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U.S. Geological Survey Standard Reference Sample Project: Performance Evaluation of Analytical Laboratories

Fact Sheet 031-98
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/fs03198

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Abstract

Since 1962, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has operated the Standard Reference Sample Project to evaluate the performance of USGS, cooperator, and contractor analytical laboratories that analyze chemical constituents of environmental samples. The laboratories are evaluated by using performance evaluation samples, called Standard Reference Samples (SRSs). SRSs are submitted to laboratories semi-annually for round-robin laboratory performance comparison purposes. Currently, approximately 100 laboratories are evaluated for their analytical performance on six SRSs for inorganic and nutrient constituents. As part of the SRS Project, a surplus of homogeneous, stable SRSs is maintained for purchase by USGS offices and participating laboratories for use in continuing quality-assurance and quality-control activities. Statistical evaluation of the laboratories results provides information to compare the analytical performance of the laboratories and to determine possible analytical deficiences and problems. SRS results also provide information on the bias and variability of different analytical methods used in the SRS analyses.

Suggested Citation

Long, H.K., Daddow, R.L., Farrar, J.W., 1998, U.S. Geological Survey Standard Reference Sample Project: Performance Evaluation of Analytical Laboratories: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 031-98, 2 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs03198.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title U.S. Geological Survey Standard Reference Sample Project: Performance Evaluation of Analytical Laboratories
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 031-98
DOI 10.3133/fs03198
Year Published 1998
Language ENGLISH
Publisher Geological Survey (U.S.)
Contributing office(s) U.S. Geological Survey
Description 2 p.
Additional publication details