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Quality Assurance/Quality Control
All analytical services are performed by EPA contract laboratories that meet the stringent Contract Laboratory Program (CLP) requirements and standards (e.g., on-site audits, Performance Evaluation [PE] samples, etc.). Each sample processed through the CLP is properly documented to ensure timely and accurate analysis for requested parameters. This process also ensures that CLP data can be reliably used in potential enforcement actions and cost recovery.
The CLP has implemented a number of supporting services to ensure that data of known and documented quality is provided to its CLP customers. The Sample Management Office (SMO) was established to provide centralized operational support to help ASB meet program challenges. SMO provides services necessary to schedule, track, invoice, and assess laboratory data to help ASB accomplish its mission of guaranteeing that CLP analytical services are effectively monitored and utilized. In addition, SMO acts as the repository for both hard copy and electronic data. The Quality Assurance Technical Support (QATS) contractor provides PE samples, assists with on-site audits, conducts data tape audits, and evaluates new methods.
The CLP provides a comprehensive Quality Assurance (QA) program through on-site audits, PE samples, quarterly performance reports, fraud detection mechanisms, performance-based scheduling, and continuous inspection of laboratory data for contractual compliance.
To simplify the Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) development process, the CLP predefines elements such as: analytical methods; preventive laboratory equipment maintenance and calibration; sample shipment chain-of custody procedures and forms; analytical precision and accuracy (including quantitation limits for organic and detection limits for inorganics); laboratory Quality Control (QC) requirements; data management, and documentation for laboratory analysis.
CLP data is compliant with EPA Order 5360.1 quality requirements that require data to withstand independent review and confirmation.
Additional information can be found on the EPA Data Quality-Related Documents page of this Web site.