Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 1 of 41 Procedure16v600

Purpose

This document describes the production, measurement, and reporting procedures for the massic activity or 

mass fraction of radionuclides in Complex-Matrix Radionuclide Standard Reference Materials (referred 

to here as Complex-Matrix SRMs). Included within this document are the procedures for preparation and 

calibration of the Complex-Matrix SRMs. SRMs developed under this procedure are intended to comply 

with the requirements outlined in NIST Quality Manual for Measurement Services (NIST-QM-I) [1] and 

the Radiation Physics Division Quality Manual (RPD-QM-II) [2] thereby satisfying international 

standards for reference material producers [3].

Background

One of the missions of the Radiation Physics Division is to provide standards containing radionuclides for 

research, commerce, and industry. Generally, the SRMs that are available from NIST are provided for one 

of several reasons: (a) they are not available from outside commercial suppliers, (b) commerciallyproduced standards may not be traceable to national standards, (c) the accuracy of commerciallyproduced standards is not adequate for a significant number of users, or (d) there are enough requests 

from the user community for a standard not otherwise available. The Complex-Matrix SRM program 

seeks to quantify radionuclide massic activity or mass fraction in complex matrix materials such as soils, 

sediments, biological specimens, or synthetic mixtures (representing construction or industrial materials). 

The radionuclides present in these matrices have both natural and anthropogenic origins. Complex-Matrix

SRMs provide the metrology community with means by which they can: a) validate radioanalytical 

methods, b) control the quality of measurement process, c) compare measurement results within projects 

and programs (both within a laboratory and between laboratories) over an extended time period, and d) 

support the traceability and credibility of measurement results [4].

NIST issues a wide array of Complex-Matrix SRMs for measurements of radioactivity or amount of 

radioactive nuclide (Appendix 1A). There are approximately 10 such SRMs in stock with the number of 

calibrated radionuclides ranging from 3 to 13 depending on the material. A total of 42 different 

radionuclide calibrations have been performed across these materials. These Complex-Matrix SRMs are 

frequently a result of a collaboration of national and international environmental and radiochemistry

laboratories. Calibrations at NIST and the collaborating laboratories use various radiometric techniques 

and several mass spectrometric methods. SRM units of these materials are distributed as ground, 

homogenized powders containing between 15 g and 300 g depending on matrix material. Radionuclides 

are generally present at low massic activities (< 1.0 Bq g-1) and/or trace mass fractions (<100 ppm). 

Scope

This procedure discusses:

• the selection of material matrices;

• processing them into final form;

• the interlaboratory comparisons used to develop the data files from which the certified 

radionuclide massic activity will be derived;

• the NIST radiochemical analysis process to contribute to the data file;

• the data evaluation process; and 

• the preparation of supporting documentation and the SRM certificate.

Safety

The processes for production and characterization of the Complex-Matrix SRMs involve working with 

radioactive materials (sometimes at moderate levels of activity and dose rate), with biological materials, 

with various acids and other chemicals, with dispersible powders, and with potentially dangerous 

equipment. Safe work practices are an essential part of the production process. See Subsection 6 of the 

Procedures section.
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 2 of 41 Procedure16v600

Radiation safety-general: Users of radioactive materials at NIST must complete Radiation Safety 

Training and should only be handling materials in accordance with active procedures that have approved 

Safety Evaluations (SEs). Handling and processing of the radioactive materials shall be performed in 

rooms that have been designated as Radiation Facilities by the Gaithersburg Radiation Safety Division 

(GRSD) and are marked with magenta and yellow strip tape and/or placards. Specific requirements for 

entry and exit from the rooms are provided by the GRSD. Source acquisition proposals are submitted 

using the NIST 364 Form (“Radioactive Material Request”) in the context of approved SEs. In addition, 

safety protocols are posted in the laboratories. 

Chemical safety-general: Chemical safety and training operations are provided by the NIST Gaithersburg 

Office of Safety, Health, and Environment (OSHE). GRSD is a sub-group within the OSHE.

Equipment

The production and characterization of the Complex-Matrix SRMs may involve a large number of 

different machines and measuring instruments. See Appendix A2 and Subsection 8 of the Procedure 

section.

Uncertainty Analysis

A measurement result is complete only when accompanied by a quantitative statement of its uncertainty. 

The uncertainty often determines the usefulness of the measurement result. The analysis and reporting of 

measurement uncertainties is an essential step in the production process. See Subsection 18 of the 

Procedures section.

Records

Production records should be complete enough so that anyone who is reasonably familiar with the SRM 

production process can reproduce any or all of the calculations that lead to the final measurement results 

and uncertainties for the SRM (i.e., the certified values) and evaluate and reproduce the production 

process (e.g., for the next batch of that SRM). See Subsection 21 of the Procedures section.

Filing and Retention

The radioactivity SRM production records are stored in the SRM Records Storage Room. The production 

records are retained for as long as the SRM is available for sale to the public, plus at least an additional 10 

years. See Subsection 21 of the Procedures section.

The Radiation Physics Division (RPD) Quality Manager shall maintain the original and past versions of 

this RPD Procedure as specified in RPD-QM-II.

Definitions and Abbreviations

Organizations:

NIST – National Institute of Standards and Technology

GRSD – Gaithersburg Radiation Safety Division, NIST

OSHE – Office of Safety, Health and Environment

ORM – Office of Reference Materials

PML – Physical Measurement Laboratory

RPD - Radiation Physics Division (Division 682 of PML)

RG – Radioactivity Group (Group 4 of RPD)

PI – Principal Investigator: the NIST employee primarily responsible for the development 

of the reference material project.
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 3 of 41 Procedure16v600

SRM Coordinator: The PML staff member with primary responsibility for and oversight of 

the development of SRMs within the Radioactivity Division

SED – Statistical Engineering Division

Concepts and Units:

Becquerel (Bq) – SI unit of radioactivity equal to one nuclear transformation per second

Curie (Ci) – unit of radioactivity equal to 3.70E+10 nuclear transformations per second (originally 

based on the nuclear transformation rate of 1 gram of 226Ra)

CRM – certified reference material

Gray (Gy) – SI unit of absorbed dose equal to 1 joule/kilogram 

QC – quality control

SI – the International System of units (metric)

Traceability of measurement – establishment of an unbroken chain of measurements, with 

uncertainties, linked to a fundamental SI unit

Processes:

Bateman equations – solutions to systems of differential equations governing the ingrowth and decay 

as a function of time of radioactive progeny of a given radioactive parent progenitor.

Carrier – a stable element, usually added in the form of a salt, to facilitate the stability of a solution of 

or separation of a particular radionuclide. An isotopic carrier is the same element as the 

radionuclide (e.g., stable Sr added to 90Sr). A non-isotopic carrier is a different element from the 

radionuclide (e.g., stable Ba added to 226Ra).

Chemical equilibration – any chemical process which causes the tracer/carrier and the analyte to 

assume the same chemical state (e.g., oxidation, reduction, complexation, solvation, hydration, 

etc.).

Combined standard uncertainty – standard measurement uncertainty that is obtained using the 

individual standard measurement uncertainties associated with the input quantities in a 

measurement model.

Electrodeposition – a method of producing a nearly massless source containing radionuclides 

intended for alpha spectrometry measurement with optimum spectral resolution. The 

radionuclides are typically deposited as an oxide layer onto a stainless steel or platinum disk from 

a solution in an electrochemical cell with the passage of an electric current under controlled 

conditions.

Isotope dilution – the use of an added isotopic tracer or carrier in known amount to facilitate the 

measurement of one or more analytes (e.g., addition of 242Pu tracer to facilitate the mass 

spectrometric measurement of 239Pu and 240Pu).

Leaching – a chemical process intending to selectively dissolve a particular component of interest 

(e.g., Pu) from a matrix (e.g., soil) without requiring total dissolution of the matrix (e.g., digestion 

of soil with strong acids, singly or in combination).

Lyophilization – freeze-drying.

Micro co-precipitation – a method of producing a source with mass typically less than 500 μg 

containing radionuclides intended for alpha spectrometry measurement. For example, actinides in 

their tri- and tetravalent oxidation states can crystallize essentially quantitatively within a matrix 

of freshly precipitated rare earth fluoride (e.g., NdF3) due to the similarity of their ionic radii. The 

rare earth fluoride precipitate is filtered onto a membrane filter of 0.1 μm porosity, washed and 

dried to produce the source. It is an alternative to the electrodeposition method but typically has 

poorer spectral resolution.

Radioactive equilibrium – the state where the rate of ingrowth of the decay product of a specific 

radionuclide equals the rate of decay of its radioactive daughter nuclide of shorter half-life than 
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 4 of 41 Procedure16v600

its parent. At this point, the ratio of daughter to parent atoms (and therefore the activity ratio) 

remains constant.

Sample decomposition – any process that alters the chemical or physical state of a sample with the 

objective of analyzing for one or more components (in the present case, amounts of selected 

radionuclides).

Sample dissolution – the process of dissolving a sample, sometimes after a preliminary sample 

decomposition, in order to prepare a solution from which one or more components 

(radionuclides) may be chemically separated.

Total dissolution – a chemical process intending to completely dissolve a sample matrix in order to 

ensure that all of the desired analyte is brought into solution for subsequent chemical separation 

steps. High temperature molten-salt fusion is one example of this approach.

Tracer – a radionuclide added to follow the chemical behavior of the particular radionuclide to be 

analyzed and often to facilitate the quantitative measurement of that radionuclide. An isotopic 

tracer is the same element as the analyte radionuclide (e.g., 243Am tracer added to 241Am analyte), 

whereas a non-isotopic tracer is a different element (e.g., 133Ba tracer added to 226Ra analyte).

Procedures

The need for a new SRM largely derives from advice from the radioactivity user community. Interactions 

with this community include the annual CIRMS (Council on Ionizing Radiation Measurements and 

Standards) meeting; the NIST Radioactivity Measurement Assurance Program (NRMAP) Inc. steering 

committees; focused workshops; and personal interactions with users within other laboratories, academia,

and industry. This need is usually identified by the principal investigator responsible for producing, 

calibrating, and certifying the SRM. A need could also be identified by other Radioactivity Group (RG) 

members.

The responsibilities of the RG Leader, SRM Coordinator, and Principal Investigator (PI) as well as the 

coordination of SRM activities among them, is described in RPD-QM-II.

Below is a sequence of general steps that describe the process for production, characterization, and 

certification of a Complex-Matrix SRM.

1.0 Determine the intended use, the requirements, and the demand for the SRM.

1.1 Each NIST Complex-Matrix SRM must be of the highest metrological quality and be fit for purpose. 

To achieve these goals requires more than defining certified values and an associated uncertainty. It 

also requires that the form, chemical composition, homogeneity, size, activity, and packaging of the 

SRM are such that the user can easily make correct and accurate measurements. In order to help 

insure that these requirements are met, guidance may be sought from relevant regulatory bodies or 

specialized technical organizations in addition to the requests and suggestions of individual 

customers. 

