PAsS: About the Program

CDC provides each laboratory with quality-assurance materials, analytical guidelines, and technical training and consultation so that these laboratories can accurately measure seven arsenic species. Three times a year, CDC sends participating laboratories samples that have been prepared using High Performance Liquid Chromatography Inductively Coupled–Plasma Dynamic Reaction Cell Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-DRC-MS). The laboratories use their standard methods to analyze the samples and then send the results to CDC. Each laboratory receives an individualized report on their results, which the laboratory will use to:

• Verify Calibrations
• Troubleshoot analytical problems
• Set up quality assurance or quality control programs
• Compare various laboratory methods
• Conduct research and development