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Development of a proficiency testing scheme for a limited number of participants in the field of natural water analysis

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Abstract

A proficiency testing (PT) scheme was developed for a limited number of analytical laboratories participating in the analysis of natural water in Israel. Three fit-for-intended-use reference materials (RMs) were prepared for a pilot PT from natural water: RM-blank and two in-house reference materials (IHRMs) with seven analytes fortified to achieve different levels of analyte concentrations. The measurands for the PT participants were the traceable spike values certified in the IHRMs, i.e., added mass concentrations of the analytes. The RM-blank and IHRMs were found to be homogeneous and stable over 11 days, the time necessary for the experimental part of the PT. The RMs were distributed to the PT participants as unknown test items similar to routine samples. The test results were evaluated using their deviations from the IHRM-certified values. Eight Israeli laboratories took part in the interlaboratory comparison. Individual laboratory performance and metrological compatibility of the PT results of the participants, as a local group of laboratories, were evaluated for every analyte.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Water Monitoring Laboratory, Israeli Water Authority, P.O.B. 6, 50250, Bet Dagan, Israel

    Irena Pankratov, Sara Elhanany, Sharona Henig & Shunit Zaritsky

  2. The National Physical Laboratory of Israel (INPL), Givat Ram, 91904, Jerusalem, Israel

    Ivan Ostapenko & Ilya Kuselman

Authors
  1. Irena Pankratov
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  2. Sara Elhanany
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  3. Sharona Henig
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  4. Shunit Zaritsky
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  5. Ivan Ostapenko
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  6. Ilya Kuselman
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ilya Kuselman.

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Pankratov, I., Elhanany, S., Henig, S. et al. Development of a proficiency testing scheme for a limited number of participants in the field of natural water analysis. Accred Qual Assur 15, 459–466 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00769-010-0673-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00769-010-0673-x

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