WHAT ARE ERM SAMPLES?
External Reference Materials are samples from the same batch as the samples used in our regular proficiency testing programs.
They enable you to check your analytical performance with samples whose assigned values have already been estimated.
Thanks to these samples, you can monitor your quality in addition to BIPEA’s regular PT programs.
We ensure their proper storage and shipping before and beyond your order’s confirmation.
CONDITIONS FOR THE PURCHASE OF ERM SAMPLES
BIPEA’s External Reference Materials meet the requirements of the FD V 03-115 guidelines. They are exclusively available to our members and are sold individually after the validation of the assigned values by the technical president of the program and the publication of the reports.
External Reference Materials are sent after the publication of the Interlaboratory Comparisons Report (ILCR). They are stored in appropriate conditions: positive cold room, tempered room, or negative cold room. The storage time depends on the nature of the sample.
The duration and storage conditions are therefore guaranteed by BIPEA ensuring you receive samples of consistent quality in terms of homogeneity.
Particular case for PTS in microbiology:
PT 51b: ERM samples are available during 6 months, starting from the manufacturing date,
PT 51j: ERM samples are available during 1 year, starting from the manufacturing date
PT 83a: ERM samples are available during 1 year, starting from the manufacturing date
PT 35-50-51 (options 51a-51c-51d-51e-51f-51h) – 54 – 56 – 79 do not offer ERMs samples because of their instability in the long term,
However if you are interested in additional samples, you can order them in advance and they will be delivered at the same time as the samples for the regular PT programs.
Prices depend on the nature of the samples and your location.
To obtain the list of ERM samples, please log into your member area, under the “schedules and ERM stock” tab.
You can also contact our sales department at sales@bipea.org
ERM CONTRACT
Due to the high demand for ERM samples, we may encounter stocks shortages. We invite you to set up an ERM contract (for a minimum order of 10 samples). With this contract, you will receive ERM samples during the year and benefit from discounts (up to 40% off).
These contracts allow us to manufacture more samples in advance and to provide enough ERMs for all participants.
Contact our sales department for more information at sales@bipea.org