Laboratory Quality Assurance And Quality Control Data .
STATE OF CONNECTICUTDEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONLABORATORY QUALITY ASSURANCE ANDQUALITY CONTROLDATA QUALITY ASSESSMENT ANDDATA USABILITY EVALUATIONGUIDANCE DOCUMENTMay 2009Revised December 2010Amey Marrella, Commissioner79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106http://www.ct.gov/dep/remediation(860) 424-3705
LABORATORY QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL GUIDANCEDATA QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND DATA USABILITY EVALUATIONGUIDANCE DOCUMENT(Effective May 1, 2009)PREAMBLEThe Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CTDEP) has been working to improve thequality and consistency of analytical data used to support environmental investigation and remediationprojects statewide. The CTDEP Remediation Division, Laboratory Quality Assurance/Quality ControlWork Group (Work Group) was established in 2004 to assist and advise the CTDEP in these efforts. TheWork Group is comprised of licensed environmental professionals (LEPs), data validators, representativesfrom private laboratories, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CTDPH), the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the CTDEP.The CTDEP gratefully acknowledges thecontributions and assistance of those individuals who volunteered their time and effort to help developand prepare this document.The Remediation Standard Regulations, sections 22a-133-1 to 22a-133k-3 of the Regulations ofConnecticut State Agencies (“RSRs”), include numeric criteria in Appendices A through F (“RSRcriteria”) which are used to determine if a potential risk to human health or the environment may exist.The results of analyses performed on environmental media are used to determine if remediation is needed.Because of the nature of environmental media, limitations of analytical methods, characteristics ofanalytes, and human error, the results of environmental analysis may contain an element of uncertaintyand in some cases may be significantly biased, and therefore may not be representative of the actualconcentrations of the analytes in the environmental media. Thus, an evaluation of the quality of theanalytical data in relation to the intended use is important in order for the environmental professional tomake decisions which are supported by data of known and sufficient quality.There are many ways to evaluate the quality of analytical data in terms of precision, accuracy,representativeness, comparability, completeness and sensitivity in relation to the intended use of the data.Precision, accuracy, representativeness, comparability, completeness and sensitivity are collectivelyreferred to as the PARCCS parameters. This guidance document describes a CTDEP- accepted, two-stepprocess for data evaluation. The first step in the process consists of an assessment of data quality. Thesecond step is an evaluation to determine whether the data can be used to support the decisions that willbe made using that data. Use of this guidance provides consistency in evaluation and presentation of data
quality information that will facilitate review. If an alternative process is used, such a process should bedocumented in order to explain the thought process and may involve a commitment of significantresources to demonstrate that the data is of known and sufficient quality and is usable relative to itsintended purpose.To assist the environmental professional in obtaining analytical data of known quality, the Work Groupdeveloped the Reasonable Confidence Protocols (RCPs). The RCPs are analytical procedures that includespecific laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) criteria that produce analytical dataof known and documented quality. When Reasonable Confidence is achieved for a particular data set, theenvironmental professional will have Reasonable Confidence that the laboratory has followed the RCPs,has described non-conformances, if any, and has adequate information to make judgments regarding dataquality.The Reasonable Confidence Protocols were published in July and December 2006 and enhanced theability of the environmental professional to readily obtain from the laboratory the necessary informationto identify and document the precision, accuracy and sensitivity of data. Therefore, CTDEP will acceptevaluations of the quality of data using available QC information to evaluate precision, accuracy andsensitivity for samples collected prior to September 1, 2007. If precision and accuracy QC data are notavailable, it is only necessary to evaluate sensitivity. For samples collected on or after September 1,2007, CTDEP expects the environmental professional to evaluate the analytical data in relation to thePARCCS parameters either in accordance with this guidance or a similarly accurate alternative process.This document excludes radiological issues including, but not limited to, those described in Title 22aChapters 446 and 446A that are overseen by the CTDEP Monitoring and Radiation Division of theBureau of Air Management. This document does not apply to Polychlorinated Biphenyls pursuant to theTitle 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 761.
