United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Environmental Monitoring
Systems Laboratory
P.O. Box 15027
Las Vegas NV 89114
EPA-600/4-81 -004
February 1981
Research and Development
Radioactivity
Laboratory Intercomparison
Studies Program
Fiscal Year 1981-1982
prepared for the
Office of Drinking Water,
Office of Water Planning and Standards,
and
Office of Radiation Programs
-------
EPA-600/4-81-004
February 1981
ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY
LABORATORY INTERCOM?ARISON STUDIES PROGRAM
FISCAL YEAR 1981-1982
by
Arthur N. Jarvis and Leonard Siu
Quality Assurance Division
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
prepared for the
Office of Drinking Water
and the
Office of Radiation Programs
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SYSTEMS LABORATORY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89114
-------
DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Environmental Monitoring Systems
Laboratory-Las Vegas/ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and approved for
publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not
constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
ii
-------
FOREWORD
This document, which is essentially a catalog, describes the types,
concentration, and frequency of distribution of radioactive performance
samples available from EPA's Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory in
Las Vegas. It indicates the procedures used in the laboratory intercomparison
studies and provides forms for requesting the samples.
The catalog is distributed to over 200 laboratories (Regional, State,
nuclear facility, National, commercial, and international) that are involved
in environmental radiation measurements. These laboratories, and any others
that wish to participate in EPA's quality assurance program for radiation
measurements, are encouraged to use the laboratory intercomparison samples
described in this catalog for maintaining a quality control program and for
documenting the precision and accuracy of their data.
ge--w~~
Glenn E. Schweitzer
Director
Environmental Monitoring Systems
Las Vegas, Nevada
Laboratory
iii
-------
CONTENTS
Foreword.
. .
The Laboratory Intercomparison Studies Program .
Types of Environmental Samples Distributed. .
Analysis of Data.
. .
Participation in the Laboratory Intercomparison Studies Program.
Statistical Calculations.
Tables
1.
SUmmary of Laboratory Intercomparison Studies.
2.
Laboratory Intercomparison Study Distribution Schedule.
3.
Laboratory Precision: One Standard Deviation
Values for Various Analyses. . .
Figures
1.
Example of a results report form.
2.
Example of a sample analysis and report of participant's data.
v
Page
. . iii
1
2
3
. . 11
. . 11
4
5
8
6
9
-------
THE LABORATORY INTERCOMPARISON STUDIES PROGRAM
Environmental measurements of radiation are made daily by many Federal,
State, local, and private agencies. The data from these measurements are used
for a wide variety of purposes including assessment of health effects, the
establishment of standards and guides, and enforcement activities. It is
imperative that the precision and accuracy of the data be assured so that
decisions concerning environmental quality or impact are based on data of
known reliability.
An Agency-wide quality assurance program has been implemented'within the
u.s. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to attain this goal. Radiation
quality control responsibilities have been assigned to the Quality Assurance
Division at the EPA's Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory-Las Vegas
(EMSL-LV), Las Vegas, Nevada. A program has been instituted to .encourage the
development and implementation of quality control procedures for sample
collection, laboratory analysis, and data handling and reporting.
A major objective of this program is to assist laboratories involved in
environmental radiation measurements to develop and maintain both an intra-
laboratory and an interlaboratory quality control program. In part, this is
accomplished through an extensive laboratory intercomparison studies program
involving environmental media (milk, water, air and food) and a variety of
radionuclides with activities at or near environmental levels.
?
Simulated environmental samples, containing known amounts of one or more
radionuclides, are prepared and periodically distributed to laboratories upon
request. These laboratories perform the required analyses and return their
data to the Quality Assurance Division for statistical analysis and comparison
with known values as well as analytical values obtained by other participating
laboratories. A report is returned to each participant. The program thus
enables each laboratory to document the precision and accuracy of its
radiation data, identify instrument and procedural problems, and to compare
its performance with that of other laboratories.