1.2 If an SRM is a renewal (i.e., the production of a new batch of an already existing, but presently outof-stock, SRM), the previous sales record is also considered. If there is some question about the 

continued need for a particular Complex-Matrix SRM, previous customers for that SRM are usually 

consulted to obtain their comments and suggestions.

2.0 Select the chemical and physical properties of the SRM and select the chemical and physical 

attributes that are to be quantified and/or certified.

2.1 There are three basic guidelines for the selection of the chemical and physical properties of a 

Complex-Matrix SRM:

2.1.1 Provided that the material is properly stored, the Complex-Matrix SRM should be stable for a 

period of at least at least 20 years (i.e. no chemical or physical change to the SRM, other than 
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 5 of 41 Procedure16v600

the intrinsic radioactive decay, that make the material unsuitable for analysis or alters a 

certified value by more than 25 percent of its stated uncertainty). 

2.1.2 The Complex-Matrix SRM should be as similar as is practical to the sample(s) that the 

customer will measure. This helps reduce or eliminate additional uncertainties due to dilution 

or due to corrections for different preparation requirements (particularly 

decomposition/dissolution behavior if destructive analysis is applied), different sample

geometries, different photon absorptions, etc.

2.1.3 The Complex-Matrix SRM should be in a form and quantity that is useable by as many 

customers as possible.

2.2 There are two basic guidelines for the selection of the chemical and physical properties whose values 

are to be quantified:

2.2.1 All of the properties that are essential to the proper use of the Bulk SRM must be described 

quantitatively. For example, the major element composition of the matrix and minimum 

sample size for certified values must be indicated so that the user can best determine how to 

process the bulk material for analysis.

2.2.2 The precision of contributing measurements should be considered such that the expanded 

uncertainty of the Complex-Matrix SRM remains low enough to be satisfactory for the 

majority of users.

3.0 Select a suitable container and packaging for the SRM.

3.1 Containers for Complex-Matrix SRMs must be selected based on 4 criteria which will vary depending 

on the properties of the material:

3.1.1 Containers should have sufficient volume to hold the chosen mass of Complex-Matrix SRM 

without compressing the material.

3.1.2 The container geometry should be such that material can be readily dispensed or retrieved 

(e.g. with a spatula); generally, wide-mouth glass or polyethylene bottles. 

3.1.3 The container should be sufficiently impermeable to protect the material from alteration due 

to diffusion of gas or vapor phase (e.g. moisture during storage or oxygen for biological 

samples).

3.1.4 The container should be sufficiently robust to resist degradation due to aging or chemical 

interaction with the Complex-Matrix material (massic activities for Complex-Matrix SRMs

are typically very low, so long-term radiation damage to containers from the material itself is 

not a significant factor).

3.2 Materials such as soils, sediments, or synthetic material can be packaged in polyethylene bottles. 

Potentially light- and air-sensitive biological materials are packaged in amber or clear glass bottles 

under dry nitrogen or vacuum. Additionally, the latter may be stored in deep freezers until shipped to 

customers.

3.3 As part of the production process, additional packaging may be placed around the container of the 

Complex-Matrix SRM. When necessary, this packaging is designed to protect the SRM during 

handling and long-term storage. Packaging for the Radioactivity SRMs is designed to pass the 

performance tests for Type-A packages of radioactive material. Complex-Matrix SRMs will, 

however, generally ship as “Excepted” packages so outer packaging may not be required to meet 

Type-A criteria. See Section 20 for more detailed requirements. The packaging currently in use for 

the Complex-Matrix SRMs has proven satisfactory over decades of use.

4.0 Select a measurement model, suitable sampling and measurement method (experimental design), 

including the sequence of operations for the production process.

4.1 Complex-Matrix SRMs are generally certified as consensus standards that include results from 

measurements performed outside of the PML RG and measurements performed by the RG. Planning 

for sampling and analysis are generally in accordance with concepts outlined in [5] and [6].
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 6 of 41 Procedure16v600

4.2 For measurements outside of the PML RG, leading experienced international radiochemical 

metrology laboratories are invited to participate in a “best effort” replicate analysis interlaboratory 

comparison to obtain the most accurate and consistent radionuclide concentration data possible. 

4.2.1 The laboratories are selected through their reputations and demonstrated capabilities 

evidenced by past participation in comparisons and publications in peer reviewed literature

4.2.2 All laboratories agree to participate without anonymity. 

4.2.3 Chemical yield monitors quantitatively diluted from SRMs are typically provided by NIST to 

the participants. 

4.2.4 Each laboratory uses the radioanalytical methodology for which they are most expert and 

selects the radionuclide results that are returned to NIST.

4.2.5 At least one measurement from each of the SRM units is requested for each reported 

radionuclide. The laboratory also has the option of reporting at least three measurement 

results from each of the SRM units for assessment of between-bottle and within-bottle 

heterogeneity. 

4.2.6 The laboratories are requested to report their results within one year of receiving the SRM 

units.

4.2.7 The information requested for reported analytical results includes: five massic activity results 

for each radionuclide with the associated combined standard uncertainties, the reference date, 

and a brief description of the analytical method used.

4.3 For measurements within the PML RG, the selection of primary and confirmatory measurement 

methods depends primarily on the decay mode of the primary radionuclide and on the activity and 

physical form of the sample(s) to be measured. The general criteria for the selection of a 

measurement method are:

4.3.1 Ease of measurement.

4.3.2 Ease of sample preparation.

4.3.3 Low measurement uncertainty.

4.3.4 Selectivity (if more than one radionuclide is present).

4.3.5 High detection efficiency (especially important for typically low massic activities).

4.4 There are presently 5 basic methods (alpha spectrometry, gamma spectrometry, liquid scintillation 

and beta gas-flow proportional counting, and mass spectrometry), some with many variations, used 

within the PML RG for primary, confirmatory, and/or impurity measurements of the Complex-Matrix

SRMs. See Section 14 for a description of the various measurement methods and sample preparation 

techniques used for Complex-Matrix SRMs.

4.5 Statistical evaluation of the measurement data is described in Section 15.

5.0 Draft a project plan and have the proposed production process reviewed and approved.

5.1 The project plan shall include the sequence in which the required project activities are to be carried 

out. Proposed attributes for characterization, participating laboratories, required facilities, equipment, 

personnel, supplies, and funding should be documented in whatever form is satisfactory for the 

purpose, such as lists, tables, drawings, flow charts, Gantt diagrams, etc.

5.2 The review and approval of the SRM production plan are carried out by the RG Leader and the SRM 

Coordinator. A record of this review shall be maintained with the SRM documentation. 

6.0 Have the proposed safety measures reviewed and approved by Gaithersburg Radiation Safety 

Division and the NIST Office of Safety, Health and Environment.

6.1 The acquisition and use of radioactive material, or a Complex-Matrix material known to contain 

radionuclides, at NIST must be approved by the GRSD, in advance, in the context of an Ionizing 

Radiation Safety Committee (IRSC)-approved SE. For the Complex-Matrix SRM production process, 
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 7 of 41 Procedure16v600

this is done by submitting a Proposed Use Request for approval under a specific SE, along with a 

NIST 364 “Radioactive Material Request” (signed by the RG Leader or RPD Chief). Once approved 

by GRSD, the proposed use is assigned an identification number and can be referenced in future 

production processes.

6.2 Preparation of Complex-Matrix SRMs may require the handling of biological materials and 

dispersible powders, both of which may require special safe handling procedures. These activities will 

be reviewed by the NIST Office of Safety, Health and Environment under a specific SE.

7.0 Obtain the necessary funding.

This step is normally carried out by the RG SRM Coordinator together with the RG leader. Funding of a 

radioactivity SRM production from the SRM Working Capital Fund requires the approval of the RPD

Administrative Officer, the RPD Chief, the Director of the Physical Measurement Laboratory, and the 

NIST Comptroller.

8.0 Arrange for the use of the necessary facilities, equipment, and personnel

8.1 Use of necessary facilities and equipment is normally arranged by, or in cooperation with, the PI for 

the Complex-Matrix SRM production and with the concurrence of the RG leader and staff with 

primary responsibility for the facilities or equipment.

8.2 The production of the NIST Complex-Matrix SRMs may involve a large number of different 

machines and measuring instruments. Measurement instruments and other equipment are described in 

Appendix A2.

8.3 Suitable general-purpose radiochemistry laboratories are available in the NIST Radiation Physics 

Division/Radioactivity Group (RPD/RG) for the preparation of Complex-Matrix SRMs and 

measurement of samples. Use and preparation of these facilities will be determined based on the 

facility capabilities and specific production needs associated with the SRM. The SOPs, SEs, and 

hazard reviews under which SRM work is performed state where specific work will occur.

9.0 Acquire suitable materials.

9.1 As used here, materials include

9.1.1 Stock quantities of complex-matrix material. 

9.1.2 Radioactive materials, if these are going to be added to the bulk materials.

9.1.3 Chemical reagents and other consumable materials.

9.1.4 SRM containers, glassware, and other laboratory supplies.

9.2 Bulk-matrix materials for preparation of SRMs are highly specific matrices chosen to represent a type 

of complex matrix that would be encountered by measurement facilities making radioactivity 

measurements. These materials are not, in general, commercially mass-produced. As such, they are 

provided as a custom order from a vendor to meet project-specific requirements; they are obtained 

from a specific source known to have desired characteristics for the SRM; or they are synthetically 

produced to meet project-specific requirements. If a matrix is going to be obtained by collection, the 

procedures for collection will be consistent with NIST-QM-I. Once the radionuclide composition and 

massic activity characteristics of the target matrix and potential collection sites are identified, cost 

estimates are obtained from personal contacts with access to the collection sites.

9.3 Many of the Complex-Matrix SRM materials are produced from material specifically chosen for 

known content of radioactive nuclides. In some cases, however, radionuclides may be added to a 

bulk material to prepare the matrix standard. To the extent possible, any radionuclides used for this 

purpose will be NIST radioactivity SRMs, calibrated SRM master solutions, or CRMs from other 

suppliers. If it is necessary to obtain radionuclides from a commercial supplier, suitable radioactive 

starting materials that do not require any additional chemical purification will be purchased. 

Radionuclidic purity and carrier concentration can vary so chemical purification may be necessary to 
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 8 of 41 Procedure16v600

improve the calibration accuracy.

