An internal comparator method is proposed which offers reliable instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) results for samples with an irregular geometry and/or measured at the closest position to the Ge detector. Because the selected internal comparator in the sample analyzed will receive exactly the same thermal neutron flux as the other components, this method can be applied to the INAA of materials suffering from thermal neutron self-shielding. To apply the internal comparator method, the k 0 -method must be installed and the analytes, including the internal comparator, should be homogeneously distributed in the test portion.