies approaches for estimating measurement uncertainty for quantitative chemical and physicochemical methods in single laboratories, using validation and analytical quality-control data.

Abstract

This standard provides methods to quantify measurement uncertainty for quantitative water-analysis procedures using performance characteristics obtained from method validation and internal/external quality-control results. The approaches are aligned with the principles of ISO/IEC Guide 98-3 (GUM) and are primarily intended for chemical and physicochemical determinations in water analysis; qualitative procedures are not covered.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (original 2012 edition). Superseded by a new edition published in 2025.
• Publication date: 2012 (original publication: July 2012).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.060.45 (Water quality — general water analysis).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2012).
• Number of pages: 26 pages (original 2012 edition).

Scope

ISO 11352:2012 defines procedures for estimating the measurement uncertainty of quantitative chemical and physicochemical analytical methods in single laboratories using validation data together with internal and external quality-control results. The document is targeted at water analysis but the approaches can be applied to other areas of chemical analysis. It explicitly aligns with ISO/IEC Guide 98-3 and excludes uncertainty evaluation for qualitative methods.

Key topics and requirements

• Methods to estimate measurement uncertainty based on validation study results and routine quality-control data.
• Use of method performance characteristics (e.g., bias, precision) derived from validation as uncertainty contributors.
• Integration of internal quality control (IQC) and external quality-assessment (EQA) data into uncertainty estimation.
• Consistency with the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM / ISO/IEC Guide 98-3).
• Applicability primarily to quantitative chemical and physicochemical determinations in water; qualitative methods are out of scope.

Typical use and users

Laboratories performing water chemistry and physicochemical analyses, laboratory quality managers, method developers, accreditation bodies, and regulatory agencies use this standard to estimate and document measurement uncertainty for reporting, method validation, and accreditation purposes. Environmental consultancies and organizations performing routine monitoring of water quality also apply the approaches described.

Related standards

Key related documents and guidance include ISO/IEC Guide 98-3 (GUM) for general uncertainty principles, Nordtest TR 537, QUAM, Eurolab TR 1 (and national documents such as NEN 7779) which provided background approaches cited by ISO 11352, and other ISO water-analysis standards produced under ISO/TC 147/SC 2.

Keywords

measurement uncertainty, water quality, validation, quality control, analytical methods, GUM, laboratory accreditation, uncertainty estimation, chemical analysis.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 11352:2012 is an ISO standard that specifies approaches to estimate measurement uncertainty for quantitative chemical and physicochemical methods in single laboratories, based on validation and quality-control data.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the use of validation-derived performance characteristics and routine QC results to quantify uncertainty for quantitative analytical procedures (primarily in water analysis). It does not address qualitative methods.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Accredited and non-accredited water-testing laboratories, QA/QC managers, method developers, regulators, and accreditation assessors use the standard to support uncertainty estimates required for reporting and compliance tasks.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2012 edition has been withdrawn and is superseded by a newer edition published in 2025 (ISO 11352:2025). Users should refer to ISO 11352:2025 for the current, published requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO 11352 sits within the ISO portfolio of water-quality and analytical-quality standards maintained by ISO/TC 147/SC 2 and references broader metrology guidance such as ISO/IEC Guide 98-3 (GUM) and several technical reports (e.g., Nordtest TR 537, Eurolab, QUAM).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Measurement uncertainty, validation, quality control, water analysis, GUM, analytical performance, laboratory QA/QC.