9.4 Chemical reagents used as solvents and non-radioactive carriers are at least Analytical Grade 

reagents, and each bottle/unit is provided with a lot analysis. Spectroscopic Grade reagents or Trace 

Element Grade reagents are preferred. Purchased chemical reagents will be inspected and their 

identity confirmed prior to use. The quality of the laboratory reagents will be confirmed during the 

analysis of reagent blanks to check the titer of the reagents, as well as any significant contribution to 

the blank signal. Any failure of the reagent's titer or indication of contamination will result in the 

suspension of use of the material and a suitable replacement will be obtained to carry out the 

requested measurements.

9.3 Purchasing documents shall include technical specifications for all quality-critical labware, reagents 

and instrumentation. Quality-critical purchased items will be inspected and evaluated against the 

purchasing technical specifications 

9.4 Critical consumables such as unit containers will be purchased based on project specific technical 

requirements. Borosilicate glass, quartz glass, or Teflon containers are normally used for solution 

chemistry associated with Complex-Matrix SRM preparation and characterization. The SRM 

containers, glassware, and other laboratory supplies are prepared, as necessary, using standard 

analytical laboratory techniques for washing, rinsing, drying, labeling, etc.

10.0 Addition of radionuclides to Complex-Matrix (as necessary).

10.1 For some Complex-Matrix materials it may be necessary to add known amounts of radionuclides to 

the bulk material. There are two primary methods for adding radionuclides; as a chemical component 

in a synthetically produced Complex-Matrix or as a physical mixture with a previously prepared 

bulk material. For either method, a known quantity of nuclide (as determined based on mass and/or 

massic activity) is added to the matrix. 

10.2 For radionuclides that are a chemical component of a synthetic material, the nuclides are added prior

to final preparation of reference material units (see section 11.0).

10.3 For nuclides added as physical mixture, the material is added to the complex-matrix material prior to 

the blending step in the material preparation (see Section 11.5) or may be added as a quantitatively 

known amount of solution to individual units. For the latter case, the radionuclide-bearing solution 

shall be characterized for massic activity and a unit must be processed in its entirety for a single 

analysis.

11.0 Prepare the materials (as necessary).

11.1 SRM Unit size determination: The minimum unit size for most Complex-Matrix SRMs is chosen to 

be at least three times the typical sample size used by the metrology community for an analysis of 

the matrix. Typically, the maximum sample size for soils and sediments is 10 g; for biological 

materials, it is the amount of material that would result in 10 g of ash.

11.2 Matrix drying: When economically feasible, the preferred method of initially drying the matrix is by 

lyophilization. In cases where lyophilization is not possible, air drying is acceptable. If possible, the 

drying is done at NIST, but otherwise is done externally when appropriate facilities are not present at 

NIST.

11.3 Initial Matrix Size Reduction: If necessary, the initial matrix size reduction and processing (milling) 

are most often carried out at a facility external to NIST. NIST is often present at the external facility 

to monitor the processing of the material insofar as is possible during real time. It is during this 

initial matrix size reduction step when, if two or more sources of materials are to be combined to 

yield the desired SRM characteristics, the materials are initially mixed.

11.4 Pulverization: To minimize heterogeneity and separation due to particle size differences, the material 

must be pulverized to micrometer-size dimensions with a narrow particle size dispersion. Air-jet 

pulverization is the method of choice for dry, friable materials with the average particle size 

typically about 10 μm. Despite its inherent advantages, there is no guarantee that radioactively “hot” 
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 9 of 41 Procedure16v600

particles will be absent in the final product. Alternatively, for organic materials of relatively high oil 

content, cryogenic hammer-milling is more appropriate. The same concerns about “hot” particles 

apply here as well.

11.5 Blending: To further minimize heterogeneity, materials are thoroughly mixed, particularly to evenly 

disperse “hot” particles. Ideally, the material is blended as one batch. In cases where the capacity of 

the blender is insufficient to blend the entire amount of material, sub-batches are blended. In this 

case, additional blending of the split sub-batches is necessary. It is recommended that a three-level 

cross blending approach provides sufficient mixing of the final material.

11.6 Final Drying: Biologically-derived materials require final drying to remove moisture absorbed 

during material processing and to increase shelf-life. Lyophilization is usually the method of choice 

prior to final packaging.

12.0 Dispensing and Packaging

12.1 Environmental materials such as soils and sediments and inert synthetic matrices are packaged in 

polyethylene bottles. Potentially light- and air-sensitive biological materials are packaged in amber 

or clear glass bottles under dry nitrogen or vacuum. Additionally, the latter may be stored in deep 

freezers until shipped to customers.

12.2 The amount of bulk material dispensed to unit containers is determined by mass. Distribution is 

typically performed by placing a unit container on a calibrated balance, taring the container wait and 

then manually adding the complex matrix material until the desired mass is achieved (within a 

predetermined range).

12.3 Sterilization of the final SRM product is necessary to satisfy export requirements of environmental 

and biological materials, and to increase shelf life. The materials are irradiated with 60Co gamma 

rays to an absorbed dose in excess of 40 kGy. This absorbed dose is confirmed by dosimetry 

traceable to NIST provided by the vendor. The excessive sterilization provided by the 40 kGy 

absorbed dose precludes the need for microbiological analysis. The container materials are selected 

to avoid potentially deleterious effect of radiation damage to the bottles and caps.

13.0 Distribution of Analysis Samples for Characterization

13.1 Sample units for analysis are selected based on a stratified random sampling routine with the “strata” 

corresponding to criteria such a unit filling order or the container from which the starting material 

was obtained (when more than one container of stock material is necessary).

13.2 Multiple samples are transferred to a laboratory participating in the characterization analyses (See 

section 4.2) with the number sent to each laboratory based on statistical sampling model and factors 

such as number of units in the production run, the size of the sample units, and the need for betweenunit and within-unit replicate measurements.

13.3 Typically it is requested that the laboratory report 5 massic activity results for each radionuclide with 

the associated combined standard uncertainties, the reference date, and a brief description of the 

analytical method used. For assessment of between bottle and within bottle heterogeneity, the 

laboratory also has the option of reporting three measurement results from each of the SRM units 

provided.

14.0 Characterization analyses by the NIST Radiation Physics Division, Radioactivity Group

14.1 Gamma Ray Measurements: 

14.1.1 Assessment of heterogeneity.

14.1.1.a The heterogeneity of the bulk material is initially evaluated by gross gamma-ray 

measurements using a 12.7 cm diameter NaI(Tl) detector. The detection system is set 

for a broad (e.g., 50 keV to 1350 keV) energy window. An experimental plan is 

developed in consultation with NIST’s Statistical Engineering Division (SED) to 

decide the appropriate sample size and number of samples to be measured for a desired 
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 10 of 41 Procedure16v600

confidence level. Glass or plastic cylindrical counting containers having high 

dimensional uniformity, preferably with flat-plate bottoms, are used. The sample 

material is weighed, tamped to a selected height, then sealed in the container. If 

electrostatic charge is not a problem keeping the material at the bottom of the counting 

container, Plexiglas is the preferred material for the container to minimize the 40K 

contribution to the gamma-ray Compton background. A waiting time of 3 to 4 weeks is 

allowed for the sample to attain radioactive equilibrium (e.g., ingrowth of radon-222 

and its daughters) in the container before measurement.

14.1.1.b Each sample is then placed in a counting jig to assure that each sample is counted in the 

same geometry with respect to the detector. Each sample is counted for the same 

amount of live time, generally one day to one week per sample.

14.1.1.c Check sources and blank sample containers are generally counted before, between 

samples and after the last sample is counted to evaluate the stability of the counting 

system during the measurement schedule.

14.1.2 HPGE Gamma Ray Measurements: Quantitative Measurements

14.1.2.a Gamma-ray measurements using high purity germanium (HPGe) detectors provide 

nuclide-specific measurement, and HPGe systems are used for quantifying the gammaray emitting radionuclides. Providing there is sufficient radioactivity, the same 

samples used for the heterogeneity assessment in 14.1 can be used for massic activity 

quantification.

14.1.2.b HPGe instrument stabilities are monitored with check sources and blank determinations 

during the scheduled sample measurements. The check sources are counted in a 

reproducible geometry and are used to check that the energy and efficiency responses 

of the detectors have been maintained and are under control. The absolute values of the 

QC source emission rates need not be known so long as they are predictable (e.g., have 

a stable physical/chemical form and can be decay-corrected).

14.1.2.c Each sample is placed in a counting jig to assure that each sample is counted in the 

same geometry with respect to the detector. Each sample is counted for the same 

amount of live time, which is dependent upon the activity concentrations of the 

nuclides of interest and may be for as long as 2 to 4 weeks per sample.

14.1.2.d Check sources and blank sample containers are counted before, between samples and 

after the last sample is counted to evaluate the stability of the counting system during 

the measurement schedule.

14.1.2.e The HPGe instruments are calibrated for energy response and efficiency with a sample 

of the matrix of interest that has been quantitatively spiked with SRM radionuclides of 

interest and thoroughly blended [7, 8, & 9]. The thoroughness of blending is verified 

by measuring a set of sub-samples (typically 5 g to 15 g) from the blended material. 

This method of calibrating the detector avoids the added uncertainty contributions that 

affect interpolation of efficiencies from an experimentally determined calibration 

curve.

14.1.3 NaI(Tl) Gamma Ray Measurements: Quantitative Measurements

14.1.3.a Sodium iodide instrument stabilities are monitored with check sources and blank 

determinations during the scheduled sample measurements. The check sources are 

counted in a reproducible geometry and are used to check that the energy and 

efficiency responses of the detectors have been maintained and are under control. The 

absolute values of the QC source emission rates need not be known so long as they are 

predictable (e.g., have a stable physical/chemical form and can be decay-corrected). 

14.1.3.b The instrument blanks are empty counting bottles that are measured in the same 

geometry as the samples. 
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 11 of 41 Procedure16v600

14.1.3.c These determinations are done at the beginning of the schedule, between samples, and 

after the final sample is counted

14.1.4 Gamma Ray Data Analysis

14.1.4.a Background corrected NaI(Tl) spectra counts are manually summed over broad peaks, 

generally over the 50 keV to 2000 keV region of interest.

14.1.4.b Spectra from HPGe spectrometry are analyzed for net peak area above the Compton 

background often using numeric methods that incorporate the assessment of peak shape 

and peak overlap but manual integration methods are sometimes used when the 

photopeak is well-resolved from others [10 & 11].

14.1.4.c For each instance when software is changed, it is verified by comparing computational 

results against previously validated results and the change is recorded in the 

instrument’s log book, which is located with the instrument and is accessible to all 

staff. The instrument log books notes the current software version being used or 

acceptable for use.

14.1.5 Gamma Ray Data Computations

14.1.5.a The NaI(Tl) net region of interest count rates for each peak from the replicate samples 

are compared using a Normal Probability Plot to evaluate the normality of the 

distribution of the data. When the probability plot correlation coefficient is greater than 

the statistical critical value, it is judged that the data distribution is consistent with a 

normal distribution and that the energy window’s heterogeneity can be estimated using 

its relative standard deviation.

