Types of microbiology RM

Despite the burning need for RMs and CRMs in microbiological measurement disciplines only very few materials exist. Basically, the type of materials, in terms of objectives, necessary for chemists are also needed by microbiologists. 

Pure cultures of microbes also called hanks of microbes Fully genetically identified micro-organisms are stored and used as references for testing laboratories to characterise their homemade strains . They could be compared to banks of pure chemical reference substances. These microbes are living organisms maintained in a few reference laboratories, which will realise the identification work of strains sent by testing laboratories. 

Real matrix materials They are rare because often unstable. They serve as external quality assessment materials (proficiency testing) in particular in the field of water monitoring. In food microbiology they are rare or unknown. 

In all three categories, only the contaminated milk powders of BCR produced by RIVM have been certified. They still represent the only certified RM on the market. 

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