Requirements and recommendations for certification analysis by neutron activation methods

Journal Article · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994 · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society

OSTI ID:88952

Heydorn, K

In the European Community the certification of reference materials is undertaken by BCR, which is now organized under the measurement and testing program in Brussels. This program does not have its own analytical laboratories but relies on independent laboratories in various member countries, selected in accordance with results obtained in intercomparison exercises or previous certifications. Several analytical methods with different biases are required, and for the certification analysis of biological and environmental materials, neutron activation analysis (NAA) is invariably included for the determination of trace elements. Conditions for carrying out certification analysis are laid down in a contract that specifies the way to minimize or randomize the effects of unaccountable errors. The application of such rules to specific analytical methods has largely been left to individual interpretation, but over the years, consensus guidelines have evolved among the practitioners of the more established methods, including NAA. In lieu of a formal accreditation of the participating laboratories, a presentation of their own interpretation of requirements for certification analysis is being encouraged by the European Community.

• OSTI ID: 88952
• Report Number(s): CONF-941102--
• Journal Information: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society Vol. 71; ISSN TANSAO; ISSN 0003-018X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

40 CHEMISTRY
ACCURACY
NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS
QUALITY ASSURANCE
SAMPLE PREPARATION