Each laboratory making environmental radiation measurements should have
an internal quality control program in operation to ensure that all
instrumentation is calibrated and functioning, and that analytical procedures
are being carried out properly. Such a program includes continual monitoring
of instrumentation, the plotting of instrument control charts, frequent an-
alysis of replicate samples to check precision, and the regular measurement of
samples to which known amounts of activity have been added to check the ac-
curacy of systems.
1
-------
participation in a laboratory intercomparison study does not
automatically assure the precision and accuracy of a laboratory's data and
should not be considered as a substitute for a continuous quality control
program within a laboratory. Intercomparison data may be useful for
documenting precision and accuracy, and helping to indicate instrument or
procedural problems. Participation in intercomparison studies is useful in
augmenting a laboratory's quality control program by serving as a check on its
internal quality control program.
TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES DISTRIBUTED
The current laboratory intercomparison studies program includes the
analysis of a variety of media containing various levels qf radioactivity.
These include:
Water containing several
materials is included in
St udy. For example:
different mixtures of radioactive
the Laboratory Intercomparison
Water:
I
L
.
Four-liter samples for the analysis of gross alpha
and gross beta activity are sent bimonthly to par-
ticipating laboratories.
.
Four-liter samples containing chromium-51,
zinc-65, cobalt-60, ruthenium-106, cesium-134, and
cesium-137 are distributed bimonthly for analysis
of gamma emitters.
.
Fifty-milliliter samples for tritium analysis are
distributed on a bimonthly basis.
.
Four-liter samples containing plutonium-239 are
shipped to laboratories twice per year.
.
Four-liter samples containing iodine-131 are dis-
tributed three times per year.
.
Four-liter samples containing radium-226 and
radium-228 are distributed four times per year.
.
Four-liter samples containing strontium-89 and
strontium-90 are distributed three times per
year.
.
Four-liter blind samples containing a mixture of
radionuclides are distributed semiannually.
.
Four-liter samples containing uranium-238 are dis-
tributed twice per year.
2
-------
Milk:
Four-liter milk samples containing potassium,
strontium-89, strontium-90, iodine-131, cesium-137, and
barium-140 are distributed quarterly.
Air:
Two-inch diameter air filters are distributed quarterly
for gross alpha, gross beta cesium-137, and strontium-90
analyses. Three air filters are sent to each laboratory.
Diet:
Four-liter food slurry samples containing strontium-89,
strontium-90, iodine-131, cesium-137, barium-140, and
potassium are sent to participants three times per year.
Two samples are sent to each laboratory.
Ur ine :
Fifty-milliliter urine samples containing tritium are
distributed quarterly.
Sample size, approximate activity levels, type of analysis, and other
pertinent information concerning the intercomparison samples are summarized in
Table 1. The distribution schedule is outlined in Table 2.
ANALYSIS OF DATA
Each participating
determinations for each
analytical results on a
laboratory is expected to perform three independent
radionuclide included in a study and to report their
form (Figure 1) provided with the sample.
After receipt of reports from all the participating laboratories, a
letter giving the known value for each radionuclide is mailed to participants.
The data reported by all participating laboratories are transferred to punch
cards for computer analysis. As indicated in the sample calculations below,
this analysis includes determination of the laboratory standard deviation,
calculation of the normalized range, normalized deviation, sample standard
deviation, and the grand average of all laboratories. The analytical
precision values, used as a basis for jUdging laboratory performance for
specific nuclides, are summarized in Table 3. A report is generated
containing data reported by participating laboratories, listed according to
their identity code, along with the results of the analysis (Figure 2). Each
participant receives a copy of the report.
3
-------
TABLE 1.
SUMMARY OF LABORATORY INTERCOMPARISON STUDIES*
Sample
Analysis
Activi ty
per Isotope
Quantity
Supplied
Preservative
Distribution
Time for
Analysis
& Report
Milk
Water
89sr, 90Sr, 1311,
13 7Cs, 11+ 0Ba, K
Gamma
Gross a, a * Gross a, 6
,j:.
