Implementing and Evaluating Laboratory Quality and Management Systems Across Multiple Regulatory Programs and Analytical Procedures.

Best Practices for Managing Environmental Laboratories
Oral Presentation

Prepared by A. Valkenburg
QASE Inc. / Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc., 322 Camel Place, Billings, MT, 59105, United States


Contact Information: cvalkenbur@aol.com; 406 696 3915


ABSTRACT

Laboratory Quality and Management Systems suitable to meet individual client Data Quality Objectives (DQO’s) requires integration of multiple specifications, requirements, and guidance documents from a variety of sources. To meet current laboratory accreditation requirements, QA/QC program elements can be combined from accreditation requirements, EPA approved methods, and the reference and guidance documents associated with Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA), and Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act (CERCLA/SARA) and laboratory assessment guidance. Example specifications taken from the accreditation standards utilized in SDWA, TNI (NELAC), ISO/IEC 17025, DOD/DOE, Superfund CLP, and selected State accreditation programs are demonstrated on how to implement and assess Laboratory Quality and Management Systems. Predictive science based QA principles; along with effective management of change (MOC) processes discuss how to meet the changing regulations and accrediting requirements of today and also to meet future assessment expectations.