Preparation of biological and environmental reference materials at CBNM

Since 1984, CBNM has been officially responsible for supporting the BCR programme for CRM storage, distribution and sale activities for the development of methods for preparation, conditioning and packing for reference materials, as well as actually preparing candidate CRMs. This has allowed CBNM to set up a new laboratory with unique facilities for the preparation of biological and environmental reference materials, in particular for organic and inorganic trace analysis. The main technical facilities developed at CBNM and additional equipment built to CBNM specifications by external companies are described. They have been used for the preparation of a variety of reference materials including cod fish, pig liver, offal, spiked milk, curd, orange juice, clover, lettuce, paprika, tomato, fly ash, soils and sediments.