3H
239 Pu*
Radi urn
Stronti urn
Blind
1311
or ani urn
Air filter
Diet
Urine
6 0eo , 1 ° 6Ru , 1 3 I+cs ,
1 3 7 Cs , 5 lCr , 6 5Zn
3H
239pU
226Ra, 228Ra
8 9 Sr , 9 0 Sr
Any combination of
above radionuclides
1311
Total urani urn
Gross a, 6*
9 ° Sr , 1 3 1 Cs
8 9 Sr, !i,OSr, 1 3 1 I,
137Cs, 11+0Ba, K
3H
<200 pCi/liter
<100 pCi/liter
131r, <500 pCi/liter
<3,500 pCi/liter
<10 pCi/liter
<20 pCi/liter
<50 pCi/li ter
<200 pCi/liter
<50 pCi/liter
<50 pCi/li ter
<200 pCi/sample
<200 pCi/kg
<3,500 pCi/liter
'\.04 liters
'\.04 liters
'\.04 liters
'\.050 ml
'\.04 liters
'\.04 liters
'\.04 liters
'\.04 liters'
'\.04 liters
Formalin
o . 5!:!. HNO 3
o . 5~ HNO 3
none
0.5N HN03
o. 5!! HN03
o . 5N HNO 3
0.5~ HN03
quarterly
bimonthly
bimonthly
bimonthly
semiannually
quarterly
triannually
semiannually
NaHS03, Na2C03 triannually
semiannually
'\.04 liters
3 - 2"
diameter
air filters
2 - 4-liter
samples
'\,50 ml
O.5!! HN03
none
Formalin
Formalin
quarter ly
triannually
quarterly
10 weeks
4 weeks
6 weeks
4 weeks
8 weeks
8 weeks
1 0 weeks
10 weeks
6 weeks
6 weeks
10 weeks
10 weeks
4 we ek s
*Laboratories are required to have the necessary licenses before receiving these samples.
-------
TABLE 2. LABORATORY INTERCOMPARISON STUDY DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE
(Numbers indicate week of the month.)
Water Milk Food Urine Air Filter
-
Gross 226Ra 89Sr Gross 0., 13
Month Y 1311 0., B 3H 228Ra 239pu 90Sr 238U Blind* Sr,Y Sr,y 3H 137Cs, 90Sr
October 1 2 3 4
November 3 1
December 1 2 3 2 4
January 3 2 4
lJ1 February 1 2 3
March 3 2 3 4
Apr il 1 2 3 4
May 3
June 1 2 3 2 4
July 3 2 4 1
August 2 3
September 3 2 1 3 4
*Performance sample for the Water Supply Laboratory Certification Program
-------
"t.(I Sr...
...,<(1) ~S.
; ft 'c
i ~./J ;
'i~""
~"'1- ..,~~
""t PCl01~""
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
OFFICE Of RESEARCH AND DEVelOPMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
SYSTEMS LABORATORY
P.O. BOX 15027
LAS VEGAS. NEVADA 89114
7021798-2100 (FTS 595-2100)
Quality Assurance Division
Analysis Results
Tritium in Water Cross-Check Program
Laboratory
Contact Person
Phone
Collection Date
1
1
I'
Important: Report results corrected for decay as of the collection. date.
Please refer to instructions on back of page.
L C Do Not Iso
0 Use
a d This tOPe Analysis #1 Analysis #2 Analysis #3 Units
b e Space
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 I 1516 1718 1920 212< 23~4 2< 2f 2 28 2~ 3( 313< 3 34 3530
1 1 3H I ell . III pCi/1
In order to be included in the final report. please send your results
no later than to:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory
Quality Assurance Division
P.O. Box 15027
Las Vegas, NV 89114
Figure 1.
