Overview
ISO/TR 24107:2024 - Air quality: Validation of air quality measurement methods in the standardization process - is an informative Technical Report from ISO/TC 146 that describes a consistent framework for validating air quality measurement methods. The document explains the why and what of validation tasks used during standard development, focusing on robustness testing and interlaboratory testing as the two main steps for partial and full validation. It applies to all inter‑related elements of measurement methods (sampling, sample preparation, storage/transport, extraction, analysis/quantification and reporting) but does not prescribe detailed procedural parameters (e.g., number of laboratories or samples).
Key topics
- Validation purpose and objectives: Establishing suitability of methods for intended use and documenting required performance characteristics.
- Types of validation: Distinction between reference methods, alternative methods and validation when certified reference materials are unavailable.
- Core validation steps:
- Robustness testing (sensitivity to deliberate small changes in method parameters)
- Interlaboratory testing (assessment of reproducibility across different labs)
- Design and documentation: Guidance on defining objectives, representative sampling, sample handling, analysis, performance characteristics, measurement uncertainty, and reporting/record storage.
- Performance concepts and terminology: Definitions and treatment of repeatability, reproducibility, selectivity, sensitivity, linearity and robustness.
- Examples and sector guidance: Informative annexes covering stationary source emissions, workplace atmospheres, ambient air, meteorology and indoor air to illustrate validation considerations across applications.
Practical applications
ISO/TR 24107:2024 is intended to guide the development, review and acceptance of air quality measurement methods during standardization activities. Practical uses include:
- Designing validation strategies for new or revised measurement methods.
- Defining the scope of partial vs full validation for method developers.
- Informing robustness studies and planning interlaboratory comparisons.
- Supporting decisions on method equivalence (reference vs alternative methods).
- Documenting validation objectives, results and measurement uncertainty for standards committees or regulatory stakeholders.
Who should use this standard
- ISO/TC 146 working groups and subcommittees involved in air quality standards development.
- Laboratory managers and method developers preparing validation plans.
- Environmental testing labs participating in interlaboratory studies.
- Regulators and conformity assessment bodies assessing method suitability.
Related standards
- ISO/IEC 17025 (laboratory competence, verification/validation expectations)
- ISO 4225 (air quality vocabulary)
- ISO/IEC Guide 99 (metrological concepts and terminology)
Keywords: ISO/TR 24107:2024, air quality, validation, measurement methods, robustness testing, interlaboratory testing, sampling, measurement uncertainty, ISO/TC 146.