QUALITY CONTROL

It  is the objective of Anachem to provide accurate analytical data which may be used with confidence in a decision making process.  The purpose of our Quality Control Program is to control the analytical variables and eliminate (or at least demonstrate) human errors.  However, the level and type of quality control required is not the same for all samples.

Anachem processes a wide variety of samples which can be categorized as established EPA, OSHA, or  ASTM protocols, routine self developed methods and new or unique problems.  For Quality Control purposes these categories will be dealt with separately.

EPA, OSHA AND ASTM PROTOCOLS

EPA protocols are published in great detail and include Quality Control information.  Anachem makes every effort to follow these methods.  Our Quality Control effort includes tuning twice a day using PFBTA, BFB and DFTPP compounds, duplicates (5%), blanks (5%), internal standards (100%), and surrogate spiked (100%), as specified by the protocols published in the Federal Register.

OSHA and ASTM protocols often allow more latitude in areas such as choice of column(s) or GC/LC parameters.  However, laboratory procedures, reagents and calculations are prescribed and a general requirement is made that any deviation from the published method must meet or exceed the published requirements for detection limit, accuracy and reproducibility.  Anachem will deviate from these methods only when the technology is improved and only within the limits allowed by the publishing authority.  Good laboratory practices and quality assurance programs will apply.

ROUTINE METHODS

Routine methods will be subject to the same Quality Assurance procedures as all other methods.  Quality Control procedures will consist of 5% duplicates, 5% blanks and EPA or NIST reference samples, when possible.  In addition, instrument performance will be documented prior to each sample set.  Instrument calibration will be performed using single or multiple calibration standards depending on the range of concentrations and customer requirements.

NON-STANDARD TESTS

Frequently this laboratory is asked to perform non-standard tests in unique situations.  Often only one sample is submitted and the customer's requirements may be as unique as the sample.  Quality Control will be discussed with the customer and arrangements will be made which fit the customer's requirements and budget.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

1. Laboratory Instrumentation

1.1 Maintenance logs are maintained on all major pieces of equipment.
1.2 Analytical balances are calibrated annually with NIST weights by an outside source   and checked daily by the chemist.

3.1 Samples

3.1.1  Samples are logged into LIMS as they arrive and are assigned a unique    number which is used for sample tracking.
3.1.2  The chain of custody forms are reviewed by the Quality officer, or designee and a report is generated which identifies the customer sample ID, describes the sample,    and details the work to be performed.
3.1.3 Duplicates and spikes are incorporated into the sample flow by the chemists and reported with the sample results.
3.1.4  Information about sample handling, dates, methods and raw data are    maintained by laboratory personnel.
3.1.5  Reports are generated by LIMS.  One (1) copy is sent to the customer and a second is filed at Anachem Analytical Laboratory.
3.1.6  The entire history of any sample can be collected using the unique sample number for a period of five (5) years after receipt.

3.2 Instruments

3.2.1  Each instrument has an electronic log book which records samples run.
3.2.2  Calibrations and performance samples are filed by date.

3.3 Data

3.3.1  Raw data is filed with Anachem's copy of the report.
3.3.2  Raw data can be correlated with QC Data and maintenance data by date.

3.4 Laboratory Records

3.4.1  All laboratory personnel maintain records which documents the    methods used, date of extraction and date of analysis, special instructions,    problems and the information pertinent to each day's work.

3.5 Calibration Standards

3.5.1  A special notebook records all weights, measurements, calculations and    instructions associated with the making and use of analytical standards.