Example of a results report form.
6
-------
REPORT SHEET INSTRUCTIONS
1.
legibly type or print numbers and let"ters in the proper squares.
only capital letters.
Use
2.
Record lab code in columns 1 and 2 for each isotope (one isotope per
line). Fbr a code of only one letter, use column 1.
3.
Slash the letters ~ and ~.
Do not slash any numbers.
4.
Do not use columns 3-7; they are for internal use only.
5.
Data entry:
(columns 11-40)
a.
All numbers must be right justified (entered to far right
of field).
b.
For statistical purposes, it is important that each
laboratory report three results for each radionuclide.
If, for some unavoidable reason, less than three values
are reported, record the data starting with the columns
reserved for analysis #1 and work to the right.
c.
Report results to the nearest whole number with the
exceptions of tritium and potassium (each recorded to
multiples of ten) and radium-226 (recorded to one decimal
place). Decimal points are provided on the report forms.
d.
Each line of the coding
isotope and its unit of
convenience. Each line
pertaining to just that
form contains the name of the
activity, preprinted for your
should contain information
one isotope.
e.
If a value is less than (LT) the minimum detectable
activity (MDA), record LT, space, then the MDA value
(right justified).
Figure 1 (continued).
Results report form.
7
-------
TABLE 3.
LABORATORY PRECISION:
ONE STANDARD DEVIATION VALUES FOR VARIOUS ANALYSES
Analysis
Level
One Standard Deviation
for Single Determination
Gamma Emitter s
5 to 100 pCi/liter or kg
>100 pCi/liter or kg
5 pCi/liter
5% of known value
Strontium-89
5 to 100 pCi/liter or kg
>100 pCi/liter or kg
5 pCi/li ter
5% of known value
Strontium-90
2 to 30 pCi/liter or kg
>30 pCi/liter of kg
1.5 pCi/liter
5% of known value
Potassi um
~0.1 g/liter or kg
5% of known value
Gross Alpha
~2 0 pCi/li ter
>20 pCi/liter
5 pCi/li ter
25% of known value
ex>
Gross Beta
< 1 00 pCi/liter
>100 pCi/liter
5 pCi/liter
5% of known value
Tritium
<4,000 pCi/liter
>4,000 pCi/liter
Is (pCi/liter) = 169.85 x (known) .0933
10% of known value
Radium-226,
Radium-228
<0.1 pCi/liter
15% of known value
Plutonium
0.1 pCi/liter, gram or sample
10% of known value
Iodine-131
~55 pCi/liter
>55 pCi/liter
6 pCi/li ter
10% of known value
Uranium-238
~35 .pCi/liter
>35 pCi/liter
6 pCi/liter
15% of known value
-------
EMSL-LV TRITIUH IN URINE CROSS-CHECK PROGRAM
--- SEPTEMBER 1974
09/20/74
SAMPLE - A
3H
KNOWN VALUE
EXPECTED LABORATORY PRECISION (IS, 1 DETERMINATION)
3273
357
PCIIL
PCI/L
LAB
RESULT
EXPERIMENTAL
SIGMA
RNG ANLY
(R + SR)
AVERAGE
NORMALIZED DEVIATION
(GRAND AVG) (KNOWN)
AN
NO DATA PROVIDED
CF
CF
CF
3269
3522
3632
186.1
.60
3474
.9
1.0
CM
CM
CM
3261
3373
3362
61. 7
.19
3332
.2
.3
CO
NO DATA PROVIDED
D
D
D
3060
3060
3240
103.9
.30
3120
-.8
-.7
J
J
J
3255
3247
3294
25.1
.08
3265
-.1
-.0
P
NO DATA PPDVIDED
Z
Z
Z
3240
3340
3190
76.4
.25
3257
-.2
-.1
EXPERIMENTAL SIGMA (ALL LABS)
149
GRAND AVERAGE
3290
Figure 2.
