Intercomparisons programs - a tool for the implementation of a quality assurance program in a in vitro laboratory

In vitro bioassay laboratories need to have means to demonstrate that they are technically competent, operate an effective quality system, and are able to generate technically valid calibration and test results. The reliability of the results of measurements has a big influence on the reliability of the dose assessment. Interlaboratory tests are one of the tools for assessing the analytical consistency of in vitro bioassay laboratories. The intercomparisons exercises provide an opportunity to compare radiochemistry techniques for in vitro analysis of biological samples. The In Vitro Laboratory of the Instituto de Radioprotecao e Dosimetria has therefore participated in the intercomparisons exercises sponsored by PROCORAD (Association for the Promotion of Quality Controls in Radio toxicological Bioassay), ARCAL (The Regional Coordination Agreement for Latin America) and IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) since 1998. The intercomparison exercises comprise measurements of gamma emitters in urine samples, beta emitters in urine samples and alpha emitters in urine and faecal samples. This paper presents the performance of the IRD in vitro bioassay laboratory in the past intercomparison. The results demonstrate that In Vitro Laboratory is able to generate technically valid results, which also guarantee the support for a quality assurance program and accreditation by competent organism in Brazil. (author)