14.1.5.b Massic activity determinations from the HPGe spectra are determined from the 

appropriate formula that includes contributions from the net peak counts, counting 

time, blank correction, mass of the sample, calibration based on the spiked standard 

sample, emission probability, and radioactive decay from the reference date. 

Uncertainties in the massic activities are propagated from the uncertainties in each 

component of the formula used to calculate them.

14.2 Alpha- and Beta-particle Emitting Radionuclide Measurements: 

14.2.1 Isotope Dilution.

14.2.1.a Measurement of alpha-particle emitting radionuclides requires radiochemical 

separation and purification from the host matrix prior to measurement. The generally 

complicated chemical purification steps that are used result in varying degrees of loss 

of the target radionuclides. Addition of a known amount of an isotope of extremely 

low abundance (isotope dilution) into the sample matrix provides a means for 

monitoring the loss of the analyte during the chemical processing steps.

14.2.1.b The fundamental requirement is that the added traceable SRM isotope be chemically 

and physically equilibrated with the analyte radionuclide prior to any losses. The first 

step of this requirement is generally satisfied by total dissolution of the sample in an 

appropriate solvent (usually an acid solution) containing the tracing isotope (also called 

“tracer”). Further steps are necessary to ensure chemical equilibrium of analyte and 

tracer after dissolution and most often include the use of strong oxidizing or reducing 

agents

14.2.1.c Losses of pure beta-particle emitting radionuclides, such as 90Sr, can be traced using 

isotopes such as 85Sr. Alternatively, addition of a known amount of the nonradioactive element of interest can be used as a “chemical yield monitor”. Stable (nonradioactive) strontium is used to trace the 90Sr losses during chemical purification steps. 

The amount of stable strontium recovered at the end of the radiochemical procedure is 

gravimetrically compared to the known amount originally added at the beginning of the 

procedure to determine the chemical yield. A correction to the amount of recovered 

stable element at the end of the chemical procedure is needed when the sample contains 

any of the stable elements in the matrix.
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 12 of 41 Procedure16v600

14.2.2 Alpha- and Beta-particle Measurement QC.

14.2.2.a As in the case of gamma-ray spectrometry, it is necessary to ensure that the 

radioactivity measurement instrumentation is functioning correctly. This can be done 

by measurement of known “check sources” with reproducible geometry and predictable 

alpha and beta emission rates (e.g., have a stable physical/chemical form and can be 

decay-corrected). For example, electrodeposited sources containing deposits of longlived actinides (e.g., 232Th, 230Th, natural U, 237Np, 238Pu, 239Pu, 240Pu, 241Am, 243Am, 

243Cm, 244Cm), either singly or in combination, can be used to examine the response of 

solid-state Si alpha-detectors and their associated electronics in terms of count rate (in a 

reproducible geometry), energy calibration, signal resolution and sometimes detection 

efficiency (if the source activity is well-known). Blanks are measured for long periods 

(weeks – month) when samples are not being measured to observe any changes in the 

so-called background spectrum that might be associated with contamination of the 

detector and/or counting chamber.

14.2.2.b Similarly, for beta-particle measurements with a gas-flow proportional counter, SrCO3

sources containing 90Sr in radioactive equilibrium with its 90Y daughter are useful for 

establishing the long-term beta proportional counter behavior and especially to identify 

significant deviation from normal operation. Blank sources (e.g., membrane filter with 

or without SrCO3 prepared from Sr carrier solution) are measured regularly to check for 

possible contamination of the detectors and source holders.

14.2.2.c Liquid scintillation counting (for 3H, 14C, 90Sr/90Y, 99Tc, 241Pu) QC is managed with 

commercially available sealed liquid scintillation vials with cocktails containing 3H, 

14C and blank material.

14.3 Inductively Couple Plasma Mass Spectrometry Measurements: 

14.3.1 Isotope Dilution.

14.3.1.a Mass spectrometric analysis of radionuclides frequently requires radiochemical 

separation and purification from the host matrix to maximize detection efficiency and 

to prevent isobaric interference from other elements. The generally complicated 

chemical purification steps that are used can result in varying degrees of loss of the 

target radionuclides. Addition of a known amount of an isotope of extremely low 

abundance (isotope dilution) into the sample matrix provides a means for monitoring 

the loss of the analyte during the chemical processing steps.

14.3.1.b Mass spectrometric techniques are used to make accurate and precise measurements of 

the relative proportions of isotopes of the element for which an isotopic spike was 

added. Based on the known quantity of added spike and the ratio of spike to sample 

isotopes the original amount of the target isotope in the sample can be calculated. 

14.3.2 Elemental mass fraction analysis: inductively couple plasma – mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)

can be used to determine the element mass fraction of many major and trace constituents of 

a Bulk Matrix SRM. There 2 primary methods for these analyses: standard addition and 

external calibration.

14.3.1.a Standard addition analysis requires the complete dissolution of the SRM material, then 

several aliquot of the dissolved solution are taken and different quantities of a known 

amount of a target element are added to the aliquots. These aliquots are analyzed along 

with an undoped aliquot and the amount of target element is determined by a regression 

through the instrument signal intensity response for the element versus the proportion 

of unknown sample to added target element.

14.3.1.b External calibration mass fraction determinations are performed by creating a set of 

sample solutions with known but different amounts of target elements (and if possible a 

matched dissolved matrix) and analyzing those solutions to generate a signal intensity 

versus element concentration curve. The unknown is then analyzed and compared to 
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 13 of 41 Procedure16v600

the response curve to determine the mass fraction of the target element(s) in the 

unknown.

14.4 Micro X-ray Fluorescence Measurements (micro-XRF): This technique is a nondestructive 

technique, advantageous for pre-digestion characterization of samples.

14.4.1 Elemental Analysis.

14.4.1.a Micro-XRF derived homogeneity characterization: Micro XRF can be used to assess 

the heterogeneity of a material. A particulate sample is pressed into a pellet (preferable) 

or sandwiched into a special Mylar-covered holder to present a flat surface to the 

incident X-rays. The calibrated instrument analysis routine is set to take a ~10,000 

spatially-random set of analyses. Every pixel contains an X-ray spectrum from which 

elemental concentrations per pixel are extracted. A principal component analysis (PCA) 

is performed and, using estimated X-ray penetration thicknesses verses the calculated 

homogeneity, a minimum sample size per element is calculated. The calculated 

minimum sample size of the most heterogeneous element desired to be certified is the 

minimum sample size for further bulk characterization.

14.4.1.b Bulk Elemental characterization: The micro-XRF elemental analysis can be also used 

to certify the elemental composition of a bulk material. Using methodology from NIST 

Special Publication 260-172 (which has been used to certify SRM 2709a, 2710a, and 

2711a), the elemental concentration of major and minor elements can be characterized. 

This methodology is usually used a secondary method of characterization (except for 

major elements), as mass spectrometric results are more robust and produce lower 

uncertainty.

14.5 Sample Dissolution: It is necessary to achieve complete dissolution of the Complex-Matrix SRM for 

most analysis routines including for radiochemical separations for counting measurements, isotope 

dilution, measurements, and ICP-MS measurements. There are 3 primary dissolution techniques 

used for Complex-Matrix SRMs: high temperature molten salt fusion; acid dissolution; and 

microwave-assisted acid dissolution. The method or combination of methods used is dependent on 

the nature of the Complex-Matrix SRM material and in some cases the elements or nuclides of 

interest for analysis [12-16].

14.5.1.a The sample matrix (e.g., a mineral or inorganic remainder from ignition) is mixed with 

a selected salt “flux” (both typically in powder form) in a crucible or dish (e.g., 

platinum, graphite or zirconium) and subjected to temperatures at which the flux melts 

(often ~1000°C) by means of an electric muffle furnace or gas-fired torch. Under 

proper conditions, the molten flux dissolves the sample completely. Isotope dilution 

tracers and carriers are added as chemical yield monitors to the sample-flux mixture 

before the fusion takes place. This method is especially useful in the decomposition of 

refractory materials which dissolve only slowly and with difficultly in hot, concentrated 

acids.

14.5.1.b Sample size can be as much as 10g, although smaller amounts are more easily 

managed. The resulting fusion cake, after cooling, is then dissolved to produce an 

aqueous solution from which the radionuclide(s) of interest must be chemically 

separated after radiochemical equilibrium of analytes and tracers has been achieved 

(see 14.2.1). 

14.5.2 Acid dissolution (e.g., HF + HNO3 + HClO4, or HNO3 + HCl)

14.5.2.a This method of sample decomposition uses hot, concentrated acids to dissolve the 

sample matrix and analytes. Isotope dilution tracers and carriers are introduced at the 

beginning of the sample digestion as chemical yield monitors. Often several different 

acids are used successively or in combination. Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is well known 

for its ability to dissolve silica and refractory oxides of transition metals and actinides. 

Hydrochloric and nitric acids are commonly employed. Conversion from a 

hydrochloric acid solution to a nitric acid solution can be achieved by several 
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 14 of 41 Procedure16v600

successive evaporations with added excess nitric acid. The reverse process (conversion 

from nitric to hydrochloric) can be accomplished similarly by successive evaporations 

with added excess hydrochloric acid.

14.5.2.b An advantage of the acid dissolution method is the ability to remove excess acid by 

evaporation. For samples with high silica content, several evaporations with 

concentrated HF can remove a large fraction of the silica as the volatile silicon 

tetrafluoride. However, complete dissolution of 10g of a complex matrix (e.g., soil ash) 

often requires many successive digestions over extended time periods (days). Some 

material may fail to dissolve and would require additional assay (e.g., by molten salt 

fusion) to determine if it contains significant analyte of interest. Final solutions must be 

treated to ensure radiochemical equilibrium of analytes and tracers before undergoing 

chemical separation operations.

14.5.3 Microwave dissolution

14.5.3.a Samples difficult to digest via open beaker or which molten salt fusion would introduce 

unacceptable impurities can be dissolved via microwave digestion. The user places the 

powdered analyte and reagent (for example, nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and a small 

amount of boric acid to dissolve a silica rich sample) into a Teflon lined cell. The 

mixture is heated via microwave in a programmed (monitoring time, power, 

temperature, and pressure) sequence to digest the material under high temperature and 

pressures.

14.6 Radiochemical Separations: 

14.6.1 Radiochemical separations are developed specifically for each natural-matrix SRM analysis

[17-25]. The objective of the separation process is to produce counting sources of high 

radionuclide purity or highly purified samples for mass spectrometric analysis. To achieve 

this objective, a series of element-specific chemical steps are employed that can include coprecipitation, solvent extraction, chromatography, ion exchange, and redox techniques. The 

effectiveness of the separation procedure is monitored by the isotopic purity of the resulting 

measured alpha- or gamma-spectrum, confirmation of radioactive half-life for pure betaemitters, or through yield monitors. An overall validation of the procedure is done by 

running control samples of reference materials of similar matrix with well-known massic 

activities of the radionuclides of interest.