Example of a sample analysis and report
of participant's data.
9
-------
Explanation of terms in Figure 2:
Title:
Column 1:
Column 2:
Column 3:
Colunms 4
and 5:
Column 6:
Column 7:
Column 8:
Bottom of
Chart:
Program name, sample collection date, sample code
letter, analysis type, known concentration of
radionuclide, expected standard deviation of analysis -
single determination.
Laboratory identification code (A, B, C, etc.).
Laboratory results (0-25 results listed down column).
Standard deviation (ls) of the experimental results.
Normalized range value in "mean range + standard error of
the range" (R + oR) units for comparability.
Statistical Techniques for Quality Control of
Environmental Radioassay, AQCS Report Stat-1, November
( See
1964, pages 4-8.)
(SR = OR for printing purposes.)
Average value.
Normalized deviation from the grand average value of all
laboratories expressed in
m units.
Normalized deviation from the known value expressed in
Om units.
Experimental sigma (Is) of all laboratories, and the
grand average of all laboratories.
10
-------
PARTICIPATION IN THE
LABORATORY INTERCOMPARISON STUDIES PROGRAM
Any laboratory involved in, or concerned with, environmental radiation
monitoring and surveillance is eligible to participate in anyone or all of
the studies described. There is no cost to participating laboratories for
this service. A laboratory may elect to receive samples on a less frequent
basis than indicated on the distribution schedule (Table 2).
Tb become a participant in the laboratory intercomparison studies pro-
gram, complete one of the forms included at the end of this publication and
ret urn to:
u.s. Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory
Quality Assurance Division
P.O. Box 15027
Las Vegas, NV 89114
STATISTICAL CALCULATIONS
To illustrate the computations performed by the computer, example
calculations are given using data for three samples analyzed at one laboratory
(Laboratory 0, see Figure 2).
The experimental data are listed
range are computed. These statistics
and dispersion of the data.
and the mean, experimental sigma and
provide measures of the central tendency
The normalized range is computed by first finding mean range, R, the
control limit, CL, and the standard error of the range, aR. The normalized
range measures the dispersion of the data (precision) in such a form that
control charts may be used. Control charts allow one to readily compare past
analytical performance with present performance. In the example, the
normalized range equals 0.3 which is less than 3, which is the upper control
level. The precision of the results is acceptable.
The normalized deviation is calculated by computing the deviation and the
standard error of the mean, am. The normalized deviation allows one to
readily measure central tendency (accuracy) through the use of control charts.
Trends in analytical ac~uracy can be determined in this manner. Fbr this
example, the normalized deviation is -0.7 which falls between +2 and -2, which
are .the upper and lower warning levels. The accuracy of the data is
acceptable.
Finally, the experimental error of all laboratories, the grand average,
and the normalized deviation from the grand average are calculated in order to
ascertain the performance of all the laboratories as a group. Any bias in
methodology or instrumentation may be indicated by these results.
11
-------
EXAMPLE CALCULATIONS (Laboratory D Data, see Figure 2)
Experimental data:
Known value = ~ = 3273 pCi 3H/liter. urine on September 24, 1974
Expected laboratory precision = a = 357 pCi/liter
Mean = x
where
Laboratory
D
D
D
x
t x,
i=l ].
N
Sample
Result
=
x 1
x 2.
3060 pCi/liter
3060 pCi/liter
3240 pCi/liter
x3
9360
- -
3
3120 pCi/liter
N = number of results = 3
Experimental sigma = s
s
=
s
=
s
==
Range
=
N
L
i=l
2
(x, )
].
