Proficiency testing of 78 international laboratories measuring tritium in environmental waters by decay counting and mass spectrometry for age dating and water resources assessment.

The proficiency test helped identify recurrent weaknesses and potential solutions. Strategies for performance improvements of 3 H laboratories include: (a) improved quantification of 3 H detection limits and analytical uncertainty, (b) stricter quality control practices in routine operations along with care and recalibration of 3 H standards traceable to primary NIST standards, (c) annual assessment of tritium enrichment factors and instrumental performance, and (d) for water age dating purposes the use of electrolytic enrichment systems having the highest possible 3 H enrichment factors (e.g. >50×).