TABLE OF CONTENTSLIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONSivDEFINITION OF TERMS1.viiINTRODUCTION1-12. OVERVIEW OF THE DATA QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND DATA USABILITYEVALUATION PROCESS2.1Data Quality Objectives2-32.2Uncertainty in Analytical Data2-42.3Types of Analytical Data2-42.3.1RCP Data2-52.3.2Non-RCP Data2-52.3.3Pre-RCP Data2-62.43.2-1PARCCs mpleteness2-82.4.6Sensitivity2-8DATA QUALITY ASSESSMENT3-13.1Batch Quality Control Versus Site Specific Quality Control3-13.2Evaluating Significant Quality Control Variances3-23.3Poorly Performing Compounds3-2i
4.3.4Common Laboratory Contaminants3-33.5Bias3-33.5.1High and Low Bias3-33.5.2Non-Directional Bias3-3DATA USABILITY EVALUATION4-14.1Evaluation of Bias4-34.2General Quality Control Information4-44.2.1Chain of Custody Forms4-44.2.2Sample Preservation and Holding Times4-44.2.3Equipment, Trip and Field Blanks4-54.2.4Field Duplicates4-74.3Laboratory Quality Control Information4-84.3.1Reasonable Confidence Protocol Laboratory Analysis QA/QC Certification Form4-94.3.2Reporting Limits4-104.3.3Method Blanks4-114.3.4Laboratory Duplicates4-114.3.5Surrogates4-124.3.6Laboratory Control Samples4-144.3.7Matrix Spike and Matrix Spike Duplicates4-154.4Using Multiple Lines of Evidence to Evaluate Laboratory QC Information4-184.5Data Usability Evaluations for Non-RCP and Pre-RCP Analytical Data4-20ii
5.4.6Data Usability Evaluations Using Multiple Lines of Evidence from DQOs and the CSM4-214.7Factors to be Considered During Data Usability Evaluations4-224.8Documentation of Data Quality Assessments and Data Usability Evaluations4-24REFERENCES5-1FIGUREFigure 1-1DQA and DUE Flow ChartTABLETable 2-1Types of Analytical DataAPPENDICESAPPENDIX A SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ON DATA QUALITY OBJECTIVES AND QUALITYASSURANCE PROJECT PLANSAPPENDIX B QC INFORMATION SUMMARY AND MEASUREMENT PERFORMANCE CRITERIAAPPENDIX C QC INFORMATION TO BE REVIEWED DURING DATA QUALITY ASSESSMENTSAPPENDIX D DATA QUALITY ASSESSMENT WORKSHEETS AND SUMMARY OF RCP ACCEPTANCECRITERIAAPPENDIX E SIGNIFICANT QA/QC VARIANCESAPPENDIX F POORLY PERFORMING COMPOUNDSAPPENDIX G COMMON LABORATORY CONTAMINANTSAPPENDIX H RANGE OF DATA USABILITY EVALUATION OUTCOMESAPPENDIX IDATA USABILITY EVALUATION WORKSHEETAPPENDIX JSURROGATES AND INTERNAL STANDARDSAPPENDIX K SUPPLEMENTAL EXAMPLES USING MULTIPLE LINES OF EVIDENCEAPPENDIX L DATA QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND DATA USABILITY EVALUATION CASE STUDYiii
LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS%RPercent RecoveryBEHPBis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalateºCDegrees CelsiusCCALContinuing CalibrationCFRCode of Federal RegulationsCrChromiumCSMConceptual Site ModelCTDEPConnecticut Department of Environmental ProtectionCTDPHState of Connecticut Department of Public t Exposure CriteriaDQAData Quality AssessmentDQOData Quality ObjectiveDUEData Usability EvaluationEDBEthylene DibromideEPAUnited States Environmental Protection AgencyEPHExtractable Petroleum HydrocarbonsETPHExtractable Total Petroleum HydrocarbonsGA PMCPollutant Mobility Criteria for Class GA GroundwaterGB PMCPollutant Mobility Criteria for Class GB GroundwaterGWPCGround Water Protection CriterionHgMercuryICALInitial CalibrationIDECIndustrial Commercial/Residential Direct Exposure CriteriaLEPLicensed Environmental ProfessionalLCLLower Control LimitLCFReasonable Confidence Protocol Laboratory Certification FormLCSLaboratory Control SampleLFBLaboratory Fortified BlankMEKMethyl Ethyl KetoneMIBK4-Methyl-2-petanoneμg/kgMicrograms per Kilogramμg/lMicrograms per Literiv
mg/kgMilligrams per KilogramMS/MSDMatrix Spike/Matrix Spike DuplicateNDNot Detected (i.e., below the Reporting Limit)ORPOxidation Reduction PotentialPAHsPolycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, also known as Polynuclear Aromatic HydrocarbonsPARCCSPrecision, accuracy, representativeness, comparability, completeness, and sensitivityPCBsPolychlorinated BiphenylsPCETetrachloroethene, also known as Tetrachloroethylene or PerchloroethylenePestPesticidesQA/QCQuality Assurance/Quality ControlQAPPQuality Assurance Project PlanRCP(s)Reasonable Confidence Protocol(s)RCP Guidance Laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control Reasonable Confidence Protocols,effective November 17, 2007RCSARegulations of Connecticut State AgenciesRDECResidential Direct Exposure CriteriaRLReporting