ERM-DB001: Trace Elements in Human Hair

An amount of approximately 8 kg of uncoloured, untreated human hair was collected in the  Northeast of Belgium and processed at IRMM (BE) under stringent conditions in order to  produce a certified reference material (CRM) of human hair powder.  Between unit-heterogeneity was quantified as well as stability during dispatch and storage in  accordance with ISO Guide 35:2006 [2]. Within-unit heterogeneity was also assessed to  determine the minimum sample intake.  The material was characterised by an inter-comparison among laboratories of demonstrated  competence and adhering to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 [3]. Technically invalid results were  removed but no outlier was eliminated on statistical grounds only. Uncertainties of the  certified values were calculated in compliance with the Guide to the Expression of  Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) [4] including uncertainty contribution related to possible  heterogeneity and instability of the material as well as to the characterisation study.  The material is intended for quality control and assessment of method performance. As any  reference material, it can also be used for control charts or validation studies. 

The material is intended for quality control and assessment of method performance. As any reference material, it can also be used for control charts or validation studies.  The minimum sample intake for ERM-DB001 is 200 mg for As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Se and Zn and  10 mg for Hg.  The CRM has been accepted as European Reference Material (ERM®) after peer evaluation by the partners of the European Reference Materials consortium. 

keywords: Biological material, Human Tissue , Hair, Trace elements,  Heavy metals