14.6.2 A radiochemical blank is typically included with each batch of samples. The blank samples 

consist of all tracers, chemical yield monitors, and chemicals (except for the matrix 

material), and are subjected to the same radiochemical processing and measurement as the 

matrix samples.

14.6.3 Radiochemical blank samples (i.e., all components other than the original matrix material) 

are used to determine the amount of analyte contributed by the chemical reagents and 

physical processes used. Corrections for this amount of analyte radionuclide in the gross 

radionuclide determinations from the matrix samples are needed to determine the analyte 

radionuclide content from the sample exclusively. 

14.7 Measurement Sample Preparation for Radioactivity/Amount Measurement: 

14.7.1 Purified alpha-emitting radionuclide solutions are prepared for counting by either 

electrodeposition [26a,b] or micro co-precipitation methods [27a,b]. In general, 

electrodeposition of the alpha-emitting radionuclides is preferred on the basis of its usually 

better spectral resolution. On the other hand, some counting sources (e.g. americium) are 

often prepared by micro co-precipitation because of the added selectivity introduced by the 

fluoride precipitation step.

14.7.2 Purified 90Sr is precipitated with stable strontium carrier as strontium carbonate, filtered on a 

washed and pre-weighed filter, washed with distilled water and 95 % ethyl alcohol, vacuum 

dried, weighed to determine the Sr chemical recovery, center-mounted on 5 cm steel disc, 

and covered with a 1⁄4-mil Mylar film [28].
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 15 of 41 Procedure16v600

14.7.3 Sample preparation for analysis by ICP-MS is dependent on the type of measurements being 

performed. Sample preparation for isotopic ratio measurements, standard addition 

measurements, and externally calibrated elements measurements are somewhat different.

14.7.3.a For determining the isotopic ratio of a target element for isotope dilution mass 

spectrometry (IDMS) or to quantify the relative activity contribution of isotopes of an 

element (e.g. 239Pu and 240Pu) it is generally necessary to perform careful radiochemical 

separations (See section 14.6) to obtain relatively pure solution containing the target 

element. The purified element is dissolved in an appropriate carrier solution (2% HNO3

or 2% HNO3 and 0.05% HF) and, if necessary, diluted to a concentration suitable for 

measurement (typically ≤ 1 to 2 ppb of target element).

14.7.3.b For standard addition, similar sized aliquots of dissolved sample are prepared by 

dissolving them in an appropriate carrier solution and then adding different but known 

amounts of the target element to each sample. The samples are diluted to the same 

proportion of sample to final mass/volume of solution and to a concentration 

appropriate for analysis.

14.7.3.c For externally calibrated elemental analysis an aliquot of the sample is prepared in the 

appropriate carrier solution and diluted to a concentration (or more often 

concentrations) suitable for analysis of major or trace elements.

14.7.3.d For all three analysis methods the solutions may be spiked with known amounts of an 

element such as indium or rhodium to allow for monitoring of ionization efficiency and 

instrument drift during or between analyses.

14.7.4 Sample preparation for analysis by XRF analysis depends upon the characteristics of the 

sample.

14.7.4.a A reliable technique, if the sample will remain cohesive, is to press it into briquettes 

using a hydraulic press and sample dies. The goal is to present the X-ray beam with a 

compact material with a homogeneously flat surface.

14.7.4.b A secondary sample preparation technique is to carefully sandwich the samples into a 

plastic cup with Mylar surface. As with pressing particulate samples into briquettes, the 

goal is to create a homogenously smooth surface that is also calculated to be infinitely 

thick to the beam (please refer to the SOP for more information).

14.7.4.c Another sample preparation method involves creating a solid fused surface, for 

example through borate fusion. The sample, which should be quite homogeneous as it 

is digested first, is ground flat to present the beam with a flat surface.

14.7.4d Other sample types (solids, chips, thin films, foils, liquid-soaked filter paper) are also 

possible if care is taken to be certain that the instrument will not be contaminated, and 

that the measurement will be repeatable and under calibration.

14.8 Instrumentation, Counting, and Measurements: 

14.8.1 Alpha-emitting sources for counting are measured under vacuum and typically in close 

geometry (< 10 mm) to ion-implanted, planar silicon detector spectrometers [28]. 

Measurement times are dependent on the signal strength of the source. Energy calibrations 

of each alpha detector are determined by counting sources of alpha-emitting radionuclides 

with well-known alpha-particle emission energies. In most cases, no absolute detector 

efficiency determinations are needed because of the use of an isotopic alpha-emitting 

dilution tracer. Extended detector background measurements are made prior to and after 

measurements.

14.8.2 Strontium-90 beta-particle emitting counting sources have traditionally been measured using 

thin-window, gas-flow proportional counters [29-31]. Sources are typically counted 

continuously for approximately two weeks, with counting data stored in electronic files on a 

periodic basis to observe the in-growth of the 90Y daughter. Measurements are made after 

the 90Y daughter has reached radioactive equilibrium with its 90Sr parent. Often 
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 16 of 41 Procedure16v600

measurements are performed 1 year or more later to confirm that the beta activity is 

decaying in accordance with the known 90Sr half-life (a test of radioactive purity). Each 

detector is calibrated using a set of strontium carbonate standards containing 90Sr in 

equilibrium with 90Y in the same geometry as counting samples. The set of SrCO3 standards 

are of varying masses, to determine the appropriate counting efficiency as a function of 

source mass for sample sources. Extended detector background measurements are made 

prior to and after measurement of samples.

14.8.3 Alternatively, liquid scintillation counting methods of 90Sr analysis can be used which offer 

some advantages over the proportional counting method (e.g., nearly 100 % counting 

efficiency for both 90Sr and 90Y) but may suffer from higher background rates.

14.8.4 ICP-MS measurements are performed using the Element 2, a mass spectrometer with a 

double-focusing magnetic sector mass analyzer and a single secondary electron multiplier 

detector. Operating parameters (gas flows, ion optics, RF power, etc.) are checked prior to 

measurement and adjusted when needed to ensure sensitivity and stability. In cases where 

the instrument has been run recently, typically only minor modifications are necessary. 

Samples are to be diluted to a mass fraction of approximately 1 ng g-1 or less for the target 

analytes using 2% (v/v) nitric acid where possible to ensure that the detector can operate in 

pulse-counting mode and in the range of signal intensity where response increases 

approximately linearly with concentration. Signal intensities are measured using ratios 

(most abundant sample and spike isotopes for IDMS, relative to an internal standard such as 

115In for other methods) to correct for drift in signal intensity. When deemed necessary, 

sample introduction methods including use of a desolvating nebulizer and/or Peltier cooling 

of the sample introduction are used to reduce polyatomic ion formation and enhance 

sensitivity.

14.8.4.a In Low Resolution mode, where the peak shape is flat-topped, typically the list of m/z

values is scanned through quickly, acquiring only one data point for each peak to 

minimize the elapsed time between any two measurements. Typically, dwell times of 

10-20 ms are used for peaks with strong signals, although comparatively weak peaks 

may be measured for longer periods. The brief integration time on any one run through 

the scan list is counterbalanced by acquiring a large number of measurement cycles for 

each sample.

14.8.4.b In Medium and High Resolution modes, the peak shape is not flat-topped, but closer to 

triangular in shape. A single measurement point for each peak is not adequate in this 

case; instead the entire area under the peak must be integrated. For this reason, the 

higher resolution modes are not typically used unless there is an interfering species that 

cannot be resolved or corrected for while measuring in Low Resolution mode.

14.8.5 Micro X-ray Fluorescence

14.8.4.a Samples, whether for heterogeneity analysis or for elemental characterization are 

analyzed under vacuum, if possible, to reduce blank. The instrument must be calibrated 

before measurement using written instrumental protocols and results (and corrections) 

noted. For heterogeneity analysis, 5-10 k random points are analyzed to reduce spatialdrift effects, and a modified PCA method determines minimal sample size. For 

elemental analysis, raster imagery is possible to access hot spots, but data must be driftcorrected to determine the elemental mass fraction for each element.

14.9 Data Analysis: Peak Deconvolution Analysis, Interferences, Corrections: 

14.9.1 Alpha spectra are analyzed for net peak area above the background using manual and 

numeric methods that incorporate the assessment of peak shape and peak overlap. Care is 

taken to account for radioactive impurities detected in the spectrum when determining the 

net peak areas.

14.9.2 Most often the beta measurements taken when 90Y is in equilibrium with 90Sr are used for 

the 90Sr activity evaluation. As a test of the radioactive purity, the 90Sr/90Y in-growth curve 
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 17 of 41 Procedure16v600

may be evaluated using the two component Bateman solution to the parent-daughter system 

[32-34]

14.9.3 Analysis of ICP-MS data requires accounting for possible isobaric interferences. These 

include both atomic isobars and polyatomic compounds formed in situ while the sample is 

introduced to the ICP-MS. Typically, these interferences are corrected by measuring 

another isotope of the interfering element in the case of atomic isobars, which cannot be 

resolved even in High Resolution mode. Corrections for polyatomic species often require 

experimental determination of the hydride or oxide formation rate for the offending element 

under the experimental conditions, or else changing to a higher resolution to resolve the 

target peak from its interference. When high precision isotope amount-ratios are required, 

mass fractionation must be corrected, typically by either normalizing to a known isotope 

amount-ratio for the element being analyzed, or by the use of isotopic reference materials as 

standards to determine empirical correction factors. Acid blanks are usually run prior to 

each sample; additionally, process blanks and/or matrix-matched process blanks are run 

when deemed necessary. Provided there is no significant process blank, the acid blank 

measured prior to each sample is used to perform the correction; if the process blank is 

significant, a correction for this quantity is applied as well.

14.9.4 Quantitative Micro-XRF data must undergo background, calibration, and drift corrections. 

Furthermore, it is advantageous to analyze a complex (natural matrix) SRM for further 

potential elemental corrections. As the Micro-XRF delivers elemental—not isotopic—data, 

no reference date corrections generally apply.

14.10 Final Value Computation: 

14.10.1 Massic activity determinations from the alpha spectra are derived from the measurements 

taking into consideration the net peak counts, counting time, blank correction, activity of the 

tracer added to the sample, impurity corrections, emission probability, and radioactive decay 

corrections from the reference date.

14.10.2 Massic activity determinations from the 90Sr data are derived from the measurements taking 

into consideration the net counts, counting time, blank correction, Sr chemical yield (e.g., 

determined from the amount of stable Sr carrier initially added to the sample), impurity 

corrections, emission probability, counting efficiency calibrations, and radioactive decay 

corrections from the reference date.

