Description General description This proficiency testing sample is produced in accordance with ISO/IEC 17043:2010. All information regarding the use of this material can be found in the reporting packet supplied for each sample. Preparation Note This PT sample is packaged as a 20mL concentrate. Definition of a dissolved metal: Those metals in an unacidified sample that pass through a 0.45-μm membrane filter. The solvent for this sample is 1% nitric acid by volume in DI water. The sample is slightly acidified to maintain stability in the concentrate and will not interfere with the method. Please follow preparations directions for best performance. The PT sample has not been preserved. Sample Preparation To prepare solution, partially fill a 1000-mL volumetric flask with reagent-grade water (near 20ºC). Shake ampule well prior to opening. Open ampule PEI-430-1 (be careful to avoid cuts on glass) and transfer 10.0 mL of concentrate to the volumetric flask. Fill the flask to volume with reagent-grade water and mix well. The sample is now ready for immediate analysis. Please not that the sample has not been acidified, you will need to acidify as required by your method after filtration. A reagent-grade blank should be analyzed concurrently for background correction. The water blank should be made to match the acid matrix of the standards and samples Other Notes Proficiency testing samples are presented as single blind. No values for the samples are released until the testing period concludes. Values of analytes vary lot to lot. Proficiency Testing Schedule (2020-2021) Wastewater WP20-1 January 15 - February 28, 2020 WP20-2 March 25 - May 8, 2020 WP20-3A May 13 - June 26, 2020 WP20-3B July 8 - August 21, 2020 WP20-4 September 23 - November 6, 2020 WP20-5 November 25 - January 8, 2021 WP21-1 January 13 - February 26, 2021 WP21-3 July 7 - August 20, 2021 Quick-Turn Study - (non-scheduled proficiency test that is available at any time)