Optical absorbance liquid filters as a new path to metrological traceability in medical devices

Abstract

Ensuring accuracy and metrological traceability of optical absorbance measurements in medical measurement devices (MMDs) is of major importance. According to international best practices, medical laboratories must ensure the quality and accuracy of MMD measurements, using various means and methods that are appropriate and sustainable for this purpose in order to maintain the quality and accuracy of laboratory measurements. Typically, medical laboratories use either certified reference materials or solid glass filters with a neutral absorbance for the purposes of demonstrating MMD quality and functionality. Both reference materials and solid filters have shortcomings in use, so it is necessary to develop new solutions to optimize the processes of creation, preservation and use of standard samples used in the process of ensuring the validity of the measurements performed. This work presents a general study of the current situation regarding ensuring the validity of MMD measurements using traditional methods and analyses the feasibility of developing new solutions, such as optical absorbance liquid filters (OALF), as an innovative alternative for MMD calibration.