Precision in ICP analysis starts long before the plasma lights up. Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) are the foundation of traceable, defensible data — but their benefit is only as good as how they’re handled, prepared and stored. As the Australian distributor for Inorganic Ventures, Graham B Jackson Pty Ltd (GBJPL) supplies ISO-grade inorganic CRMs and local technical support so labs can put best practice into action without the supply-chain friction.
Why the manufacturer and COA matter
Inorganic Ventures manufactures inorganic CRMs under accredited systems (ISO 17034 / ISO/IEC 17025) and provides a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every lot that documents certified values, measurement uncertainty, density (usually at 20 °C) and traceability to NIST SRMs — all the pieces you need to build an uncertainty budget and defend results in audits. That traceable COA is what separates a routine standard from a true CRM.
Handling — eliminate contamination before it starts
Small handling mistakes create big errors at trace levels. Practical rules to follow in every lab:
Never “double-dip.” Transfer standards into a clean, labelled secondary container; never pipette directly from the stock bottle or return excess to the original bottle. This simple habit prevents cross-contamination.
Use compatible, low-contamination labware. For HF-containing solutions avoid glass — HF attacks silica and can leach trace metals. Use certified-clean plastics when appropriate.
Dedicated tools for standards. Have dedicated pipettes/dispensers and labware for trace standards only; treat them like “no-touch” instruments.
Preparation — gravimetric beats volumetric (when feasible)
Temperature, density and volume changes are frequent sources of bias:
Gravimetric preparation (weighing reagents and diluent) removes volume-by-temperature errors and is far more reproducible for working standards and custom mixes. In practice, gravimetric prep reduces uncertainty from thermal expansion and pipetting variability.
If you must use volumetric methods, equilibrate. Allow solutions and flasks to reach lab temperature (often overnight) before making final volumes to avoid underfilling due to thermal contraction.
Mind acid concentration vs. ppm language. “5 % HNO₃ v/v” is not the same as weight-by-weight; many CRM certificates report concentrations on a weight basis and use density (often measured at 20 °C) to convert between weight and volume. Wherever possible, use weight-based values for uncertainty calculations.
Storage — extend shelf life and preserve integrity
Storage is not just “fridge or bench.” Inorganic Ventures engineers both containers and COA guidance to protect standards:
Cap and seal tightly. Oxygen and acid vapor exchange (transpiration) cause concentration drift in small bottles. Inorganic Ventures’ packaging and guidance explicitly address transpiration and storage conditions.
Temperature and light control. Store long-term in a cool, stable environment and protect light-sensitive standards. Allow refrigerated standards to reach room temperature before use.
Understand shelf life. Many IV stock CRMs have typical unopened shelf lives of 2–5 years, and larger bottles or special packaging (e.g., Transpiration Control Technology, TCT) can last substantially longer — some products exceed a decade under recommended conditions. Always check the product COA for lot-specific expiry guidance.
Practical workflow — checklist your QC
Receive product → verify lot COA and record density/uncertainty values.
Prepare working standards gravimetrically where possible; label with prep date, operator and expiration.
Stre unopened stock per COA; transfer aliquots into clean secondary bottles for bench use.
Track system performance with CCVs and participate in PT to verify method performance (see below).
If instability appears, investigate handling, container, or environmental sources — chemical degradation is a less common cause than contamination or transpiration.
Prove it — proficiency testing and COA use
Complement CRMs with regular proficiency testing (PT) and routine quality controls. PT participation and trending of control charts will rapidly reveal systematic bias (e.g., matrix mismatch, contamination or calibration drift) that single-point checks can miss. Use the COA’s uncertainty statements directly in your uncertainty budget — that keeps your documentation audit-ready.
Why Graham B Jackson Pty Ltd (GBJPL) makes this easier for Australian labs
Graham B Jackson Pty Ltd (GBJPL) is an established Australian supplier of CRMs and is listed as an Inorganic Ventures distributor for Australia — that means local stock, help matching matrix-specific CRMs, and assistance retrieving COAs and documentation quickly for audits. For labs that need custom concentrations, Inorganic Ventures routinely manufactures bespoke standards with rapid turnaround; Graham B Jackson Pty Ltd (GBJPL) can coordinate those requests and manage delivery and compliance paperwork.
Final note — suspect handling before blaming chemistry
When a previously stable method drifts, the cause is far more often handling, container/transpiration issues or mismatched matrices than a mysterious chemical breakdown. Use COA data (density, uncertainty), apply gravimetric prep where possible, and treat standards as irreplaceable QA assets — and Graham B Jackson Pty Ltd (GBJPL) will help you get the right Inorganic Ventures CRM and documentation for your lab’s requirements.
For Further Enquiry Contact: sales@gbjpl.com.au