Agroscope has over twenty years of experience in quality assurance (accreditation ISO 17025) and in the production of reference materials (RM). In response to the continuously increasing quality requirements, Agroscope has obtained accreditation as an RM-producer (ISO 17034).
The certified RM for somatic cells in milk, available at five concentration levels, is produced three times per year and distributed monthly to customers in Switzerland and abroad for in-strument adjustment. The main goal of the project is to maintain this service. In addition, the gained competences in RM production and assessment of homogeneity and stability will be extended to control samples of accredited methods (e.g. dairy products). These RMs can also be used in the ring trials organized by the partner project (CSA-3766).