(txJ
N
N - 1
2
(3060)
2
+ (3060)
2
+ (3240)
2
(3060 + 3060 + 3240)2
3
103.9 pCi/1iter
r
= I maximum result - minimum resul t I
.= I 3240 - 30601 = 180 pCi/1iter
r
r
12
-------
Range Analysis (RNG ANLY)*
Mean range = R
-
R
=
d2a
where d **
2
=
(1.693) (357)
-
'R =
604.4 pCi/liter
Control limit = CL
CL
R + 3aR
=
=
D4R
where D4**
=
(2.575) (604.4)
CL
1556 pCi/liter
=
Standard error of the range = a
R
aR
(R + 30' - R) f 3
R
(D R - R) f 3
4
=
=
(1556 - 604.4) f 3
a
R
=
317.2 pCi/liter
Let range
-
wR + XO'R
=
180 pCi/liter
= r
=
Define normalized range
=
w + x
for
-
r > R,
=
1
w
then
-
r = wR + xaR = R + xaR
r - R
x =
aR
-
r - R
w + x = 1 + x = 1 +
O'R
or
therefore
1.693 for N = 3
=
2.575 for N = 3
* Rosenstedn, M., and A. S. Goldin, "Statistical Techniques for Quality Control
of Environmental Radioassay," AQCS Report Stat-l, U.S. Department of Health,
Education and Welfare, PHS, Nov 1964
** From table "Factors for Computing Control Limits," Handbook of Tables For
,Probability and Statistics, 2~d Edition, The Chemical Rubber Co., Cleveland,
OH, 1968, p 454.
13 .
-------
-
for r ~ R, x = 0
then r = wR + xaR = wR
r
or w =
-
R
therefore
w + x
=
w + 0
r
=
-
R
since
r < R,
(180 < 604.4)
w + x
=
180
604.4
w + x
=
0.30
Normalized deviation of the mean from the known value = NO
Deviation of mean from the known value = D
D = x - jJ
= 3120 - 3273
D = - 153 pCi/1iter
Standard error of the mean = a
. m
a
a
m
=
v'"N"
=
357
Y3
a
m =
206.1 pCi/liter
ND
=
D
am
=
- 153
206.1
ND = - 0.7
Control limit = CL
CL = (jJ :t 30 )
m
Warning Lind t = WL
(jJ ) 14
WL= :t 20
m
-------
Experimental sigma (all laboratories) = St
(See Figure 2)
N
L
i=l
(fl xi r
N
(x, ) 2 -
~
St
=
N - 1
2
162639133 - (49345)
15
=
14
St
=
149 pCil1iter
Grand average = GA
N
2: x,
i=l ~
GA =
N
49345
=
15
GA =
3290 pCilliter
Normalized deviation from the grand average = ND'
Deviation of the mean from the grand average = D'
D'
=
x - GA
=
3120 - 3290
D'
=
- 170 pCi/liter
ND'
=
D'
am
=
- 170
206.1
ND'
=
- 0.8
15
-------
SUBJECT: Participation in Intercomparison Studies Program
TO: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory
Quality Assurance Division
P.O. Box 15027
Las Vegas, NV 89114
Please include our laboratory in the cross-check studies we have indicated
below. All samples are to be shipped to:
Contact Person
Title
Laboratory
Address
NRC Li cense
and/or
State License
Type( s)
Number(s)
NOTE:
When requesting participation in a study containing either nuclear
byproducts or special nuclear materials, a copy of the NRC license(s)
must accompany the request. .
Please indicate desired frequency of
FREQUENCY DESIRED
part i ci pat ion.
FREQUENCY DESIRED
>- >-
>- -1 >- -1
-1 -1 -1 -1
>- >- -1 c::( >- -1 c::(
-1 -1 c::( :::> >- -1 c::( :::> >-
:::I: 0::: :::> z: -1 0::: :::> z: -1
I- I./.J z: z: -1 I./.J z: z: -1
z: I- z: c::( c::( I- z: c::( c:(
o 0::: c:( ...... :::> 0::: c:( ...... :::>
:E: c:( ...... :E: z: c:( ...... :E: z:
- :::> 0::: I./.J z: :::> 0::: I./.J z:
CX) a I- V') c::( 0' I- (/) c:(
Milk: Sr, Y 0 DD Water (cont i nued):
Water: 89Sr,90Sr ODD
Gross a, BDO DO 1 3 II ODD
y DO DO 23.8U DD
3H DO DD Diet: Sr, Y ODD
239pu .00 Air Fil ter:
226Ra, 228Ra 0 DO Gross a, f3 0 00
Blind DO 137CS, 90Sr
I certify this laboratory is authorized to receive the samples requested.
