Presentation

The analyses conducted at USRAVE focus on major elements essential for plant growth (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc.), trace elements (iron, copper, etc.), as well as trace metals that have a direct impact on the environment or health (cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, nickel, etc.).

As a service to researchers and a contributor to scientific knowledge, USRAVE is committed to providing reliable and robust analytical results. Since 1992, the unit has been engaged in a quality assurance approach. The investment in:

• Equipment: metrological controls, sample management software (LIMS),
• Human resources: training, involvement,
• Technical resources: production of control samples, method validation,
• Scientific development: high-performance and innovative methods,

has led to the recognition of its technical competence by COFRAC (the French Accreditation Committee) under the LAB-GTA45 and LAB GTA25/60 programs, with accreditation number 1-1838. The scope of accreditation is available at http://www.cofrac.fr.

USRAVE develops new analytical methods along three main lines:

• Handling of very small sample masses,
• Quantification of very low concentrations (e.g., analysis of platinum, palladium, and rhodium by ICP-MS),
• Development of methods for routine analysis using X-ray fluorescence or laser ablation coupled with ICP-MS.