Stability assessment of a bovine kidney reference-material candidate

Abstract

Reference materials are used worldwide and necessary for quality control purposes during analytical determinations. The present study describes the stability evaluation of a bovine kidney reference-material candidate. An isochronous layout was performed, in which the flasks involved are exposed at different temperatures for different time periods and then are analyzed at the same time at the end of the study. The mass fractions of ten inorganic constituents were determined using instrumental neutron activation analysis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis, univariate and multivariate, showed no significant differences in composition between units exposed to the different temperatures and times. The reference material may be transported under normal transportation conditions and the certified values and uncertainties will continue to be valid for a period of 2 years.