This document specifies a method for the determination of the total oxygen content of metallic powders by reduction-extraction at high temperature. By agreement@ this method is also applicable to the determination of the total oxygen content of sintered metal materials. The method is applicable to all powders of metals@ alloys@ carbides@ and mixtures thereof which are nonvolatile under the test conditions. The sample can be in powder or compact form. The analysis is carried out on the powder as supplied@ but the method is not applicable if the powder contains a lubricant or binder. If such substances are present@ the method may be used only if they can first be completely removed by a method not affecting the oxygen content of the powder. This document is to be read in conjunction with ISO 4491?1.