High-quality certified reference materials (CRMs) are the bedrock of defensible analytical data. For Australian laboratories doing elemental analysis, mining assays, environmental monitoring or advanced materials testing, VWR/Avantor’s global portfolio — combined with local supply and technical support from Graham B. Jackson Pty Ltd (GBJPL) — gives fast access to ICP calibration standards, ore CRMs and the high-purity reagents labs need to keep results accurate and auditable.
The business case: accuracy, traceability and lowered risk
Every failed QC round, drifted calibration or non-conforming assay costs time and money. Using ISO-backed CRMs and certified ICP calibration standards reduces these risks by providing:
Traceable assigned values with stated uncertainties to support compliance and audit evidence.
Faster root-cause analysis — when your instrument or method produces an outlier, comparing to a trusted CRM quickly separates analytical error from sample heterogeneity.
Lower total cost-per-result because fewer re-runs, corrective actions and client disputes are required.
Avantor (VWR) operates at scale across 180+ countries and inventories multi-element and single-element standards and reference materials specifically designed for ICP, ICP-MS and AAS workflows — so labs can pair CRMs with appropriate high-purity reagents and consumables.
Key product groups labs should prioritise
ICP calibration standards — single-element and multi-element solutions certified for concentration and uncertainty. Choose concentrations that bracket your working range to minimise calibration error.
Certified reference ores/mineral CRMs — for mining, exploration and geochemistry; pick homogenous, matrix-matched ores to validate digestion and assay workflows. Industry-focused producers (OREAS, NCS and others) publish well-characterised ore CRMs; Avantor’s distribution network makes it straightforward to source and pair these with lab reagents.
High-purity reagents (Macron / Avantor brands) — low-blank acids and solvents reduce background signals in trace analysis and are essential complements to ICP calibration standards. Macron fine chemicals (an Avantor brand) are widely used where lot-to-lot consistency is critical.
Data-driven advantages: what the numbers say
Shelf stability & traceability: modern ICP calibration standards from leading suppliers often list 12–24 month shelf lives and provide COAs and lot certificates searchable through vendor portals — a critical requirement for ISO 17025 audits and traceability chains. Avantor’s product and document lookup support this documented evidence.
Reduced re-analysis rates: practical lab studies and supplier case notes show that matching CRMs to sample matrices reduces matrix effects and re-run frequency — a measurable gain in throughput and lower reagent/consumable costs (improvements are lab-specific but commonly fall into double-digit percentage reductions in repeat rates when CRM-driven controls are implemented).
How to choose the right CRM and reagents (practical checklist)
Matrix match first. If you analyse ores, use a certified reference ore or mineral CRM rather than an aqueous standard. Homogeneity and particle size handling are critical for digestion.
Match concentration ranges. Select ICP calibration standards that bracket your lowest reporting limit and upper action thresholds. Multi-element mixes save time, but verify that no spectral interferences are introduced.
Ask for COAs and traceability statements. Ensure ISO 17034/17025 identifiers, assigned values and uncertainty statements are on the certificate. Vendors like Avantor make certificates available and searchable online.
Pair with Macron / high-purity reagents. Use low-blank acids and solvents for trace work to avoid background contamination and ensure the CRM’s value is not masked by reagent noise.
Why use GBJPL as your Australian partner
Local distribution matters. GBJPL supplies VWR/Avantor chemicals and CRMs into Australia and New Zealand with local inventory, COA access and technical support — which reduces lead times, customs delays and logistic headaches for audit-driven labs. GBJPL can also help map your analytes to Avantor products, source NCS/OREAS ore CRMs where needed, and recommend Macron fine chemicals for low-blank workflows.
For Further Enquiry Contact: sales@gbjpl.com.au