Example of a graphical representation of interlaboratory comparison results
Source: BAM
Since 2016, the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) has been organising interlaboratory comparisons on the analysis of waste wood every two years. The next waste wood interlaboratory comparison will be carried out in October 2020. The language will be German.
Participants
BAM offers its interlaboratory comparison programme for external quality assurance which is aimed in particular at test laboratories, which must provide proof of participation in interlaboratory comparisons to the notifiers of the German Federal States. In addition, all other laboratories have the opportunity to participate on a voluntary basis.
Background
This interlaboratory comparison on waste wood will be implemented in consultation with the notifiers from the states of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hamburg, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt.
Procedure
BAM dispatches wood samples with defined contents of relevant analytes as interlaboratory comparison samples (organic and inorganic parameters). Organisation and implementation are carried out according to the standards DIN EN ISO/IEC 17043 and DIN ISO 13528. The results are evaluated according to DIN 38402-45.
Parameters
Parameters for the waste wood interlaboratory comparison 2020:
- Pentachlorophenol
- Arsenic, lead, cadmium, chromium, copper, mercury
Evaluation
The statistical evaluation of the results is carried out according to DIN 38402-A 45:2014-06 "Interlaboratory comparisons for external quality control of laboratories" using the combined Hampel/Q estimation procedure, a method of robust statistics.
Costs
The costs for an interlaboratory comparison, including evaluation and final report, amounts to €250 plus VAT. Information on current sample prices can be found in the information on the upcoming interlaboratory comparison and in the webshop.
Information on the next interlaboratory comparison
Registration for the upcoming interlaboratory comparison round takes place from May 2020 via the BAM webshop.