LimitRPDRelative Percent DifferenceRRFRelative Response FactorRSR CriteriaNumeric criteria presented in the Remediation Standard Regulations of the Regulationsof Connecticut State Agencies, Sections 22a-133k-1 through 22a-133-3, inclusive.RSRsRemediation Standard Regulations of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies,Sections 22a-133k-1 through 22a-133-3, inclusive.Soil PreservationGuidanceCTDEP's Guidance for Collecting and Preserving Soil and Sediment Samples forLaboratory Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds, effective March 1, 2006SCGDSite Characterization Guidance Document, effective September 2007, ConnecticutDepartment of Environmental ProtectionSOPStandard Operating ProcedureSPLPSynthetic Precipitation Leaching ProcedureSVOCsSemi-volatile Organic CompoundsTCLPToxicity Characteristic Leaching ProcedureTICsTentatively Identified CompoundsTCETrichloroetheneUCLUpper Control LimitVOCsVolatile Organic Compoundsv
VPHVolatile Petroleum HydrocarbonsWork GroupConnecticut Department of Environmental Protection Remediation Division LaboratoryQuality Assurance Quality Control Work GroupYRYearvi
DEFINITION OF TERMSTermDefinitionAccuracyAccuracy describes the closeness of agreement between an observed value and anaccepted reference value that is accepted as the true value. Accuracy is typicallyevaluated using spikes (laboratory control samples, surrogate spikes, and matrixspikes) and blanks (trip, field, and method), or any other standard subjected to theentire analytical process. Accuracy is usually reported as a percentage of the observedvalue divided by the reference value (percent recovery) using the following equation:%R observed value X 100reference valueWhere %R percent recoveryAcid Semivolatile OrganicCompound SurrogatesAcid semivolatile organic compound surrogates are compounds that exhibit similarchemical behavior to acidic organic compounds such as phenols. Common acidsurrogates include: 2-Fluorophenol, phenol-d5 (a deuterated phenol), and 2,4,6Tribromophenol. (See also surrogate).AnalyteAnalyte means the substance being measured by an analytical procedure.Analytical BatchAn analytical batch is a group of samples that are processed and analyzed as a unit.For quality control purposes, the maximum number of samples in a batch is 20 permatrix.Area of ConcernDefined in State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection, SiteCharacterization Guidance Document, effective September 2007, page v.Base Neutral SemivolatileOrganic CompoundSurrogatesBase neutral semivolatile organic compounds exhibit similar chemical behavior to thebase-neutral semivolatile organics. Common examples include: Nitrobenzene-d8, 2Fluorobiphenyl, and terphenyl-d14. (See also surrogate).BiasBias is the deviation of the measured value from the true value. This can be analyticalbias within the analytical procedure, or it can be due to matrix effects. There isinherent bias within all analytical procedures. Quality control measurement tools thatcan be used to evaluate bias include laboratory control samples, check standards,matrix spikes, or any other standards used for analysis.Calibration Curve/InitialCalibrationCheck StandardComparabilityA calibration curve/initial calibration curve is generated by analyzing a series ofstandards and plotting instrument response versus concentration. A calibration curveis used to calibrate an analytical system. Calibration criteria are specified in eachanalytical method.A check standard is a solution of one or more analytes that is used to documentlaboratory performance. This check standard can go by many different namesincluding laboratory control samples, and laboratory fortified blank. Consult with thelaboratory to understand the naming scheme used to identify such standards. Thisstandard can also be used to check the validity of a purchased stock or calibrationstandard.Comparability refers to the equivalency of two sets of data. This goal is achievedthrough the use of standard or similar techniques to collect and analyze representativesamples. Comparable data sets must contain the same variables of interest and mustpossess values that can be converted to a common unit of measurement.Comparability is normally a qualitative parameter that is dependent upon other dataquality elements. For example, if the detections limits for a target analyte weresignificantly different for two different methods, the two methods would not becomparable.vii
