For laboratories measuring radioactivity
What is the Environmental Radioactivity Proficiency Test Exercise?
Proficiency Testing assesses a laboratory’s performance at carrying out a measurement. Regular Proficiency Testing provides evidence of the quality of a laboratory’s measurement capabilities. Accreditation bodies consider participation in Proficiency Testing a demonstration of a laboratory’s commitment to quality. Proficiency testing also provides an opportunity to:
- Test, validate and compare measurement schemes;
- Evaluate performance characteristics of a method;
- Provide confidence to customers in the quality of results;
- Identify measurement issues and improve overall accuracy;
NPL produces a range of proficiency test items. Recent exercises have included aqueous samples containing a mixture of alpha, beta, and gamma emitters at activity concentration relevant to environmental applications*. NPL is also working towards producing solid matrixes; assigned values may be based on a consensus value or be assigned by NPL. Laboratories choose which sample types apply to their measurement capabilities. Participants in the exercise are from various industries including, Construction, Nuclear, Radiation protection, Pharmaceuticals as well as Research and Academia.
NPL despatches the proficiency test items to participants, who have approximately four months to measure them and submit the results to us. NPL compiles an anonymised exercise report and provides feedback to the laboratories on their performance. The exercise is accredited to ISO 17043 and run on an annual basis by NPL.
If you would like to find out how you can join the next Environmental PTE, please contact us via the button below.
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PT Item Name
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Description
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Example radionuclides
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Alpha Beta
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Alpha and Beta emitters (1-20 Bq g−1) in 20 g 2 M HNO3 (with carriers)
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3H, 63Ni, 90Sr, 239Pu, 241Am, and 244Cm
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Alpha
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Alpha emitters (1-20 Bq kg−1) in 500 g 2 M HNO3 (with carriers)
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243Am, 241Am, 238U, 236U, 235U,234U, and 232Th
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Beta
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Beta emitters (0.1-2 Bq g−1) in 500 g 0.01 M NaOH (with carriers)
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3H, 14C, 36Cl, 99Tc, and 129I
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Gamma High
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Gamma emitters (1-25 Bq g−1) in 100 g 1 M HNO3 (with carriers)
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54Mn, 60Co, 65Zn, 133Ba, 134Cs, 137Cs, and 154Eu
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Gamma Low
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Gamma emitters (1-50 Bq kg−1) in 100 g 1 M HNO3 (with carriers)
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60Co, 85Sr, 134Cs, 137Cs, 210Pb, and241Am
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How to Participate
Current exercise (2023)
The 2023 Environmental Radioactivity Proficiency Test Exercise (PTE 2023) is now open for registration. Details of the sample types available, timelines and cost are detailed in the invitation letter linked below. To order samples, complete the enquiry form linked below and send it to pte@npl.co.uk before the 1st of October 2023.
Invitation Letter
Enquiry Form
The 2022 Environmental Radioactivity Proficiency Test Exercise (PTE 2022) is now complete and the final report has been reissued NPL Report IR65. Please note that reports on previous exercises are also available here.
The results for the 2022 exercise are due to be discussed at the NPL Environmental Radioactivity Proficiency Test Exercise Online Workshop 2023 on the 29th of November 2023 . For more information regarding this workshop and to register please visit here.
Contact us
For questions, queries and comments relating to the Environmental PTE scheme please contact us.
PTE
NPL also provide radioactive standards, calibrations and consultation. For information related to this or discuss your requirements please contact us
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Find out more about our Standard radionuclide solutions