Testing Analytical Laboratory Radlík

Testing Analytical Laboratory Radlík is a part of Analytika^®, spol. s r.o. accredited by the Czech Accreditation Institute according to the standard CSN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018, Certificate of Accreditation No. L1624. The aim of accreditation, successfully completed in January 2012, are selected primary methods, volumetric and gravimetric, used for quality control purposes of our aqueous calibration solutions, certified reference materials Astasol^®. In 2024 the accreditation was renewed.

Aqueous calibration solutions are produced by weight from the purest primary substances available on the domestic and foreign markets in accordance with The Certification Report on Production of Certified Reference Material, Aqueous Calibration Solution Astasol^®.

Primary Methods

Primary methods are the first methods used in quantitative analytical chemistry. Despite the ongoing development of instrumental analytical methods, primary methods haven't lost their importance even today. The aim of our several years study was to describe (using very specific examples of gravimetric and volumetric application of methods) the capability and advantages of primary methods for the determination and verification of declared analyte's mass concentration values in the set of aqueous calibration solutions Astasol^®.

For quality guarantee we consider the compliance or tightness between the declared and true value of the analyte mass concentration. This is given by preparing solutions using the purest primary and well defined substances available on domestic and foreign markets.

Each production step is clearly defined; the primary substance, weighing operation, element or compound dissolution in an appropriate medium, transfer into a volumetric flask (volume operations), in each point of production uncertainty is well defined and expressed. The aforementioned procedure is declared by The Certification Report on Production of Certified Reference Material Astasol^®.

Why use primary methods?

Recently, a number of world renowned manufacturers of certified reference materials not only defined the purity of the starting material, but they also chose standard's quality control in several ways. The trend is to focus on the trace metal impurities in the primary substances used for aqueous solutions production and using this way to define the starting element/metal or compound as 99.999% or better (but often forgets the non-metallic impurities, for example adsorbed gases and moisture). In some cases it can also be difficult to find the primary substance which is well defined, the quality or content of the analyte must be verified. Moreover for some calibration solutions preparation, it is necessary to use a compound, which may not be sufficiently characterized.

Attention is therefore paid not only to the primary substance, but also to the control of the analyte nominal mass concentration value (quite often in combination with the determination of trace metal impurities using some instrumental analytical method, ICP-OES, ICP-MS).

Determination of analyte mass concentration using primary method (at a sufficiently precise model with expanded combined uncertainty of less than 0.2% relative) should be understood as a "supporting procedure", which undoubtedly increases the total value of aqueous calibration solutions Astasol^®. 

Spectral methods

The main method used to check the quality of our products is inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry with optical detection. We use the ICP-OES iCAP for XP instrument from Thermo Fisher Scientific. For solutions with concentrations in units of ppb, we use the ICP-MS iCAP TQe from the same company. 

The primary goal of ICP-OES and ICP-MS techniques is to simplify the control of our single and multi-element standard solutions. They are also used for the analysis of aqueous and luciferous leachates of plant materials, soils or sewage sludge. 

The test laboratory also serves as a joint PROMO laboratory of Pragolab and ANALYTIKA, where you can see the use of the instrument in real operation. We offer the possibility to measure your own samples, basic application support and advice on the development of new methods, consultancy on the selection of suitable RM/CRMs for the methods used and the preparation of RM/CRMs based on your requirements. If you are interested in a demonstration of the instrument or a non-binding consultation, please contact Pragolab or ANALYTIKA. 

The last spectral method used in the Testing Laboratory is UV/Vis spectrophotometry, which is used for speciation analysis and basic analysis of selected organic substances. For the analyses we use the GENESYS 180 spectrophotometer from Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Ion chromatography

For the determination of ions we use the Dionex Integrion HPIC with conductivity detection from Thermo Fisher Scientific with autosampler.

Ion chromatography is primarily used in our laboratory for the control of aqueous anion calibration solutions. Another application is the control of the content of feedstocks used for CRM production and the determination of ionic impurities contained in them. 

Conductometry, pH

With the support of selected independent standards, some certified reference materials traceable to national standards, we use the method for checking the quality of our products, reference materials for determination of electrolytic conductivity or some buffers. Determination of conductivity or pH in real samples, i.e. samples with real matrix such as water, aqueous extracts of contaminated soils or sewage sludge, is commonplace.

Samples analyses

All of our used control procedures/methods are set up and validated to fulfill its purpose. In our case it is necessary to look at the intended use of those methods, rather than as an object of commercial analysing, but as already support and control procedure to verify the quality of our products. 

The target of implementation these methods is not to compete with commercial laboratories, but to increase precision and minimize uncertainty of analytical measurements. Our Testing Analytical Laboratory has only one customer, which is a production unit of our company. 

Technical support

If you have any questions relating to our Testing Analytical Laboratoty, regarding the control procedures/methods used, our products, or if you have another questions in the field of analytical chemistry, do not hesitate to contact us.

laborator@analytika.net
GSM: +420 605 253 726