TermDefinitionCompletenessCompleteness is a measure of the amount of valid data obtained from a measurementsystem compared to the amount that was expected to be obtained under correct,normal conditions.Conceptual Site ModelDefined in State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection, SCGD,effective September 2007, Section 2.Constituent of ConcernDefined in State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection, SCGD,effective September, 2007, page v.Control SampleControl sample means a quality control sample introduced into a process to monitorthe performance of a system.Critical SampleCritical samples are used to determine the presence of a release or to determinecompliance with applicable regulations. The completeness goal for critical samples isusually 100 percent.Data Quality ObjectivesDefined in State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection, SCGD,effective September 2007, page v.EnvironmentalProfessionalAn environmental professional is anyone, including a licensed environmentalprofessional, who conducts environmental site assessments or collects soil, sediment,water, soil vapor, or air samples for environmental investigation and remediationprojects. This term is also further defined in State of Connecticut, Department ofEnvironmental Protection, SCGD, effective September 2007, page vi.Environmental SampleAn environmental sample is a sample of soil, groundwater, surface water, soil vapor,sediment, air, or any other environmental media collected for analysis.Environmental SiteAssessmentDescribed in State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection, SCGD,effective September 2007.Equipment-Rinsate BlankField BlankAn equipment-rinsate blank is a sample of analyte-free water that is used to rinse thesampling equipment. An equipment-rinsate blank is collected after decontaminationto assess potential contamination from inadequate decontamination of field equipment.An equipment-rinsate blank can also be used to evaluate the potential for fieldsampling equipment to leach contaminants into a sample and cause crosscontamination.A field blank is analyte-free media, usually water, prepared in the laboratory andtransported to the sampling location along with the empty sample containers. At thesampling location the media is used to fill randomly selected sample containers andthen returned to the laboratory for analysis. The field blank is treated as a sample inall respects, including exposure to sampling location conditions, storage, preservation,and all analytical procedures. Field blanks are used to assess any contaminationcontributed from sampling location conditions and the transport, handling, and storageof the samples.Field DuplicateA field duplicate is a replicate or split sample collected in the field and submitted tothe laboratory as a sample.Field Reagent BlankSee “Field Blank.”GA Pollutant MobilityCriteriaDefined in Remediation Standard Regulations, Section 22a-133k-1(a) of theRegulations of Connecticut State Agencies (RCSA).viii
TermDefinitionGas Chromatography/Mass SpectrometryGas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry is an analytical procedure in which a gaschromatograph is connected to a mass spectrometer. The technique allows for bothaccurate identification and quantitation of analytes.GB Pollutant MobilityCriteriaDefined in Remediation Standard Regulations, Section 22a-133k-1(a) of the RCSA.Ground Water ProtectionCriterionDefined in Remediation Standard Regulations, Section 22a-133k-1(a) of the RCSA.Holding TimeThe maximum amount of time a sample may be stored between collection and analysisis referred to as the holding time. Samples analyzed past the holding time arecompromised and may be considered invalid, depending on the intended use of thedata.Industrial/CommercialDirect Exposure CriteriaDefined in the Remediation Standard Regulations, Section 22a-133k-1(a) of theRCSA.Instrument BlankAn instrument blank is analyte free media that is introduced into the analyticalinstrumentation to verify the instrumentation is not contaminated. Typically gaschromatography methods (excluding volatile organic compounds) use pure solvent asan instrument blank while metals and wet chemistry techniques use water or acidifiedwater. Gas chromatography methods for volatile organic compounds use eitheracidified water or methanol.Internal StandardsInternal standards are compounds that