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Data Quality Screening Using Trend Charts
Poster Presentation
Prepared by R. Sakamoto, S. Remaley
USEPA Region 9, 75 Hawthorne Street, MTS3, San Francisco, California, 94105
Contact Information: sakamoto.roseanne@epa.gov; 415-972-3813
ABSTRACT
While data validation and quarterly reports are necessary deliverables for long-term project review, they may be of limited use in helping a project manager quickly track the quality of work performed under a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) in near real time. Trend charts are being piloted in Region 9. They are a visual method for tracking QAPP implementation and the quality of data produced under the QAPP. Trend charts may cover field sampling QC results, analytical laboratory QC and sample results, number of field and laboratory audit findings, and percentage of data validation performed.
Trend charts graphically present what is communicated in data validation reports for specific contaminants of concern. The charts provide information on laboratory performance in calibration, continuing calibration, laboratory control sample, laboratory control sample duplicate, matrix spike, matrix spike duplicate (or deuterated compound recoveries), and blank results. Field sampling performance in duplicate and blank sample collection are also being charted and monitored. Cumulative information on the percent of data validated, audits conducted may also be included. Field and Laboratory QA/QC criteria are based on QAPP and Field Sampling Plan (the +/- 15% or 20% precision and accuracy) established criteria.
By reading the trend charts, anyone, with or without chemistry expertise, may easily, transparently determine whether the project is in conformance with the plans and whether data quality objectives are being met. It is recommended, however, that a chemist be consulted when making a critical decision based on the data provided in the trend charts.
A paper discussing its use may be accessed at: http://www.epa.gov/region09/qa/pdfs/TrendCharting.pdf
-The opinions expressed in the paper and poster presentation are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the US EPA, unless stated otherwise (e.g., requirements, regulatory citation). Mention of any trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendations for use. -
Poster Presentation
Prepared by R. Sakamoto, S. Remaley
USEPA Region 9, 75 Hawthorne Street, MTS3, San Francisco, California, 94105
Contact Information: sakamoto.roseanne@epa.gov; 415-972-3813
ABSTRACT
While data validation and quarterly reports are necessary deliverables for long-term project review, they may be of limited use in helping a project manager quickly track the quality of work performed under a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) in near real time. Trend charts are being piloted in Region 9. They are a visual method for tracking QAPP implementation and the quality of data produced under the QAPP. Trend charts may cover field sampling QC results, analytical laboratory QC and sample results, number of field and laboratory audit findings, and percentage of data validation performed.
Trend charts graphically present what is communicated in data validation reports for specific contaminants of concern. The charts provide information on laboratory performance in calibration, continuing calibration, laboratory control sample, laboratory control sample duplicate, matrix spike, matrix spike duplicate (or deuterated compound recoveries), and blank results. Field sampling performance in duplicate and blank sample collection are also being charted and monitored. Cumulative information on the percent of data validated, audits conducted may also be included. Field and Laboratory QA/QC criteria are based on QAPP and Field Sampling Plan (the +/- 15% or 20% precision and accuracy) established criteria.
By reading the trend charts, anyone, with or without chemistry expertise, may easily, transparently determine whether the project is in conformance with the plans and whether data quality objectives are being met. It is recommended, however, that a chemist be consulted when making a critical decision based on the data provided in the trend charts.
A paper discussing its use may be accessed at: http://www.epa.gov/region09/qa/pdfs/TrendCharting.pdf
-The opinions expressed in the paper and poster presentation are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the US EPA, unless stated otherwise (e.g., requirements, regulatory citation). Mention of any trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendations for use. -