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QUALITY ASSURANCE /
QUALITY CONTROL
To ensure the best results for our clients,
the Analytical Services Laboratory has implemented a comprehensive Quality Control/Quality
Assurance Program. Quality Assurance is a set of operating principles that, if
strictly followed during the sample collection and analysis, will produce accurate data of
defensible quality. This program is designed to comply with Canadian federal and
provincial regulatory agencies and applies to all samples submitted to the laboratory. A
comprehensive Quality Control/Quality Assurance Program is in place in the laboratory.
Elements of the QA/QC program include:
 | Staff organization,
responsibilities and training requirements
| Sample control and
documentation procedures
| Standard operating procedures
(SOP) and method audits
| Internal quality control
activities and corrective action procedures
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| Equipment calibration and
preventive maintenance procedures
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| Data quality assessment and
reporting system
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Currently, the QA/QC program is prepared and
overseen by the Laboratory Manager, QC Chemist and the Scientific Advisor.
Overall QC protocols used include:
| Control Standards: The
stability of the instrument calibration is checked during the run by the analysis of the
control standards.
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| Control Samples: The accuracy
of the instrument calibration, recovery during sample preparation and long-term stability
are checked by the analysis of control samples with each batch.
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| Blanks: Method blanks are
analyzed to confirm the absence of contamination.
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| Duplicates: Duplicates are
analyzed to check method and stability and performance.
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| Matrix Spikes: Sample matrix
effects are checked by spiking samples with a known amount of standard and subsequently
measuring the recovery of the analyte in the sample.
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| Standard Reference Materials:
Certified standards are used as control samples to check the method performance in the
matrix, but only when appropriate.
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Laboratory bias is determined by a
spike recovery or by duplicate analysis. As part of the QA/QC program, the QC Chemist and
Laboratory Manager regularly submit duplicates and spiked reference samples to the
laboratory technicians for analysis and then review the results to identify and rectify
any identified laboratory biases.
Data assessment is conducted every 6 months
for regular analytical programs, and as an integral part of any special projects. Quality
assurance audits, such as inter-comparison studies, spike recoveries, quality control
samples, and replication samples are used to maintain quality analytical results. Our
QA/QC program has been established for our customers, to ensure them that their results
are accurate and precise.
Performance Assessment
The Analytical Services Laboratory
participates in CAEAL performance assessment programs (twice a year for soil and
twice a year for water) to continuously
monitor the performance of the methods used.
Methods
Most routine analytical methods are
based on established standard methods (e.g. APHA, AECB, Environment Canada). All routine
methods are thoroughly validated and authorized before use in the laboratory. The methods
are reviewed annually.
Instrument Calibration and
Maintenance
All instruments are calibrated before
sample analysis. The instrument response must be within specified limits. Also, to ensure
rapid turn around, the instruments are properly maintained.
Elements of the Analytical
Laboratory QA/QC Program
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| Element |
Frequency |
Limits |
| Containers |
Pre-cleaned |
not detectable |
| Recovery of known addition |
10% of samples or 1 per batch |
plus or minus 10% |
| Reagent blank |
10% of samples or 1 per batch |
<MDL |
| Traveling blank |
Project specific |
<MDL |
| Duplicate analysis |
10% of samples or 1 per batch |
plus or minus 10% |
| Internal standards |
All samples |
within control limits |
| Certified Reference Standards |
All solid samples and metals |
CCRMP limits |
| Control charts |
Key parameters (such as Ra_226,
Po_210, Th, U & TKN) |
plus or minus 2 SD (Standard
deviation) |
| Data trends |
All routine samples |
ENVISTA warning limits |
| Internal QC check |
Monthly |
in-house limits |
| Method audits |
Yearly |
adhere to SOP |
| Staff performance audits |
Monthly |
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| Instrument Calibrations: |
Once a month
Each day |
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| Balance |
| pH meter |
Twice a day |
100g internal standard & check
with 100mg std weight |
| UV Spectrometer |
Multi-point for each batch, verify
every ten samples |
buffer, 2, 4, 7 & 10 |
| Ion Chromatographer |
Multi-point daily |
>.99 |
| AA |
Multi-point daily, verify every ten
samples |
>.99 plus or minus 10% initial |
| Alpha, Beta & Gamma
Spectrometer |
Multi-point Once a year |
>.99 |
| ISE/Conductivity meter |
Every four hours |
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| Dissolved oxygen meter |
Daily |
slope within 54 to 60 mV |
| Micro-pipets (<5 ml) |
Monthly |
within manufacture limits |
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Comparison of Results
When it is known that the analyte
levels for a particular sample site remain consistent over time, the laboratory compares
each result to previous ones. Any changes are checked and if the change is confirmed, the
client is notified.
Reporting Quality Control Data
Quality Control data can be reported at no
additional charge. A variety of formats are available to suit the client's needs.
Contact Al Douglas (705) 675-1151 ext 1506 if this service is required.
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