EON RESEARCH LIBRARY // Article

Measurement uncertainty and a specification limit

Measurement uncertainty describes a measurement's associated dispersion. A specification or tolerance sets a criterion for a decision. The two serve different roles and should not be merged into one interval.

For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.

If a report states both, retain each label and explain the reported decision rule where available. If only a limit is supplied, do not infer a measurement uncertainty from it. A pass statement should be read within its documented criteria.

Reading checklist

Keep uncertainty and limits separate
Retain the decision rule if stated
Avoid inventing an uncertainty interval

Reference: Measurement uncertainty.

Sources and further reading

NIST: measurement uncertainty for reference materials

External references explain terminology and methods. They do not certify Eon products or establish suitability for human or veterinary use.