are added, prior to analysis, at a knownconcentration to every standard, blank, sample, and quality control sample at a knownconcentration. Internal standards are used to calibrate the analytical system by plottingthe response of the internal standards versus the compound(s) of interest. Internalstandards should closely match the chemical behavior of the compound(s) of interestand be known not to be present in the sample.Laboratory Control SampleA laboratory control sample (LCS) is a reference standard carried through the analysisalong with the samples. The LCS can either be a purchased reference sample or areference spiking solution used to spike reagent water or clean soil. The LCS wouldcontain known concentrations of target analytes and is used to document laboratoryperformance. LCSs are also known as laboratory fortified blanks.Laboratory Fortified BlankSee “Laboratory Control Sample.”Matrix DuplicateA matrix duplicate refers to the replicate analysis of a sample prepared in thelaboratory. Duplicates are used to evaluate precision, sample homogeneity, and fieldsample collection activities.Matrix EffectsMatrix effects are the overall effect of the sample matrix on the analytical results.Severe matrix effects are usually called matrix interference and can significantly affectthe accuracy of an analytical measurement. For example, some matrices including silt,clay, coal, ash, and peat effectively bind analytes leading to low biased results forcertain extraction procedures.Matrix InterferenceSee “Matrix Effects.”ix
TermDefinitionMatrixThe matrix is the component or substrate (e.g., surface water, drinking water, soil) thatmay or may not contain an analyte of interest.Matrix SpikeA matrix spike is an aliquot of an environmental sample to which known quantities oftarget analytes are added in the laboratory. The matrix spike is analyzed in anidentical manner as a sample. The purpose of a matrix spike sample is to determinewhether the sample matrix contributes bias to the analytical results.Matrix Spike DuplicateA matrix spike duplicate is an intra-laboratory split sample, with both aliquots spikedwith identical concentrations of method analytes. The spiking occurs prior to samplepreparation and analysis. The results are used to document the precision and bias of amethod in a given sample matrix. See also “Matrix Spike.”MediaSee “Matrix.”Method BlankA method blank is an analyte-free matrix to which all reagents are added in the sameproportions as used in sample processing. The method blank should be carried throughthe entire sample preparation and analytical procedure. It is used to determine ifmethod analytes or other analytes are present in the laboratory environment, thereagents, or the apparatus. A method blank may also be referred to as a laboratoryreagent blank.NonconformanceA nonconformance is an occurrence during the processing or analysis of a sample thatis not in conformance with the quality control performance criteria of the analyticalmethod. Examples of nonconformances include, but are not limited to, missed holdingtimes, temperature excursions, recoveries of surrogates or matrix spikes outside ofperformance criteria, initial or continuing calibration failures, et cetera.Non-target compoundsNon-target compounds are compounds that are not target analytes, see “TargetAnalytes” below.PARCCS ParametersThe PARCCS parameters are precision, accuracy, representativeness, comparability,completeness, and sensitivity.Performance EvaluationSampleSee “Proficiency Test Sample.”PetroleumPetroleum is used in this document as the term is in Section 22a-449a of theConnecticut General Statutes.Polluted SoilDefined in Remediation Standard Regulations, Section 22a-133k-1(a) of the RCSA.x
TermPrecisionDefinitionPrecision is the agreement among a set of replicate measurements without assumptionof knowledge of the true value. Precision is estimated by means of duplicate/replicateanalyses and illustrates the reproducibility of a laboratory’s analysis. Field duplicatesare used to assess precision for the entire measurement system including sampling,handling, shipping, storage, preparation, and analysis. Laboratory data precisionanalysis is evaluated through the use of matrix spike/matrix spike duplicate sampleresults. The precision of data is measured by the calculation of the relative percentdifference (RPD) by the following equation: A-B x 100((A B)/2)Where A Analytical results from