Section 4 Quality Assurance

By Environmental Protection Agency

Book Id: WPLBN0000181882
Format Type: PDF eBook:
File Size: 1.0 MB
Reproduction Date: 2007

Title:	Section 4 Quality Assurance
Author:	Environmental Protection Agency
Volume:
Language:	English
Subject:	Ecology, Natural resource issues, Environemtal protection
Collections:	Environmental Awareness Library Collection
Historic Publication Date:
Publisher:	United States Environmental Protection Agency


Citation APA MLA Chicago Protection Agency, B. E. (n.d.). Section 4 Quality Assurance. Retrieved from http://www.gutenberg.cc/

Description
Excerpt: 4.1 INTRODUCTION 4.1.1 Development and maintenance of a toxicity test laboratory quality assurance (QA) program (USEPA, 1991b) requires an ongoing commitment by laboratory management. Each toxicity test laboratory should (1) appoint a quality assurance officer with the responsibility and authority to develop and maintain a QA program, (2) prepare a quality assurance plan with stated data quality objectives (DQOs), (3) prepare written descriptions of laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) for culturing, toxicity testing, instrument calibration, sample chain-of-custody procedures, laboratory sample tracking system, glassware cleaning, etc., and (4) provide an adequate, qualified technical staff for culturing and toxicity testing the organisms, and suitable space and equipment to assure reliable data. 4.1.2 QA practices for toxicity testing laboratories must address all activities that affect the quality of the final effluent toxicity data, such as: (1) effluent sampling and handling; (2) the source and condition of the test organisms; (3) condition of equipment; (4) test conditions; (5) instrument calibration; (6) replication; (7) use of reference toxicants; (8) record keeping; and (9) data evaluation. 4.1.3 Quality control practices, on the other hand, consist of the more focused, routine, day-to-day activities carried out within the scope of the overall QA program. For more detailed discussion of quality assurance and general guidance on good laboratory practices and laboratory evaluation related to toxicity testing, see FDA (1978); USEPA (1979d); USEPA (1980b); USEPA (1980c); USEPA (1991c); DeWoskin (1984); and Taylor (1987). 4.1.4 Guidelines for the evaluation of laboratory performing toxicity tests and laboratory evaluation criteria are found in USEPA (1991c).