Signature
Date
Title
-------
SUBJECT: Participation in Intercomparison Studies Program
TO: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory
Quality Assurance Division
P.O. Box 15027
Las Vegas~ NV 89114
Please include our laboratory in the cross-check studies we have indicated
below. All samples are to be shipped to:
Contact Person.
Title
Laboratory
Add res s
NRC Li cense
a nd/ 0 r
State License
Type( s)
Number(s)
NOTE:
When requesting participation in a study
byproducts or special nuclear materials,
must accompany the request.
Please indicate desired frequency
FREQUENCY DESIRED
containing either nuclear
a copy of the NRC license(s)
of participation.
FREQUENCY DESIRED
>- >-
>- --I >- --I
--I --I --I --I
>- >- --' c:( >- --I c:(
--I --' "c:( ::> >- --I c:( :::> >-
:I: a:::: ::> :z:: --I a:::: ::> :z:: --I
I- I.1J :z:: :z:: --I LU Z :z:: --I
:z:: I- :z:: c:( c:( I- :z:: c:( c:(
a a:::: c:( ...... ::> a:::: c:( ...... :::>
::E c:( ...... ::E :z:: c:( ...... ::E :z::
...... ::> a:::: LU :z:: ::> a:::: LU :z::
0::1 CY I- V) c:( . CY I- V) c:(
Milk: Sr, Y 0 00 Water (cont i nued):
Water: 8 9 S r., 90 Sr DDD
Gross CL, aO 0 OD 13 II ODD
y DO DO 2 3.aU DD
3H DO DD Diet: Sr, Y .DDD
239pu .DD Air Filter:
226Ra, 2 i8Ra D DO Gross CL, a D 0 D
Blind DO 137cs, 90Sr
I certify this laboratory is authorized to receive the samples requested.
Si gnature
Date
Ti tl e
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
1. REPORT NO. 12. 3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
EPA-600/4-Sl-004
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5. REPORT DATE
ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY LABORATORY INTERCOMPARISON February 1981
STUDIES PROGRAM: Fiscal Year 1980-1981 6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7. AUTHOR(S) B. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
Arthur N. Jarvis and Le onard Si u
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS 10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory 1HD621
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency 11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
Las Vegas, NV 89114
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS 13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
U.S. Environmenta.l Protection Agency--Las Vegas,. NV interim 1980-1981
Office of Research and Development 14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory EPA/600/07
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
15..5UPPLEMENT ARY NOTES
16. ABSTRACT
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's intercomparison studies program for
laboratories involved in environmental radiation measurements is described. The
types of environmental samples distributed, the analyses required for each sample,
the distribution schedule, and the statistical analysis and reporting of results are
discussed. Instructions and application forms are included for laboratories desiring
to participate in the program.
This document is not a research report. It is designed for use by laboratories
participating or desiring to participate in the quality assurance program.
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17. KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
a. DESCRIPTORS b.IDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS C. COSA TI Field/Group
Quality assurance 07 B , E
Quality control 12 A
Quantitative analysis 14 D
Radioactivi ty
Statistical quality control
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT 19. SECURITY CLASS (TllisReportr 21. NO. OF PAGES
UNCLASSIFIED 23
20. SECURITY CLASS (This page) /22. PRICE
RELEASE TO PUBLIC UNCLASSIFIED
EPA Form 2220-1 (Rev. 4-77)
PREVIOUS EDITION IS OBSOLETE
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