Technical Guides

Sample Preparation  · NEW ·  (May 2006 - 2012)

The highly anticipated online guide featuring over 70 analytical elements, with preparation and solution chemistry for samples containing each element discussed. (New chapters to be added every few months through 2012)

ICP Operations  (Sep 2003 - Feb 2005)

A comprehensive 15-part online guide for ICP operators who are somewhat new to the instrument. Topics cover a multitude of day-to-day tasks required by all ICP users.

Reliable Measurements  (Jan 2002 - Jun 2003)

An essential 17-part online guide for chemical analysts. Topics cover all phases of sample collection, preparation, measurement, and data analysis.

Sample Introduction for ICP-MS and ICP-OES  PDF file, 160K  (Apr 2005)

Get tips and guidance for ICP sample introduction systems. This is the popular cover article that appeared in Spectroscopy (Jan '05).

Elemental Analysis of Zeolites  (Jul 2003)

Complete application notes that describe a quick sample preparation procedure for the determination of major and minor elements in zeolites.

Silver Stability Facts  (Dec 2002)

A closer look at the chemistry of silver, including tips when working with HCl matrices.

Pure Chlorite Developed by IV  (Nov 2002)

Our in-house scientists have developed the first truly pure chlorite Certified Reference Material, despite EPA skepticism.

Mercury Stability Facts  (Sep 2002)

Get the facts about mercury's stability and perform more accurate Hg determinations.

Part-Per-Billion Stability Study  (Aug 2001)

The stability of elements at the part-per-billion level in LDPE bottles was scrutinized by our laboratory.

Understanding Error Budgets  (Jun 2001)

An explanation of Error Budgets, drawing upon our own analytical experience in tracking significant errors while preparing CRMs.

Consumer Guides

Flexible Expiration Dates?  (Nov 2005)

Is it possible to stretch a standard's expiration date beyond a year? Get the science behind the debate.

Investigate Credentials Before You Buy  (Jun 2003)

Warren Merkel, Technical Manager of A2LA, provides some insight on how you can become a smarter consumer of reference materials.

Certificate of Analysis Components  (Jul 2002)

Clear explanations of each section of an ISO Guide 31-compliant Certificate of Analysis.

Expiration Facts You Should Know  (May 2002)

Questionable marketing gimmicks are employed by some manufacturers to extend the expiration dates of their standards.

Shelf Life vs. Expiration Date  (Nov 2001)

A consumer-oriented explanation of the difference between a standard's shelf life and its expiration date.

Quality Management

NIST Traceability  (Mar 2003)

Standards are not 'NIST-traceable' -- rather they are traceable to NIST SRMs. This guide explains the proper application of NIST tracability.

ISO Simplified  (Jun 2002)

The top three ISO certifications that consumers of chemical standards should know have been broken down into plain English.