From urban dust and marine sediment to Ginkgo biloba and human serum—a top ten list of Standard Reference Materials (SRMs)

Abstract

During the past 40 years, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed over 180 natural matrix Standard Reference Materials® (SRMs) for the determination of trace organic constituents in environmental, clinical, food, and dietary supplement matrices. A list of the Top Ten SRMs intended for organic analysis was identified based on selection criteria including analytical challenge to assign certified values, challenges in material preparation, novel matrices, longevity, widespread use, and unique design concept or intended use. The environmental matrix SRMs include air particulate matter, marine sediment, mussel tissue, and human serum with the focus on contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlorinated pesticides, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Human serum and plasma SRMs for clinical diagnostic markers including vitamin D metabolites represent clinical analysis, whereas infant formula, multivitamin/multielement tablets, and Ginkgo biloba constitute the food and dietary supplement matrices on the list. Each of the SRMs on the Top Ten list is discussed relative to the selection criteria and significance of the material, and several overall lessons learned are summarized.

Trends in selected fields of reference material production

“…Instead, the analytical methods and the understanding of the measurement system have evolved over time, enabling, e.g., a (re)certification with a lower uncertainty. If different results are found using an advanced analytical method or approach, it is always helpful for users and producers of specific RM to publish these results which can help to improve the CRM itself [ 12 ].…”