When instrument performance, regulatory compliance and defensible data are non-negotiable, the choice of certified reference material (CRM) matters. GBJ supplies CPAChem certified reference materials and ICP standard solutions to Australian laboratories that need fast turnarounds, documented traceability and matrix-matched standards for method validation and routine QC. This guide explains why CPAChem CRMs are a reliable option for Australian labs — and how to choose the right ICP standard material for your workflow.
Why CPAChem is relevant for Australian testing programmes
CPAChem is a specialist producer of custom and ready-made CRMs with a focus on inorganic and organic calibration standards for AAS, ICP-OES and ICP-MS. Their quality management and metrological credentials include ISO 9001 for quality systems, ISO/IEC 17025 for testing competence and ISO 17034 for Reference Material Producers — certifications that underpin traceability and the statistical statements on a Certificate of Analysis (CoA). Using CPAChem CRMs helps labs show traceability to recognised practices and provides the documentation auditors look for.
What makes a CPAChem ICP standard material robust?
CPAChem’s ICP and ICP-MS standards are produced from high-purity metals or salts dissolved in sub-boiling distilled acids and, where relevant, prepared gravimetrically. These manufacturing choices reduce background contamination and minimise propagated uncertainty in calibration chains — essential when quantifying trace elements at µg/L or sub-µg/L levels. CPAChem also offers internal standards, speciation standards and quality control materials tailored to ICP workflows.
Data points labs should check (and ask for)
When selecting any ICP standard material Australia-wide — including CPAChem products — ensure the CoA contains the following datapoints:
Certificate Traceability: statement of measurement traceability and reference methods.
Uncertainty Budget: expanded uncertainty (usually k=2) and how it was calculated.
Preparation Method: gravimetric vs volumetric preparation and acid matrix (HNO₃, HCl, etc.).
Stability & Shelf Life: documented stability studies and storage conditions (some CRM families carry 24-month shelf lives).
Homogeneity & Lot Info: homogeneity testing and lot-specific CoAs for audit trails.
Meeting those criteria reduces measurement uncertainty and strengthens validation packages for regulatory submissions, tender responses or ISO accreditations.
Matching the matrix and concentration to the method needs
Matrix compatibility is a frequent source of bias. For digested pharmaceutical, environmental or food samples, choose an acid matrix that mirrors your sample prep to avoid matrix effects and non-representative recoveries. Stock concentrations should be chosen so accurate dilutions can be made to the method reporting limit without excessive waste — mid-level gravimetric stocks are often best practice. CPAChem’s product lines include single-element stocks, multi-element mixes and custom concentrations to suit these needs.
Specialised CRMs: speciation, petrochemical and organic standards
CPAChem supplies speciation standards (e.g., Se/As species), petrochemical CRMs, and organic reference materials that support GC/LC workflows and pharmacopoeial methods. These specialised CRMs are particularly valuable when method selectivity or preservation (e.g., species stability) is critical. CPAChem documents species stability and provides tamper-evident, UN-compliant packaging for shipment — important for long-distance supply chains to Australia.
How CPAChem complements other supplier portfolios (including Avantor)
Many Australian labs source general-purpose reagents and BDH®/Avantor standards alongside CRM producers like CPAChem. While Avantor/BDH supplies a broad catalog of ARISTAR® single-element reagents and Macron-grade chemicals for sample prep, CPAChem specialises in calibrated, lot-certified CRMs and fast custom turnaround for bespoke mixes. Combining procurement from both types of supplier — reagents from Avantor chemicals Australia and certified reference material from CPAChem — gives labs both the consumables and the traceable calibration materials they need for low-uncertainty results. GBJ can coordinate both supply streams to save procurement effort and harmonise CoA reviews.
Practical checklist for Australian labs (quick)
- Request lot-specific CoA with ISO statements (17034/17025) and expanded uncertainty.
- Confirm matrix acid and stabiliser content match your digestion procedure.
- Plan stock concentrations to enable accurate dilution to LOQ.
- Hold suppliers to documented stability and homogeneity data for solids/ores.
- Where possible, use gravimetrically prepared stocks to reduce cumulative uncertainty.
Closing — why source CPAChem CRMs through GBJ?
Sourcing CPAChem certified reference material through GBJ gives Australian labs a local technical contact for CoA interpretation, fast procurement and combined logistics with other suppliers such as Avantor. Whether you need ICP standard material Australia-ready, CPAChem speciation CRMs, or a customised multi-element mix with a tight uncertainty budget, GBJ can assess your method, recommend the right products and provide the documentation auditors require.
Want a tailored recommendation? GBJ can review your method LOQs and provide a procurement plan listing the exact CPAChem certified reference material and ICP standards that minimise uncertainty and procurement cost. Contact our technical team for lot-specific CoA reviews and ordering assistance.
For Further Enquiry Contact: sales@gbjpl.com.au