14.10.3 Determination of the final mass fraction value obtained from ICP-MS measurements 

involves application of a number of corrections and attendant uncertainties. Corrections for 

blank and interfering peaks are applied to individual measurements. Uncertainties for blank 

and interference corrections are then added after the fact. Further corrections must be 

applied in some cases, including for dark noise (spurious counts due to electrical noise in the 

detector), for the tails of more abundant adjacent peaks, and, when necessary, for crosscalibration of values measured in counting mode and analog mode.

14.10.3.a For IDMS experiments, the value is determined from the mass and concentration of the 

spike solution, the mass of the unknown solution, the isotopic compositions of the 

spike solution and the unknown solution, and finally the measured isotope amount-ratio 

(after accounting for mass fractionation and the various corrections described above) 

for the sample-spike mixture.

14.10.3.b For standard addition and external calibration measurements, the same corrections are 

applied to the instrument output. Value determination is then based on a linear

regression of the external calibration curve, or in the case of standard addition, on the 

x-intercept of a linear regression through the signal intensities of the unspiked sample 

and the spiked sample solutions.

14.10.4 Micro XRF calibration curves depend upon the instrument X-ray tube used (W or 

Rh), and the line used (K, L, or M—the selection which depends upon the element’s 

characteristics and interferences), and element choice. Depending upon element, 
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 18 of 41 Procedure16v600

either gross or net counts are used. Data is deconvoluted to calculate the mass 

fraction of each element. Final values depend upon using other methods to determine 

or estimate the light elements for which the micro-XRF is less sensitive (for 

example, F, O, N, and C) or the micro-XRF simple cannot measure (B, Be, Li, and 

gases like He, and H.

15.0 Interlaboratory Comparison Data and Statistical Analysis

15.1 Resulting data from participating laboratories are carefully evaluated for systematic bias and 

material heterogeneity with the full participation of NIST’s Statistical Engineering Division (SED) 

[5]. All data are accepted as valid unless there are strong scientific reasons that justify treating any 

identified datum as an outlier for rejection. The protocol for data evaluation for each radionuclide 

typically includes the following considerations:

15.1.1 Data normalization.

Reference Date

Units

Expanded Uncertainty

15.1.2 Data Screening.

> 3 Laboratories

Between-Laboratory Mean and Uncertainty (Mean Plot)

Between-Laboratory Data Distribution (Normal Probability Plot)

Distribution of Lab Means (Normal Probability Plot)

Resolve Interlaboratory Method Discrepancies

Laboratory Homogeneity (Normal Probability Plot)

15.1.3 Data Certification.

Combined Data (Normal Probability Plot)

Bottle Number Heterogeneity (Curve Fitting)

Sample Size (F-Test)

Between-Bottle vs. Within Bottle Heterogeneity (F-test, ANOVA)

Distribution: Probability Plot Correlation Coefficient (PPCC)

Define Purposes for Material Use: Mean (e.g., Methods Development/validation), 

Tolerance (e.g., Proficiency Testing)

Bootstrap: Robustness Testing and data distribution characterization

Uncertainty Summary, including heterogeneity

Mean or median (depending on the data distribution characteristics)

16.0 Certified and Uncertified Radionuclide Values:

16.1 The protocol for evaluation of the interlaboratory comparison data had been carefully developed 

over the history of the SRM program e.g., [6 and 35] in collaboration with the NIST Statistical 

Engineering Division. Acceptable data from a minimum of three laboratories are required to provide 

sufficient confidence for radionuclide massic activity certification. When there are statistically 

significant discrepancies among data sets, an “uncertified” mean value is provided, for information 

only, on the certificate.

16.2 The major evaluation issues that the radionuclide certification protocol focuses on include:

16.2.1 Systematic difference among analytical methodologies.

16.2.2 Consistency among the distributions of results from each laboratory

16.2.3 Characterization of the distribution of the pooled results (including material heterogeneity 

and minor interlaboratory biases) by characterizing the mean or median value with its 

uncertainty.

16.3 While normal probability plots allow identification of discrepant laboratory results, it is only through 

extensive personal contacts with the laboratory and additional constrained experiments that these 
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 19 of 41 Procedure16v600

discrepancies can be revealed and resolved.

16.4 Once the data are carefully screened, probability plot correlation coefficients are used to evaluate the 

robustness of characterizing the data with a number of distributional models and their family 

members. The criterion for the robustness of the data characterization is convergence of fit 

simulations, i.e., nearly identical results for the estimated mean and tolerance limit values, 

independent of the fit model chosen

17.0 Establishing Traceability:

17.1 Each participating laboratory establishes traceability to the SI through appropriate calibration of 

instruments and the use of gravimetrically diluted and verified tracers obtained from NIST SRMs, 

other National Metrology Institute Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), or NIST-traceable 

commercial providers.

17.2 For Complex-Matrix SRMs the necessary measurements for characterization include:

17.2.1 Sample Mass

17.2.2 Radionuclide(s)

17.2.3 Massic Activity(ies) (or in some cases, mass fraction)

17.2.4 Expanded Uncertainty(ies),

17.2.5 Reference Time

17.3 Associated measurements made at NIST as part of the calibration of a Complex-Matrix SRM are 

traceable as follows:

17.3.1 Mass - Balances and scales used to measure the mass of the SRM are serviced and calibrated 

at least once per year using masses (weight sets) directly traceable to NIST.

17.3.2 Time - Measurements of clock time are made using direct time transmissions from NIST 

Boulder. Counting time increments obtained with calibration instruments are measured by 

counting the number of cycles from temperature compensated crystal oscillators whose 

frequencies are measured using a frequency meter traceable to NIST.

17.3.3 Temperature / Pressure / Relative Humidity - The manufacturer’s stated accuracy for 

instruments used to measure temperature, pressure and relative humidity are sufficient.

17.4 Radionuclide Measurement Duration: The determination of activity requires that the number of 

radioactive decays that occur during a finite time interval be counted. If practical, a time interval 

will be chosen so as to minimize its uncertainty contribution.

17.5 Sample yield for radiochemical processing: For accurate measurement of the radioactivity (alpha and 

beta emissions) or mass fraction of radionuclides it is often necessary to perform extensive 

radiochemical separations of the target elements from the Complex-Matrix material and to create 

specially prepared measurement sources. These processes can result in variable losses of the target 

nuclides. The relative proportion of material successfully measured to the amount initially present 

referred to as the yield. Yield is monitored by use of certified nuclide tracers (i.e. isotope dilution), 

by mass (carrier recovery), or by quantification of yield for reproducible processes using other 

certified standards. 

17.6 Detector efficiency for the radioactive decays: Every radioactivity detector has some intrinsic 

inefficiency, has a finite size (and hence boundaries), cannot detect radioactive decays that deposit 

less than some minimum amount of energy in the detector (threshold), and gives some count rate 

even in the absence of radioactive decays in the source (background count rate). The efficiency of a 

single detector (decays detected/total decays) must be verified using well established theoretical 

methods [36, 37, and 38], prepared test material with known activity, or by use of a yield monitor. 

18.0 Attribute Uncertainty

18.1 Measurement uncertainty is evaluated in accordance with the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty 

in Measurement [39] and the Guidelines for Evaluating and Expressing the Uncertainty of NIST 
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 20 of 41 Procedure16v600

Measurement Results [40]. The bootstrap method [41] has been used to estimate the uncertainty for 

the Complex-Matrix SRM radionuclide’s certified massic activities produced thus far. Appropriate 

methods for SRMs currently in development are to be determined in consultation with SED.

19.0 Certificate.

19.1 Before a final certificate is issued for each natural matrix SRM, there is an official technical review 

by persons familiar with the scientific aspects of the radioactivity measurements and with the 

statistical evaluation of the results obtained by the participants in the interlaboratory exercise. Prior 

to issuance, the certificate undergoes a final technical review. The technical review must be 

approved (and signed) by the principal investigator, RG leader, the RPD chief and the SRM 

coordinator. An example of an approval form for the internal technical review of the SRMs is given 

in Appendix B. 

19.2 The NIST Certificate for a Complex-Matrix SRM is intended to conform with the requirements of 

ISO 17034. The certificate contains information about the composition, the properties, and the 

proper use of the SRM, and additional required information as stated in NIST-QM-I. For an example 

of a previously issued certificates, see Appendix C. Information on the SRM certificate typically

includes:

19.2.1 SRM number (inclusive of batch number) and name

19.2.2 Description of the SRM and the intended and correct use of the material

19.2.3 Unit mass

19.2.4 Reference time

19.2.5 Parties responsible for the preparation of material

19.2.6 Source and preparation of the material

19.2.7 Instructions for preparation

19.2.8 Radionuclide leachability

19.2.9 Application of the certified values

19.2.10 Uncertainties

19.2.11 Heterogeneity determinations

19.2.12 Notice and warning to users

- Stability and expiration of certification (period of validity)

- Radiological hazards

- Storage and handling

19.1.13 Contact persons

19.1.14 Certified massic activities for radionuclides and uncertainties

- Radionuclide

- Certified value + U (Bq g-1) 

- Number of assays

- Half lives used

- Methods

- Contributing laboratories

19.1.15 Notes

- Analytical methods

- Participating laboratories

19.1.16 Uncertified massic activities

19.1.17 Semi-quantitative trace element analysis

19.1.18 Major elements recalculated as oxides
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 21 of 41 Procedure16v600

20.0 Label, package, and store the SRM containers.

20.1 As part of the production process, additional packaging may be placed around the container for the 

radioactivity SRM.

20.2 When shipping additional packaging is placed around the container. This packaging is designed to 

protect the SRM during handling.

20.3 For those complex-matrix SRMs that are considered radioactive for shipping purposes, the US 

Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) 

require that personnel that label and package radioactive material for shipping be certified to do so. 

USDOT certification is available through training by the NIST GRSD.

20.4 The Office of Reference Material (ORM) provides support services in the production and delivery of 

SRMs. These services include: label research and design, SDS development for the SRMs, pricing 

for materials, order processing, and documentary support necessary for delivering the SRMs

21.0 Collect and store the production records.

21.1 The primary record of the radioactivity SRM production plan, detailed descriptions of the 

certification methods and procedures, methods of validation, measurement uncertainty, and sampling 

plans are archived together in individual file boxes.

21.2 These documents and records are stored in SRM Records Storage Room.

21.3 The production information is retained for as long as the SRM is available for sale to the public, plus 

at least an additional 10 years.

21.4 A list of the typical contents of the Record File is presented below:

21.4.1 Preparatory

- Justification for SRM production. This is a simple statement as to why the SRM is being 

produced; e.g., reissue of previous one, new demand for new one and justification, etc. The 

SRM coordinator can assist in the justification.

- Funding request to and approval from the SRM Program Office. This is largely handled by 

the SRM coordinator.

