Proficiency testing for aldehydes

The proficiency testing (PT) is offered alternatively with and without own sampling. Participants may choose whether they wish to perform sampling for aldehydes themselves, or to have the sample carriers supplied to them [1].

Three test gas mixtures with different individual substance concentrations are offered. A test gas mixture consists of three to four aldehydes. The following aldehydes are used: formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde and butyraldehyde. The concentration for formaldehyde will lie in the range between 0.03 and 1 mg/m³, for acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde and butyraldehyde in the range between 0.1 and 3 mg/m³ each.

Analysis should be conducted by HPLC according to IFA Folder No. 6045 [2] or DIN ISO 16000-3 [3] respectively.

1 Proficiency testing scheme with own sampling

At the dynamic test gas stream at the IFA up to 25 participants can carry out parallel sampling.

• When:
  1^st date for the PT: 09/10 November 2021
  2^nd date for the PT: 16/17 November 2021
• Where:
  Institut für Arbeitsschutz der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung (IFA)
  Alte Heerstr. 111
  53757 Sankt Augustin
  Germany
• Concentration range:
  The concentration for formaldehyde will lie in the range between 0.03 and 1 mg/m³, for acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde and butyraldehyde in the range between 0.1 and 3 mg/m³ each.
• Number of test series: 3
• Duration per test series: 2 hours plus preparation time and run-in period.
• Accomodations: Hotels at Sankt Augustin (PDF, 105 KB)

Participants will receive detailed information on the PT scheme, a description of the apparatus, and the connections for the sampling devices in particular, in good time.

2 Proficiency testing scheme without own sampling

The production of samples for aldehydes is conducted at the dynamic test gas stream of the IFA.

The laboratories may choose from two different sample carriers:

1. Waters Sep-Pak DNPH-Cartridge (Prod. No. WAT047205) or
2. Supelco LPDNPH S10 Cartridge (Prod. No. 21014).

Each participant receives a sample kit comprising:

• Three loaded sample carriers, and
• Two unloaded sample carriers for blank value adjustment.