first measurement andB Analytical results from the second measurement.RPD Proficiency Test SampleProficiency test sample is a reference sample provided to a laboratory for the purposeof demonstrating that the laboratory and the individual analyst performing the test cansuccessfully analyze the sample within acceptable limits. The true value of the sampleis unknown by the analyst.Proficiency TestingA proficiency testing is a program in which performance evaluation samples are usedto evaluate the analytical performance of the laboratory.Quality Assurance ProjectPlanA quality assurance project plan is an orderly assemblage of detailed proceduresdesigned to produce data of sufficient quality to meet the data quality objectives for aspecific data collection activity.Quality Assurance/QualityControlQuality Assurance (QA) involves planning, implementation, assessment, reporting,and quality improvement to establish the reliability of laboratory data. QualityControl (QC) procedures are the specific tools that are used to achieve this reliability.QC procedures measure the performance of an analytical method in relation to the QCcriteria specified in the analytical method. QC information documents the quality ofthe analytical data.Reagent waterReagent water is generally water that has been generated by any purification methodthat would achieve the performance specifications for American Society for TestingMaterials Type II water. For organic analyses, reagent water is free fromcontamination of the analytes of interest.Reasonable ConfidenceWhen “Reasonable Confidence” is achieved for a particular data set, theenvironmental professional will have “Reasonable Confidence” that the laboratory hasfollowed the Reasonable Confidence Protocols, has described nonconformances, ifany, and has adequate information to make judgments regarding data quality.Reasonable ConfidenceProtocolsThe Reasonable Confidence Protocols are analytical methods that include specificlaboratory quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) performance criteria thatproduce analytical data of known and documented quality. The ReasonableConfidence Protocols methods are published on the CTDEP web site athttp://www.ct.gov/dep/remediation.ReleaseDefined in Remediation Standard Regulations, Section 22a-133k-1(a) of the RCSAand the State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection, SCGD,effective September, 2007, page vi.xi
TermDefinitionRelease AreaDefined in Remediation Standard Regulations, Section 22a-133k-1(a) of the RCSAand the State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection, SCGD,effective September 2007, page vi.Relative PercentDifferenceSee “Precision.”Remediation StandardRegulationsRemediation Standard Regulations of the RCSA, Sections 22a-133k-1 through 22a133-3, inclusive.Reporting LimitReporting limit means the concentration of the lowest calibration standard of acalibration curve used for analysis of a given sample by a specific method, correctedfor specific sample weight or volume, dilutions, and for soil and sediment samplesmoisture content. Also, the minimum concentration of an analyte that can beidentified and quantified within specified limits of precision and accuracy. This termis further defined in the Remediation Standard Regulations, Section 22a-133k-1(a) ofthe RCSA.RepresentativenessRepresentativeness is a qualitative measurement that describes how well the analyticaldata characterizes a release area or area of concern under investigation as part of anenvironmental site assessment. Many factors can influence how representative theanalytical results are for a release area. These factors include, the selection ofappropriate analytical procedures, the sampling plan, and the procedures and protocolsused to collect, preserve, and transport samples.Residential DirectExposure CriteriaDefined in Remediation Standard Regulations, Section 22a-133k-1(a) of the RCSA.SensitivitySensitivity refers to the ability of an analytical procedure to detect and quantify ananalyte at a given concentration.Significant Data GapDefined in State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection, SCGD,effective September 2007, page vi.SpikeTo spike a sample is to fortify a sample in the laboratory with known concentrations oftarget analytes.Split SampleA split sample is prepared when aliquots of sample taken from the same container andthen analyzed independently. Split samples