Brief Description of the IAEA-TERC-2026-01 Worldwide Proficiency Test Exercise
The 2026 Worldwide Proficiency Test Exercise (2026WWPT) is a part of the continuous IAEA-TERC proficiency test scheme. This year the Worldwide Proficiency Test Exercise focuses on the determination of anthropogenic and natural radionuclides in water, soil and simulated contaminated surface samples.
Description of Samples
· Sample 1: Water, 500 ml, for the determination of anthropogenic and natural radionuclides using radioanalytical techniques.
· Sample 2: Mineral water, 500 mL for the determination of uranium and other long-lived natural radionuclides (ICP-MS, alpha-particle spectrometry, LSC and gross alpha and gross beta activity.
· Sample 3 (optional): Soil, approximately 250 g, for the determination of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides using radioanalytical techniques.
· Sample 4: Simulated contaminated surface sample, including a blank sample.
Sample 3 (soil) is optional, participants can decide if they would like to include it in the package.
Tentative Time Schedule of the IAEA-TERC-2026-01 Worldwide Proficiency Test Exercise:
· Calling for registration: 2026-03-27 to 2026-05-08
· Sample distribution: 2026-04-27 to 2026-07-31
· Reporting Deadline: 2026-11-18
· Release of the online evaluation: 2026-12-11
Assigned values and scores
Reference values of the comparison samples will be established either by gravimetric spiking, reference values from one expert laboratory or consensus values from participants’ measurement values. The individual reported results will be compared to these assigned values and performance statistics scores will be calculated.
Homogeneity and stability of the PT test items will be checked and confirmed during the PT exercise.
Participation costs
The participation in this PT is free of charge, but the sample analysis related costs have to be covered by the participants and not by the PT organizer. Furthermore, the participants are responsible for possible clearance or customs fees.
Confidentiality and data treatment
The data and results of each laboratory will be treated with confidentiality. Identities will be kept anonymous and will not be disclosed to third parties. By registering for this PT, participants give their consent to the PT organizer to use their measurement results for reporting and publication purposes.
Collusion
Participants are expected to perform the analysis independently. Sharing information about measurement results and any cooperation between participants in the PT exercise shall be avoided.
Complaints
In case of complaints, send an e-mail to our functional mailbox immediately. Complaints will be investigated according to IAEA-TERC Quality Management procedures.
If you have further questions, please contact us at
Proficiency-Tests.Contact-Point@iaea.org
Detailed instructions to participants including description of the samples, how to report measurement results and performance evaluation, will be shared via weblink in due time.
