PCI: Interlaboratory Comparison Program for Metals in Biological Matrices

Since 1979, this program has enabled participants to assess the accuracy of their analytical results for some substances, particularly heavy metals, with the use of biological samples that are not freeze-dried. Approximately, 70 laboratories participate in this program.

Participants receive five rounds every year, each containing three PTMs per analyte. Participants can use any analytical method. Some PTMs are shipped in duplicate in order to evaluate the analytical reproducibility.

Analytes available

  • Aluminum in Serum
  • Urine Arsenic is used for the determination of both total and non-diet Arsenic.Arsenic in Urine (Inorganic)
  • Urine Arsenic is used for the determination of both total and non-diet Arsenic.Arsenic in Urine (Total)
  • Bromide in urine
  • Cadmium in Blood
  • Cadmium in Urine
  • Chromium in Urine
  • Serum copper, selenium and zinc are found in the same PTM, prepared using serum from a single healthy donor. The concentrations of these trace elements should therefore fall within the normal physiological range. We will on occasion modify the levels somewhat to provide additional analytical challenge.Copper in Serum
  • Urine copper and zinc are found in the same PTM obtained from a single healthy donor.Copper in Urine
  • Fluoride in Urine
  • Iodide in Urine
  • Lead in Blood
  • Lead in Urine
  • Manganese in Serum
  • Mercury in Blood
  • Mercury in Urine
  • Serum copper, selenium and zinc are found in the same PTM, prepared using serum from a single healthy donor. The concentrations of these trace elements should therefore fall within the normal physiological range. We will on occasion modify the levels somewhat to provide additional analytical challenge.Selenium in Serum
  • Selenium in Urine
  • Serum copper, selenium and zinc are found in the same PTM, prepared using serum from a single healthy donor. The concentrations of these trace elements should therefore fall within the normal physiological range. We will on occasion modify the levels somewhat to provide additional analytical challenge.Zinc in Serum
  • Urine copper and zinc are found in the same PTM obtained from a single healthy donor.Zinc in Urine

​Legend

Urine Arsenic is used for the determination of both total and non-diet Arsenic.

 

Urine copper and zinc are found in the same PTM obtained from a single healthy donor.

 

Serum copper, selenium, manganese and zinc are found in the same PTM, prepared using serum from a single healthy donor. The concentrations of these trace elements should therefore fall within the normal physiological range. We will on occasion modify the levels somewhat to provide additional analytical challenge.

Other analytes may be added if the need is expressed by participants.