are usually taken after mixing orcompositing and are used to document intra- or inter-laboratory precision.Standard of CareDefined in State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection, SCGD,effective September 2007, page vi.StandardsStandards are solutions that contain known concentration of target analytes. Examplesinclude stock standards, calibration standards, et cetera.SubstanceDefined in Remediation Standard Regulations, Section 22a-133k-1(a) of the RCSA.Surrogate AnalyteA surrogate analyte is an organic compound, which is similar to the target analyte(s) inchemical composition and behavior in the analytical process, but is not normally foundin environmental samples. The surrogate concentration is measured using the sameprocedures used to measure other analytes in the sample. Surrogate recoveries are usedto evaluate the performance of the analysis.xii
TermDefinitionTarget AnalytesTarget analytes are the compounds included on the list of analytes for an analyticalmethod.Tentatively IdentifiedCompoundsTentatively identified compounds (TICs) are unknown compounds for which apossible identification was made by comparing the mass spectra of the unknown to alibrary of known mass spectra. Concentrations may also be estimated by assuming aresponse factor. TICs are not part of the standard target analyte list of the method.Trip BlankTrip blanks originate within the laboratory. Trip blanks are sample containers thathave been filled with analyte-free reagent water carried with other sample containersout to the field and back to the lab without being exposed to sampling procedures. Tripblanks are used to ascertain if sample containers may have been contaminated duringtransportation and storage.Turn-Around TimeThe turn-around time is the amount of time it takes for the laboratory to report theanalytical results to the customer following the submittal of the samples to thelaboratory.xiii
1.INTRODUCTIONLaboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) is a comprehensive program used toenhance and document the quality of analytical data. QA involves planning, implementation, assessment,reporting, and quality improvement to establish the reliability of laboratory data. QC procedures are thespecific tools that are used to achieve this reliability.Evaluating the quality of analytical data to determine whether the data are of sufficient quality for theintended purpose is a two-step process. The first step of the process is a data quality assessment (DQA)to identify and summarize any quality control problems that occurred during laboratory analysis (QCnonconformances). The results of the DQA are used to perform the second step, which is a data usabilityevaluation (DUE) to determine whether or
LABORATORY QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL GUIDANCE DATA QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND DATA USABILITY EVALUATION GUIDANCE DOCUMENT (Effective May 1, 2009) PREAMBLE The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CTDEP) has been working to improve the quality and consistency of analytical data used to support environmental investigation and
critical issues the University has established a Quality Assurance Directorate, which is mandated to develop a Quality Assurance Framework and a Quality Assurance Policy. The Quality Assurance Framework would clearly spell out the Principles, Guidelines and Procedures for implementing institutional quality assurance processes.
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Software Quality Assurance Plan (SQAP) for the SRR-CWDA-2010-00080 H-Area Tank Farm (HTF) Performance Revision 0 Assessment (PA) Probabilistic Model August 2010 Page 5 of 15 1.0 SCOPE This Software Quality Assurance Plan (SQAP) was developed in accordance with the 1Q Quality Assurance Manual, Quality Assurance Procedure (QAP) 20-1, Rev. 11.
CHAPTER 9: QUALITY ASSURANCE 9.1 QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAM ELEMENTS As required by DOE Order 5400.1 (1988), General Environmental Protection Program, BNL has established a Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Program to ensure that the accuracy, precision, and re
Auditing and Assurance Services Week 2 1. ASSURANCE What is assurance and what are the different types and levels of assurance? Five elements: Three-parties relationships, subject matter, suitable criteria, sufficient appropriate evidence, written assurance report T
