Interlaboratory comparisons operated by BAM
Interlaboratory comparisons - or intercomparisons for short - are a crucial
element of a laboratory's quality system. Participation in intercomparisons is
explicitly recommended by the laboratory quality standard ISO/IEC 17025.
BAM organises intercomparisons in selected fields of competence.
Participation in these exercises is open to laboratories world-wide. Related
activities deployed by BAM include the management of the EPTIS database and
participation in the development and harmonisation of technical regulations
concerning the organisation, execution and evaluation of intercomparisons.
Regular intercomparisons
- Organic and inorganic parameters in contaminated soil (details)
This intercomparison has been contracted to BAM by the German Government and
the German accreditation bodies DACH, DAP and DASMIN (now DAkkS)
- Dangerous goods and substances (details)
BAM, the company quo data and PTB jointly operate an interlaboratory programme
for testing the hazardous characteristics of dangerous goods and
substances.
- Emissions of volatile organic compounds from materials (details)
BAM organises intercomparisons on the measurement of volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) that are emitted from building and construction materials. These
emissions are measured by means of a test chamber.
- Porous and dispersed materials (details)
BAM produces and certifies reference materials for the development of methods
in the field of gas adsorption and mercury porosimetry. This intercomparison is
held in the frame of certification.
- Particle size determination of finest powders by laser diffraction (details)
Every 4-6 years, BAM organises this intercomparison on demand by industry and
scientific organisations for the purpose of quality control in the ceramic and
glass industry.
Further information
Laboratories in search of a suitable intercomparison can use EPTIS, the world's
largest directory for intercomparisons. It is a joint publication of an
international consortium, managed by BAM. EPTIS lists around 1500
intercomparisons operated by 300 different providers worldwide.
Participation of BAM in external intercomparisons
Many of the BAM laboratories take part in intercomparisons from external
providers. For further details please see Attestations of competence.
Expert Information
