This scheme currently includes Al, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mg, Mo, Se, Tl, V and Zn.
In an annual cycle there are 24 samples. Each month 2 samples have to be assayed and the results submitted via the website.
Ten days after the deadline for submission of results, reports may be requested from the website.
When the annual cycle is complete an annual report, reviewing performance for all 24 samples, is generated and made available on the website within 30 days after the end of the cycle.
Test samples are prepared by addition of known amounts of inorganic elements to an endogenous base material from animal origin. Selection of samples is based on the essential inorganic element concentrations which, whenever it is possible, must be in the lower range of reference intervals or reflect deficient levels. Then, the spiked and unspiked materials are mixed in different proportions in order to obtain 12 different levels.
OELM-SC-SE_EN.v5 [03-2022]