Proficiency test 19-10 Toxic and essential elements in food

This proficiency test is part of the National Measurement Institute's (NMI's) 2019 proficiency testing program for inorganic studies.

We will dispatch the samples in June 2019. 

We are accredited for compliance with ISO/IEC 17043.

Sample 1: 15 g freeze dried prawn 

Total elements and their approximate concentration range (mg/kg):

• Ag: 0.02–5
• Al: 50–1250
• As (total): 0.02–5
• Inorganic As: 0.02–5 (scoring optional)
• B: 0.02–5
• Ba: 0.2–5
• Ca: 1500–7500
• Cd: 0.05 – 5
• Co: 0.05–5
• Cr: 0.02–5
• Cu: 0.5–40
• Fe: 50–1250
• Hg: 0.02–2
• K: 500–5000
• La: 0.02–5
• Mg: 500–15,000
• Mn: 0.5–40
• Na: 2500–30,000
• Ni: 0.02–5
• P: 500–10,000
• Pb: 0.01–2 
• Rb: 0.02–5
• S: 5000–25,000
• Se: 0.02–5
• Sn: 0.02–5
• Sr: 25–250
• V: 0.01–2
• Zn: 25–500

The values given are indicative, based on the range of materials used in previous rounds. These ranges will be readjusted in the dispatch letter.

Sample 2: 30 g powdered infant formula 

Sample 2 will include the following total elements, with the concentration range to be advised at a later stage:

• Al
• As
• B
• Ba
• Ca
• Cd
• Co
• Cr
• Cu
• Fluoride (water soluble) (scoring optional) 
• Fe
• Hg 
• I (water soluble) (scoring optional) 
• K 
• Mg 
• Mn
• Mo
• Na
• P 
• Pb
• S 
• Se
• V 
• Zn

Cost

For Australian participants (excluding GST):

• $500 for any single sample
• $690 for both samples

For international participants:

• $680 for any single sample
• $920 for both samples

The price includes shipping costs.

How to apply

1.    Read the:

• Study Protocol [274KB PDF] to find out how the program operates
• Statistical Manual [175KB PDF] to find out how we analyse the data and score participants
• Terms and conditions for participating in one of our studies

2.    Email proficiency@measurement.gov.au with your:

• contact name
• phone
• postal address
• delivery address
• organisation

Read more 

• Find out more about our proficiency testing program
• Read previous proficiency test reports

Contact us

• Email proficiency@measurement.gov.au
• Phone +61 2 9449 0205

Let us know if you would like us to include any special matrix or analyte in our proficiency testing schedule.