Asbestos in soil
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 Check Sample Test is an individual, on-demand proficiency test outside the scheduled PT calendar. It uses material from a previous round. The customer’s result is combined with the round results and the assigned value is recalculated using robust statistics. It can also be used when waiting for the scheduled PT is impractical or registration has closed.
2. Test item
Approximately 5 g of pre-ground soil. The PT sheet specifies a glass container; for CST, refer to the identified packaging supplied.
3. Method, measurand and required results
Determine total asbestos by SEM/EDX using the laboratory’s routine method. Report mg/kg on an as-received basis and the asbestos type, if detected. Do not determine only asbestos released by leaching. When applying Italian Ministerial Decree 6 September 1994, Annex 1B, the PT sheet recommends doubling the area examined if a single bundle exceeds 30% of the detected fibre mass. It also recommends at least 2 mm² on a filter no larger than 25 mm and counting at least 30 fibres.
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
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.