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The systematic quality assurance (QA) and control of testing methods in incorporation monitoring consists of continual measures for internal QA and additional measures such as external laboratory controls. This includes among other aspects accuracy, precision and descriptions of the methods as well as the representation and timely availability of analytic results of measurements and internal dose assessment. At the officially recognised incorporation measurement office at Jülich, QA is performed for direct measurements (whole-body counter), indirect measurements with radiochemical testing methods of excretion samples and internal dose assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The accreditation of the Competent Incorporation Measuring Body at Jülich includes incorporation monitoring by means of direct measurements of the body activity as well as by means of indirect determination of the body activity by radiochemical analysis of excreta samples. In both testing areas, it proved to be very useful to have a flexible scope. In particular, the associated freedom in choosing testing procedures supports the continual improvement process of the laboratory. The modification of existing methods as well as the development and introduction of new procedures makes an immediate reaction to changed requirements feasible. At Jülich the use made out of the flexible scope included, e.g. the introduction of mathematical calibration in whole-body counting and the automation of sample preparation in radiochemical analysis. Advantages of the new procedures and modified methods include on the one hand the reduction of processing times, downtimes and hazard potentials on the other hand enhanced detection limits and improved cost-efficiency. In the result, it can be recommended to other qualified testing laboratories to go for a flexible scope.