# Presentation: 036338

## Laboratory Evaluation

- Scope, Benefits, & Requirements

## Scope of Evaluation

- Laboratories are selected based on their performance using a specific method.
- Laboratories continue to be used based on performance data for that method.
- The criteria for assessment are:
- The right **Analytical Method**
- Appropriate **Concentrations**
- Appropriate **Performance **

## Scope -  continued

- The responsibility for collecting adequate data that defines the data quality lies with the project personnel.
- Project personnel must justify their selection of a laboratory with data. This may mean you need to provide additional QC samples to the lab if they do not possess appropriate QC for your project needs.

## Benefits -  Local vs. National

- The previous Laboratory Evaluation Project used a generic approach. Assessment was based on documentation of QC procedures, and limited data. Approval was based on a generic set of standards, such as a quality system, quality documentation, and the Standard Reference Sample rating system.

## Benefits -  Shift of Responsibility

- The new approach to laboratory evaluation will shift the responsibility of laboratory approval from a National level to the project personnel. This is because the project is the best judge of appropriate data for their needs.

## Benefits -  Shift of Focus

- The new approach to laboratory evaluation will shift the focus from the documentation of QC processes to the QC DATA that prove that the processes are in place and are working.

## Benefits -  Shift of Responsibility

- The project is now responsible to obtain data from the laboratory that addresses *their* concerns, such as:
- Interest in distinct key analytes
**Interest in  specific concentration levels**
- Interest in the lowest variability possible.

## Requirements for Projects

- List of analytes
- Concentrationranges
- Matrices

## Analytical Method Selection

- The laboratory can suggest an appropriate analytical method if you are unsure.
- You can compare different method performances at the National Environmental Method Index website, _[NEMI](http://www.nemi.gov/)__. _

## Requirements from the Lab

- Laboratory blind performance data using this method;
- representing your concentration range;
- and data from a similar matrix.

**If they don’t have appropriate blind data, you will need to purchase some for them to analyze****.**

## BQS provides Assessments of Your Data

- QC data are plotted.

*BQS provides Assessments of Your Data*

- 2.   Your expected sample concentration range is plotted.

- 3.  The lab reporting level is plotted.

- 4.  The lab method detection level is plotted.

- 5.  The lab calibration range is plotted.

- 6.   A report summarizing mismatches is generated.

- Click!

## Right-click the graph, and select “Play” 

- Right-click the graph, and select “Play”

## Assessment Report

**FOR EXAMPLE**

**BQS DATA ASSESSMENT REPORT**
- for
**USGS WRD Project #*****123456***** November, 2006**
**Findings**
- Reporting level is NEAR highest expected sample concentration.
- External QC (SRS) within range.
- External QC (SRS) performance exhibits high variability at low range.
- Internal QC concentration not within expected sample range.
**BQS Suggestions**
- According the NEMI,  using this method is not ideal for your expected concentration ranges. Instead, Method 123.4 might be better suited.
- Include additional QC samples within your range.
- Monitor variability at low range.

## The Project Form

**PROJECT INFORMATION**

| 
Project Chief |  | Project Name |  | Project ID |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Other project emails: |  |  |  |  |  |
| Lab Name |  | Lab City |  | Lab Contact Name |  |
| NWIS Lab ID |  | Lab State |  | Lab Contact Phone |  |
| Project Start Date: |  | Estimated End Date: |  | Approval Date: |  |

**REQUESTED ANALYSES **Please list below the analytes and the methods (if known) you would like the laboratory to provide.

| 
Analyte (Pcode) | Matrix | Range Low | Range High | Units | Method Requested |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |  |

**PROFICIENCY TEST SAMPLE SCHEDULES**

| INITIAL TEST |  |  |  |  |  | ON-GOING TESTS |  |  |  |  |  |   |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Analyte (Pcode) | Source (vendor) | Approx Conc. | units | # samples |  | Analyte (Pcode) | Source (vendor) | Approx Conc | units | # samples | Per (unit time) |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

## To Learn More....

- Visit the website
- _[http://bqs.usgs.gov/lep/index.html](http://bqs.usgs.gov/lep/index.html)_

- End