- Approval for acquisition and use of radioactive materials by GRSD (NIST 364).

- Description of the experimental design/plans (i.e., list, table, diagrams, outline, flowchart, 

etc.), which may include measurement methods, sequence of steps to be used, facilities, 

equipment, supplies, personnel, counting source preparation details, etc.

- Production approval by SRM coordinator, including number to be produced, activity 

levels, composition, etc.

- Purchase order for radioactive material (if necessary).

- Acquisition of material explanation (if not purchased).

21.4.2 Production (as applicable)

- Any relevant technical information of the material provided by the manufacturer or from 

previous production.

- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS; if material presents a physical, chemical or biological 

hazard).

- Preparation of carrier solution data (if applicable).

- Preparation of master solution or mixture data (if applicable).

- Dispenser test data (if applicable).

- SRM dispensing data (if applicable).
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 22 of 41 Procedure16v600

- Statement of SRM sterilization and independent documentation if available (e.g., radiation 

sterilization for natural matrix SRM).

- Preparation of counting sources/samples data (if applicable).

21.4.2 Data and Analyses (for standardization). Analytical records used for a project shall be 

sufficiently detailed to repeat analyses, investigate discrepancies, troubleshoot 

methodologies, and should include:

- Principal investigator’s name.

- Appropriate project identification.

- Description of the type of item to be tested or calibrated.

- Parameters or quantities and ranges to be determined.

- Equipment, including technical performance requirements.

- Reference standards and reference materials utilized.

- Environmental conditions during work and record of any stabilization period needed. -

Description of the procedure, including:

- checks to be made before the work is started;

- checks that the equipment is working properly;

- Where required, calibration and adjustment of the equipment before each use;

- the method of recording the observations and results.

- criteria and/or requirements for approval/rejection;

- notations of any equipment and instruments settings (as needed) 

- Hardcopies of all data analysis records (electronic version is acceptable to include, but 

hardcopy is needed), including all analysis software output, all spreadsheets, all summary 

tables, graphs, etc.

- Any calculations performed, e.g., for corrected masses, solution composition, decay 

corrections, decay-corrected K values for appropriate RRS (see RPD Procedure 01), LS 

detection efficiencies, etc.

- Explanation of any calculation assumptions.

- Uncertainty analysis records (including basis, assumptions, and derivations as needed).

21.4.2 Certification and Transfer 

- Summary statement(s) – in short paragraph or tabular form-- regarding the basis for the 

certified values and how they were determined.

- Production/calibration schedule of all principal steps (from the initial design and lab set up 

through the certification) with a listing of the responsible person(s) and dates.

- All the drafts of the certificate and revisions (see NIST-QM-I for everything that the 

certificate must contain at a minimum).

- Packaging information and a sample of the SRM label.

- All packaging inserts; user notes, MSDS, etc.

- Technical review sheet (signed).

- Transfer form(s) to SRM stock or inventory control. This is largely handled by the SRM 

coordinator.

References

[1] NIST Quality Manual for Measurement Services (NIST-QM-I), Version 11, National Institute of 

Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, (2019).

[2] Radiation Physics Division Quality Manual (RPD-QM-II), Version 7.4, National Institute of 

Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, (2019).

[3] ISO 17034, General requirements for the competence of reference material producers, 

International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Geneva, Switzerland, (2016).
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 23 of 41 Procedure16v600

[4] J.M.R. Hutchinson, W.B. Mann, Eds, Metrology needs in the measurement of environmental 

radioactivity, Environment International, 1, 7 (1978).

[5] The NIST Natural-Matrix Radionuclide Standard Reference Material Program for Ocean Studies, 

K.G.W. Inn, Z.C. Lin, Z. Wu, C. McMahon, J.J. Filliben, P. Krey, M. Feiner, Z.C. Liu, R. 

Holloway, J. Harvey, I.L. Larsen, T. Beasley, C.A. Huh, D. McCurdy, P. Germain, M. 

Yamamoto, J. Handl, D.S. Popplewell, M.J. Woods, S. Jerome, T.H. Bates, A. Holms, B.R. 

Zharvey, K.J. Odell, B.B. Warren and P. Young, J. Radioanaly. Nucl. Chem, 248 (1), 227-231 

(2001). 

[6] Pilot Studies for Improving Sampling Protocols, W.S. Liggett and K.G.W. Inn, Principles of 

Environmental Sampling, Second Edition, Larry H. Keith, ed., American Chemical Society, 

Washington, D.C. (1996)

[7] Claude W. Sill and Forest D. Hindman, Preparation and Testing of Standard Soils Containing 

Known Quantities of Radionuclides, Analytical Chemistry, Vol. 46, No.1, 113-118 (1974).

[8] Dale. G. Olson and Roger P. Bernabee, Preparation and Analysis of High-Quality Spiked Soil 

Standards, Health Physics, 54, 451-459 (1988).

[9] R. Collé and F.J. Schima, A quantitative, verifiable, and efficacious protocol for spiking solid, 

granular matrices with radionuclidic solutions, Radioactivity & Radiochemistry, 7, 332-347 

(1996).

[10] American National Standards Institute, American National Standard for Calibration and Use of 

Germanium Spectrometers for the Measurement of Gamma-Ray Emission Rates of 

Radionuclides, N42.14-1999 (1991).

[11] Genie 2000 Operations Manual, Canberra Inc. (2004) 

[12] Claude W. Sill, Forest D. Hindman and Jesse I. Anderson, Simultaneous Determination of AlphaEmitting Nuclides of Radium through Californium in Large Environmental and Biological 

Samples, Analy. Chem., 51, 1307 (1979).

[13] Zdenek Sulcek and Pavel Povondra, Methods of Decomposition in Inorganic Analysis, CRC 

Press, ISBN 0-8493-4963-X, Boca Raton, FL (1989). 

[14] T.T. Chao and R.F. Sanzolone, Decomposition techniques, Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 

44, 65-106 (1992).

[15] HASL-300, EML Procedures Manual 28th Edition. U-04-RC Uranium in Biological and 

Environmental Materials, Environmental Measurements Laboratory, NY, NY (1993).

[16] Ian Croudace, Philip Warwick, Rex Taylor, and Stephen Dee, Rapid procedure for plutonium and 

uranium determination in soils using a borate fusion followed by ion-exchange and extraction 

chromatography, Analytica Chimica Acta, 371, 217-225 (1998).

[17] Grafton D. Chase and Joseph L. Rabinowitz, Principles of Radioisotope Methodology, Third 

Edition, Burgess Publishing Co (1967).

[18] Radiochemical Procedures: The Fission Products, Nuclear Group, University of Arkansas, J.N. 

Beck, Ed. (1975).

[19] Health and Environmental Chemistry: Analytical Techniques, Data Management, and Quality 

Assurance, Los Alamos National Laboratory, LA-10300-M (1983).
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 24 of 41 Procedure16v600

[20] HASL 300, EML Procedures Manual 27th Edition, Environmental Measurements Laboratory, 

NY, NY (1992). 

[21] David S. Sill and Claude W. Sill, Simultaneous Determination of the Actinides in Small 

Environmental Samples, Radioactivity and Radiochemistry, 5, 8-19 (1994).

[22] Sherrod L. Maxwell, III and Sheldon T. Nichols, Actinide recovery method for large soil 

samples, Radioactivity & Radiochemistry, 11, 46-53 (1999). 

[23] Eichrom Technologies, Inc. Analytical Procedures, http://www.eichrom.com/methods/type.cfm 

(2002).

[24] Outola, Iisa, Effect of industrial pollution on distribution of Pu and Am between various soil 

horizons and on soil-to-plant transfer of Pu and Am in a pine forest in SW Finland. J Radioanal 

Nucl Chem, 257, 257-274 (2003). 

[25] USTUR 100 Tissue Ashing, Sample Dissolution, Sample Aliquot Selection, and Tracer Addition 

for Anion Exchange Isolation of Radionuclides (1995).

[26a] N.A. Talvitie, Electrodeposition of Actinides for Alpha Spectrometric Determination, Anal. 

Chem., 44, 280 (1972). 

[26b] S. Bajo and J. Eikenberg, Electrodeposition of actinides for alpha-spectrometry, J Radioanal Nucl 

Chem, 242, 745-751 (1999).

[27a] F.D. Hindman, Neodymium fluoride mounting for alpha-spectrometric determination of uranium, 

plutonium, and americium, Anal. Chem. 55, 2460-2461 (1983).

[27b] C.W. Sill, Precipitation of actinides as fluorides or hydroxides for high-resolution alpha 

spectrometry, Nuclear and Chemical Waste Management, 7, 201-215 (1987).

[28] Kenneth G.W. Inn, Distribution of Some Long-lived Radionuclides in the Atmosphere, 

University of Arkansas (1978). 

[29] Ortec Octet User’s Manual (2004).

[30] Berthold LB770 Operating Manual (1995).

[31] Protean User’s Manual (2004). 

[32] Robley D. Evans, The Atomic Nucleus, McGraw-Hill (1955). 

[33] Gerhart Friedman, Joseph W. Kennedy and Julian Malcolm Miller, Nuclear and Radiochemistry, 

Second Edition, John Wiley and Sons (1964).

[34] NCRP Report 58, A Handbook of Radioactivity Measurements Procedures, National Council on 

Radiation Protection and Measurement, Bethesda, Maryland, (1985).

[35] An Alternative Statistical Approach for Interlaboratory Comparison Data Evaluation, Zhichao 

Lin, Kenneth G.W. Inn, James J. Filliben, J. Radioanaly. Nucl. Chem., 248 (1), 163-173 (2001).

[36] National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Report No. 58, A Handbook of 

Radioactivity Measurements Procedures, Second Edition, 1985. Available from the National 

Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD 
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 25 of 41 Procedure16v600

20814 U.S.A.

[37] International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) Report 52, Particle 

Counting in Radioactivity Measurements, 1994. Available from ICRU Publications, 7910 

Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814 U.S.A.

[38] W.B. Mann, A. Ritz, and A. Spernol, Radioactivity Measurements - Principles and Practice, 

1991, Pergamon Press, Oxford.

[39] JCGM 100:2008; Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement; (GUM 1995 with 

Minor Corrections), Joint Committee for Guides in Metrology: BIPM, Sevres Cedex, France 

(2008); available at 

http://www.bipm.org/utils/common/documents/jcgm/JCGM_100_2008_E.pdf (accessed

Sep 2019)

[40] Taylor, B.N.; Kuyatt, C.E.; Guidelines for Evaluating and Expressing the Uncertainty of NIST 

Measurement Results; NIST Technical Note 1297, U.S. Government Printing Office: 

Washington, DC (1994); available at http://www.nist.gov/pml/pubs/index.cfm (accessed 

Mar 2013).

