Plants - IPE

Dried plant materials e.g. crops, leaves, grain

Proficiency tests

Participation in the International Plant-analytical Exchange (IPE) programme is open to all laboratories.

Test programme Plant
Number of rounds 4 per year
Number of samples 4 per round
Sample size 20 g
Origin Natural source
Exercise name IPE

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General Information

  • The sample types/matrices are chosen to represent the materials which you normally analyse.
  • The plant samples are dried at max. 70°C and milled and sieved to <0.5 mm.
  • The homogeneity of each batch of samples is tested on a selection of parameters.
  • The dried plant samples are stored at -20°C and are stable over a number of years.
  • You analyze the test materials according to your normal validated methods and procedures for those elements and parameters you are interested in.
  • Your results are processed at WEPAL-QUASIMEME and published every three months under confidential code names.
  • The reports contain all data, statistical evaluation including Z-score plots and method information about the method used.
  • Your reports are available within one month after the submission deadline.
  • New determinands can be added on request.

Determinands

The list below shows the typical determinands for the International Plant-analytical Exchange. For a list of determinands which are under the scope of accreditation please check here.

Analyte group Typical analytes
Acid extractable (So-called totals) Al, Si
Real totals Al, C - elementary, N - elementary, Si
Inorganic Chemical Composition Ag, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Br, Ca, Cd, Cl (as Cl), Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, F, Fe, Ga, Hg, I, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, N - Kjeldahl (as N), N - NH4 (as N), N - NO3 (as N), Na, Ni, P (as P), Pb, Pd, Pt, Rb, Rh, S (as S), Sb, Se, Sn, SO4 (as SO4), Sr, Ti, V, Zn
Nutritional values ADF-ash-free, Crude fibre, NDF-ash-containing, NDF-ash-free, Polysaccharides (starch), Total ash, Total Disaccharides, Total fat, Total monosaccharides
Other determinations delta 13C, delta 15N, moisture content, CN detn, stable isotope ratios
Participation

Quotation

Timetable & scheme

Fees

Reference materials

Samples of previous proficiency tests are sold as reference materials. Available materials can be selected and ordered in our webshop. In our webshop it is also possible to request a quotation. Participants of our proficiency tests are entitled to a discount.