Certified Reference Materials

Contact: Dr. Ralph Sturgeon
Tel: (613) 993-6395

The Group is well equipped for both inorganic and organic trace analysis. Facilities for inorganic trace analysis include instrumentation for GF-AAS, high resolution and dynamic reaction cell, ICP-AES, ICP-MS and GD-MS as well as Class 100 and Class 10 clean room facilities. Facilities for organic trace analysis include instrumentation for GC, LC, GC-MS, LC-UV/Vis, FAIMS, and electrospray MS/MS. The Group has particular expertise in the determination of organochlorine compounds (PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs) in environmental samples. While the trace analysis facilities are generally not available for routine analysis, they are made available, when possible, for special projects with clients in both the public and private sectors.

CRM data sheets Ordering information CRM Program Comment Form Declaration of Quality Service Additional information:crm.inms@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca Certified reference materials (CRMs) for environmental analysis are available for purchase from the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). These materials are produced by an NRC program operated jointly by the Institute for National Measurement Standards (INMS), in Ottawa, Ontario, and the Institute for Marine Biosciences (IMB), in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Over the years this program has developed in scope and today NRC is internationally recognized as a producer of a variety of inorganic and organic CRMs.

NRC scientists Christine Scriver and Scott Willie process a new calcium carbonate Certified Reference Material (CRM) in the clean room of the INMS Chemical Metrology laboratory. This reference material will provide testing laboratories with a quality control standard for dietary calcium supplements where high levels of trace metals such as lead are a concern.

Each CRM is produced under strict controls and is identified by an acronym and a number. Replacement materials are distinguished by an alteration in the numerical portion of the identifier. Wherever possible replacement materials are prepared using starting materials and procedures identical to those employed in the production of the original CRM. The concentrations of the certified analytes in these materials are present at natural levels and have not been intentionally altered.

CRM data sheets produced at INMS

The Institute for Marine Biosciences produces CRMs for shellfish toxins. A separate catalogue is available from IMB.

Ordering information

The CRM's should be ordered directly from the producing institute. Please choose the correct order form. Prices quoted for Canadian clients are listed in Canadian dollars and GST is charged where appropriate. A separate price list for International clients is available and prices are listed in US dollars. Customs and duty charges, if any, are the responsibility of the recipient.

For all clients, shipping costs are extra. Prices are subject to change without notice.

The preferred method of payment is by credit card (VISA or Mastercard). Money orders and cheques, made payable to "Receiver General for Canada – NRC", are also accepted. Orders can be placed by mail, fax or E-mail (DO NOT send VISA/MasterCard number by email).

INMS CRMs and Prices - Canadian clients
INMS CRMs and Prices - International clients (revised prices effective 1 September 2006)

Fillable application forms have been created using the Adobe Acrobat file format, taking advantage of the interactive forms property of Acrobat. Fillable forms allow you to enter your data on-screen instead of completing forms by hand. It does not, however, transfer the information on-line.

After completing a form on-screen, you must print it then mail or fax a copy to NRC.

Order form for Canadian clients
Order form for international clients (revised prices effective 1 September 2006)

For additional details send email to: crm.inms@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca