This report is a reprint of the guidelines produced originally under the VAM 94-97 programme. The guidelines highlight the key issues that analysts should take into account when preparing reference materials in-house. These include: material selection and preparation; homogeneity and stability testing; and measurement of reference values.
More detailed information and guidance on the important points is given, and these are illustrated with a range of worked examples. The user is also provided with references to additional relevant information such as ISO guides.
The use of reference materials is becoming increasingly important in analytical quality control to help laboratories monitor their day to day performance. These guidelines provide practical advice and information to help analysts prepare their own materials more effectively.
Erratum
The text in the black boxes in Diagram 1, page 10 has mistakenly been omitted. These boxes should read:
From top to bottom:
Box 1: Material Selection (page 11)
Box 2: Material Preparation (page 12)
Box 3: Homogeneity Testing (page 16)
Box 4: Stability Testing (page 22)
Box 5: Measurement of reference value (page 26)
Box 6: Documentation (page 29)
Box 7: Post production
Our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.