The accelerated development of analytical methodologies during the last decades makes the analytical practice a field where competitiveness is ultimately defined by the confidence of the customers, based on their acceptance of the services provided.
The IAEA assists its Member States laboratories to effectively utilize nuclear spectrometries for analytical services in environmental monitoring and other applications including nuclear energy systems-related needs. To support the IAEA Member States efforts the Agency implements various types of activities including production and distribution of reference materials, development of standardized analytical methods, conducting interlaboratory comparisons and proficiency tests as tools for quality control and provision of specialized training in Quality Management and Quality Control topics.
This learning module was developed within the IAEA Project 1.4.3.4 (D.3.03) Nuclear Spectrometry for Analytical Applications, under the Nuclear Science Programme. The main objective of the Project is to enhance capability of interested Member States in effective utilization of nuclear spectrometries and analytical services in industry, human health, agriculture, and monitoring and evaluation of environmental pollution. The module aims at providing practical guidelines for the organization of work and quality management practice in x-ray fluorescence laboratories in IAEA Member States. The target users include the managers and technical staff of the analytical laboratories.
The IAEA officer responsible for this publication was R. Padilla Alvarez of the Nuclear Spectrometry and Applications Laboratory, Agency’s Laboratories, Seibersdorf.