[41] Efron B. and Tibshirani, R.J. (1993). An Introduction to the Bootstrap. Monographs on Statistics 

& Applied Probability 57, Chapman and Hall, New York.
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 26 of 41 Procedure16v600

Appendix A1: Complex-Matrix Radionuclide Standard Reference Materials

SRM 4350B SRM 4351 SRM 4352 SRM 4353A

Complex-Matrix Powdered river 

sediment

Freeze dried 

human lung

Dried & ground 

human liver

Dried and 

powdered soil

Unit Mass 85 g 45 g 45 g 75 g

Unit Container polethylene bottle 125 mL glass bottle 125 mL glass bottle polethylene bottle

Sampling Size ≥ 5 g 45 g 45 g 5 g - 10 g and ≥ 30 

g for γ

Special Storage not applicable store at ≤0 °C store at ≤0 °C not applicable

Expiration indefinite indefinite indefinite indefinite

Certified and Reported Radionuclides C = Certified Value I = Information Value

Ac-228 --- --- --- ---

Am-241 C I C I

Bi-214 --- --- --- I

B1-212 --- --- --- ---

C-14 --- --- --- ---

Cm-242 --- --- --- ---

Cm-244 --- --- --- ---

Cm-243+244 --- --- --- ---

Co-60 C --- --- ---

Cs-137 C --- --- C

Eu-152 C --- --- ---

Eu-154 C --- --- ---

Eu-155 --- --- --- ---

Fe-55 I --- --- ---

H-3 --- --- --- ---

I-129 --- --- --- ---

K-40 I --- --- I

Np-237 --- --- --- ---

Ra-224 --- --- --- ---

Ra-226 C --- --- I

Ra-228 --- --- --- C

Pb-210 --- --- --- C

Pb-212 --- --- --- I

Pb-214 --- --- --- I

Po-210 --- --- --- ---

Pu-238 C --- C C

Pu-239+240 C C C C

Pu-239 C --- --- ---

Pu-240 C --- --- ---

Pu-241 --- --- --- I

Sb-125 --- --- --- ---

Sr-90 I --- --- C

Tc-99 --- --- --- ---

Th-228 I I I I

Th-230 I I I I

Th-232 I C I I

Th-234 --- --- --- I

Tl-208 --- --- --- I

U-234 I C I C

U-235 I --- I C

U-236 --- --- --- ---

U-238 I C I C

Certified Values 10 4 3 9

Info Values 9 3 6 12
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 27 of 41 Procedure16v600

SRM 4354 SRM 4355 SRM 4356 SRM 4357

Complex-Matrix Powdered lake 

sediment

Dried and 

powdered soil

Ashed human & 

bovine bone

Powdered ocean 

sediment

Unit Mass 25 g 75 g 15 g 85 g

Unit Container polethylene bottle polethylene bottle glass bottle polethylene bottle

Sampling Size ≥ 2 g not specified ≥ 5 g ≥ 10 g

Special Storage not applicable not applicable not applicable not applicable

Expiration indefinite indefinite indefinite indefinite

Certified and Reported Radionuclides C = Certified Value I = Information Value

Ac-228 --- --- I ---

Am-241 C C I I

Bi-214 --- I --- I

B1-212 --- --- --- ---

C-14 --- --- --- ---

Cm-242 --- --- --- ---

Cm-244 --- --- --- ---

Cm-243+244 --- --- C ---

Co-60 C C --- ---

Cs-137 C C C ---

Eu-152 --- C --- ---

Eu-154 --- C --- ---

Eu-155 --- C --- I

Fe-55 --- I --- ---

H-3 --- --- --- ---

I-129 --- --- --- I

K-40 --- I I C

Np-237 --- --- --- I

Ra-224 --- --- --- ---

Ra-226 I --- C C

Ra-228 --- --- I C

Pb-210 I --- I I

Pb-212 --- --- --- I

Pb-214 --- --- --- ---

Po-210 --- --- I I

Pu-238 C I C C

Pu-239+240 C C C C

Pu-239 --- --- --- ---

Pu-240 --- --- --- ---

Pu-241 --- --- --- ---

Sb-125 --- C --- ---

Sr-90 C I C C

Tc-99 --- --- --- ---

Th-228 C C I C

Th-230 I C C C

Th-232 C C C C

Th-234 --- --- --- ---

Tl-208 --- I --- ---

U-234 I --- C I

U-235 C --- I I

U-236 --- --- --- ---

U-238 C --- C I

Certified Values 10 11 10 9

Info Values 4 6 8 11
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 28 of 41 Procedure16v600

SRM 4358 SRM 4359 SRM 4600 SRM 4601

Complex-Matrix Freeze dried shellfish Freeze dried 

seaweed powder

Silicate glass 

powder Silicate glass powder

Unit Mass 150 g 300 g 25 g 26 g

Unit Container polethylene bottle glass bottle polyethylene bottle polyethylene bottle

Sampling Size ≥ 30 g ≥ 10 g and ≥ 30 g 

for γ to be deternined to be deternined

Special Storage not applicable not applicable not applicable not applicable

Expiration indefinite indefinite indefinite indefinite

Certified and Reported Radionuclides C = Certified Value I = Information Value

Ac-228 --- --- --- ---

Am-241 C C --- ---

Bi-214 I --- --- ---

B1-212 --- I --- ---

C-14 --- I --- ---

Cm-242 I --- --- ---

Cm-244 I --- --- ---

Cm-243+244 --- --- --- ---

Co-60 --- --- --- ---

Cs-137 C C --- ---

Eu-152 --- --- --- ---

Eu-154 --- --- --- ---

Eu-155 --- --- --- ---

Fe-55 --- --- --- ---

H-3 --- I --- ---

I-129 --- I --- ---

K-40 C C --- ---

Np-237 --- I --- ---

Ra-224 --- I --- ---

Ra-226 I I --- ---

Ra-228 C C --- ---

Pb-210 C C --- ---

Pb-212 I I --- ---

Pb-214 I --- --- ---

Po-210 --- C --- ---

Pu-238 C --- --- ---

Pu-239+240 C C --- ---

Pu-239 --- C --- ---

Pu-240 --- I --- ---

Pu-241 I --- --- ---

Sb-125 --- --- --- ---

Sr-90 I I --- ---

Tc-99 --- I --- ---

Th-228 C I --- ---

Th-230 C I --- ---

Th-232 C C --- ---

Th-234 --- I --- ---

Tl-208 I --- --- ---

U-234 C C C C

U-235 C C C C

U-236 --- --- --- C

U-238 C C C C

Certified Values 13 12 3 4

Info Values 9 14 0 0
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 29 of 41 Procedure16v600

Appendix A2: Radionuclide measurement and balance equipment

Sodium Iodide Detectors:

12.7 cm (5 inch) NaI(Tl) detectors (245/C15) in operation; Detector “D” = 5 cm well, Detector 

“E” = 2.5 cm well

HPGe detectors, < 3 keV FWHM, in operation: 

(245/C13) = Detector “K”, PGT model NIGC23185 [NIST #519933], n-type coaxial, 24 % 

efficiency relative to 3” x 3” NaI(Tl)

(245/C17) = Detector “P”, PGT model IGP510 [no NIST#]

(245/C17) = Detector “A”, Canberra model GR7023 [NIST #627278], p-type coaxial, 70 % 

efficiency relative to 3” x 3” NaI(Tl)

Alpha spectrometers (245/C13); <25 keV FWHM: 

Seven EG&G Ortec 8-unit Octete alpha spectrometers [NIST #569445, 574836, 589621, 632424 

and 627318 (3 Octetes)] in operation

Two EG&G Ortec 8-unit Octete alpha spectrometers [NIST #N103747 and N103747] awaiting 

installation

Gas-flow proportional counters (245/B001), low background (<0.5 cpm beta background) in 

operation: 

Berthold model LB 770-2 [NIST #520379] 10-channel low-level counter

Three Protean model 9604 Ultra Low-Level α/β Counter units [NIST #619065 and 618773]

Liquid scintillation analyzers:

Perkin Elmer Quantulus 1220 Ultra Low Level Liquid Scintillation Spectrometer (245/C17) 

[NIST #640959] in operation

Two Ordela PERALS model 8100AB photon-electron rejecting alpha liquid scintillation 

spectrometers (245/C15), [NIST #646165] in operation and [NIST #647434] awaiting 

installation

Inductive Couple Plasma Mass Spectrometer:

Thermo Scientific Element II (245/C10).

Micro X-ray Fluorescence:

Bruker M4 Tornado (245/C10)

Laboratory Microwave System

Anton Paar Microwave Reaction System Multiwave Pro (245/C10)

Balances (all with yearly service and calibration using weights traceable to NIST):

Mettler-Toledo model AX26, 6-place, 22 g capacity, (245/B152)

Mettler model B6, 4-place, 100 g capacity, (245/C135) [NIST #95568]

Mettler-Toledo model XP205, 5-place, 205 g capacity, (245/C135) and (245/B152), [NIST 

#632835]

Mettler model B4C1000, 3-place, 1000 g capacity, (245/C135) [NIST #526540]

Voland model Jupiter, 3-place, 3000 g capacity, (245/B152) [NIST #526518]
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 30 of 41 Procedure16v600

Appendix B

TECHNICAL REVIEW – SRM CERTIFICATES

REVIEW THE ATTACHED DRAFT CAREFULLY. ANY SUGGESTIONS OR 

CHANGES SHOULD BE MADE ON THIS DRAFT FORWARD DRAFT AND 

APPORVAL RECORD TO THE NEXT INDIVIDUAL INDICATED.

RETURN TO: SRM Coordinator

SRM: XXXX

TITLE: Complex-Matrix Radionuclide Standard Reference Material 

DATE: December 31, 1999

PROJECT MANAGER: Principal Investigator

TELEPHONE: XXXX

ROUTING APPROVAL

NAME (REVIEWER) BLDG ROOM DIV. SEC. INITIALS DATE

P. Investigator 245 XXX 846 04

Co-Investigator 1 245 XXX 846 04

Co-Investigator 2 245 XXX 846 04

Group Leader 245 XXX 846 04

James Adams 245 XXX 846 00

L. Laureano-Perez 245 XXX 846 04

R. Collé 245 XXX 846 04
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 31 of 41 Procedure16v600

Appendix C:
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 32 of 41 Procedure16v600
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 33 of 41 Procedure16v600
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 34 of 41 Procedure16v600
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 35 of 41 Procedure16v600
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 36 of 41 Procedure16v600
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 37 of 41 Procedure16v600
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 38 of 41 Procedure16v600
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 39 of 41 Procedure16v600
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 40 of 41 Procedure16v600
Radiation Physics Division SRM Series 4xxx RPD-P-16

COMPLEX-MATRIX RADIONUCLIDE STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS

Version Date Author Approval Pages Filename

6.0 10/29/19 RE JMA 41 of 41 Procedure16v600