NIST has established a Health Assessment Measurements Quality Assurance Program (HAMQAP), in part as a collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS). Participants measure concentrations of nutritional and toxic elements, fat- and water-soluble vitamins, fatty acids, active and/or marker compounds, and contaminants in samples distributed by NIST. Samples that represent human intake (e.g., foods, dietary supplements, tobacco) are paired with samples that represent human output (e.g., blood, serum, plasma, urine), and analytes are paired where possible to represent the full spectrum of health assessment. Participant data is compiled at NIST and analyzed for accuracy, precision, and concordance within the community. Reports and certificates of completion are sent to participants, and workshops and webinars are held to discuss results as well as methodological advancements in the area of health assessment measurements. The HAMQAP represents ongoing efforts previously supported via historical QA programs, such as the Dietary Supplements Laboratory QAP, Micronutrients Measurement QAP, Fatty Acids in Human Serum and Plasma QAP, and Vitamin D Metabolites QAP.
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If you are interested in learning more about our programs or signing up to participate, please request an account at HAMQAP.