Inter-laboratory comparison for trace analysis: EQRAIN traces proficiency testing organized by CETAMA
Abstract
The Commission d’Établissement des Méthodes d'Analyse (CETAMA) organises Inter-Laboratory Comparison
round robins entitled “Evaluation of the Quality of Analysis Results in the Nuclear Industry”,” (EQRAIN, “Evaluation de la
Qualité du Résultat d'Analyse dans l'Industrie Nucléaire”, in French). The “EQRAIN Trace Elements n° 21” inter-laboratory
comparison (ILC), which was launched in the first half of 2016, concerned the elemental chemical analysis of 15 elements
whose concentrations were between 0.2 and 15 mg/L. The main objective of this proficiency test was to check the quality of
measurement results for the concentrations of metallic elements in a solution. It enabled the participating laboratories to
evaluate their performances in carrying out this type of analysis and if they wish, to compare different analytical techniques.
After the measurement results had been returned, the reference values were sent to the laboratories which were then able to
estimate the bias of their measurements and to check for the absence of drift, implementing corrective actions if necessary.
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry
(ICP-AES) are the best-adapted analytical techniques for this kind of exercise, leaving atomic absorption a complementary
role and the use of colorimetry for certain special elements.
Origin : Files produced by the author(s)
Loading...