3H and 90Sr in urine radiobioassay intercomparison results from the intercomparison studies program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory: statistical analysis of laboratory performance

摘要

The Intercomparison Studies Program (ISP) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL, Oak Ridge, TN USA) provides natural-matrix human urine quality-assurance/quality-control (QA/QC) samples to radiobioassay analysis laboratories. Samples are provided to these laboratories as “single-blind” or “double-blind” unknowns, spiked with radioactive-solution standards at “low” levels (e.g., 0.7–7 Bq g−1 for 3H and 0.7–7 Bq kg−1 for 90Sr). Participants use the results as a tool for self-evaluation and a measure of performance. In this paper, sample preparation and the results of testing during the years 2001–2005 for 3H and 90Sr are presented and discussed.