Data Quality Assurance/ Quality Control

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Data Quality Assurance/ Quality Control
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QA/QC Requirements for RECAP Submittals

• Data generated using rigorous analytical methods
• Data must be analyte specific, and the identity
  and concentration confirmed
• Method produced tangible raw data

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QA/QC Documentation includes(Definitive Data)

• Sample documentation
• initial and continuing calibration
• determination and documentation of detection
  limits
• analyte identification and quantification
• QC blanks matrix spike recoveries

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QA/QC Documentation includes (Definitive Data
cont.)

• Performance evaluation samples (external QA or
  laboratory control samples)
• analytical error determination
• total measurement error determination

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Definitive DataExamples

• EPA 500 Series
• EPA 600 Series
• SW846 methods
• Contract Laboratory Program (CLP) Statement of
  Work (SOW) methods

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Example of an acceptableQA/QC set

• 1 rinsate sample per 20 field samples
• 1 field blank per day
• 1 trip blank / ice chest of samples for VOA
• 1 field duplicate / 20 field samples
• 1 matrix spike/matrix spike duplicate from the
  site per 20 samples

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Data Evaluation and Data Usability

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Evaluate data with respect to

• Analytical Method
• Sample Quantitation Limits
• Blank Samples
• Tentatively Identified Compounds (TICs)

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Data evaluation section of risk assessment report
should include

• appropriateness of method and SQL
• results of blank analysis
• TICs detected
• calibration or matrix spike recoveries
• results of performance evaluation
• precision of the analysis

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Historical data may be combined with current data
if

• analytical methods and QA/QC, are similar for
  both data sets
• constituents and concentrations detected in the
  historical data are consistent with the current
  data.

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Historical data

• Historical data of unknown quality may not be
  used in determining exposure or source
  concentrations
• Analytical methods, sampling techniques,
  quantitation limits and QA/QC for the historical
  data shall be included in the risk assessment
  report

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Historical data (cont.)

• If methods or concentrations are significantly
  different, the latest data set shall be used
• the elimination of any data set shall be fully
  justified in the risk assessment report

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Raw analytical data including chromatograms and
additional QA/QC information may be requested by
the Department on an as needed basis