Microanalitica
PT · Scheme code: SETA_01

Coarse fraction in soil

HTML information sheet · Editorial revision 13/09/2026

1. Purpose and participation

The service enables the laboratory to assess its performance in the described test. Before registration, check that the test item, measurand, technique and reporting units suit the laboratory’s activities.

The scheme is offered annually, generally in the same period. Active-round dates are those recorded in the Client Area and displayed below.

2. Test item

Particle-size fraction from 2 mm to 2 cm. PT: approximately 600 g of pre-dried soil in a plastic jar, to be sieved in full. CST: soil in a plastic jar; quantity identified on delivery.

3. Method, measurand and required results

Method: Italian Ministerial Decree 13/09/1999, Supplement No. 185, Official Gazette No. 248 of 21/10/1999, Method II.1. Report the coarse fraction in g/kg. For PT, report on the as-received, pre-dried sample basis.

This sheet contains the instructions for performing the test and submitting results to Microanalitica. If in doubt, contact Microanalitica before starting the analysis. Do not independently change the required measurand or reporting unit.

4. Schedule and submission of results

Registration deadline26/02/2027
Test item shipment31/03/2027
Results to be submitted to Microanalitica30/04/2027
Report delivery to the laboratory31/05/2027

Submit results through the Client Area, linked to the participant code and received sample. State the method used and complete the required form fields, including uncertainty when requested. Promptly report submission errors, sample anomalies or inability to meet the deadline.

5. Assigned value and evaluation

The assigned value xₚₜ is obtained from the robust mean of the results used in the comparison. Its uncertainty u(xₚₜ) concerns this reference value and is not the uncertainty of an individual laboratory result.

Performance is assessed using the z-score, with the robust mean xₚₜ and robust standard deviation s* specified in the source sheet.

|z| ≤ 2: satisfactory; 2 < |z| < 3: questionable (warning); |z| ≥ 3: unsatisfactory (action).

The report presents the result and performance assessment. For clarification of the score or assigned value, or to dispute a result, contact Microanalitica quoting the scheme and participant codes.

6. Homogeneity, stability and sample handling

The source sheets describe material homogeneity checks. For Check Sample Tests, Microanalitica has also indicated evaluation of results over time. For questions about storage conditions, handling or sample validity, contact Microanalitica before use.

Check identification and packaging integrity on arrival. Do not use a damaged sample without contacting Microanalitica. Fibre-containing materials must be handled by competent personnel using laboratory safety measures and applicable instructions.

7. Registration, fee and confidentiality

Register through the Client Area, which provides the applicable fee, conditions and service details. The participant code identifies the laboratory in the report; participation information is treated as confidential. Perform the test independently, without exchanging results with other participants before submission.

Client Area: registration, results and reports

Technical and administrative assistance: info@microanalitica.eu · +39 011 385 2418

This sheet is the operating reference for the test described. A printed or PDF copy contains the information available when it was generated. Before performing the test, check the service page for updates.