PROCORAD. An international network for quality control; PROCORAD. Ein internationales Netzwerk zur Qualitaetssicherung

Intercomparisons in the testing field of in-vitro monitoring are an essential tool of quality control. The international network PROCORAD provides its members with annual inter-laboratory comparisons on nine different kinds of samples. They include different matrices (urine, faeces) as well as different radionuclides (e.g. tritium, strontium, polonium, actinides..). In 2010 there were 71 participating laboratories from 21 countries. An annual meeting of the participants offers the opportunity to discuss the results as well as an opportunity to relate to other participants, which is important for both scientific exchange and cross-border emergency response. (orig.)