The Dow Laboratory Qualification Program
Poster Presentation
Prepared by J. Richardson1, M. Wilken2
1 - The Dow Chemical Company, 1897 Building H-21 , Midland, MI, 48667, United States
2 - Dow Chemical Company , 1790 Building office 225, Midland, MI, 48674, United States
Contact Information: [email protected]; 989-636-1420
ABSTRACT
Poster Presentation
Prepared by Jennifer Richardson1, and Michael Wilken2
1 The Dow Chemical Company, Environmental Analytical Support 1897 Bldg., Midland, MI 48667
2 The Dow Chemical Company, Environmental Remediation & Restoration 1790 Bldg., Midland, MI 48674
Contact Information: [email protected]; 989-636-1420
ABSTRACT
The Dow Chemical Company is using several contract laboratories for the analysis of compliance related environmental and internal process samples. In addition to the requirement that the contract laboratories be accredited and certified, which includes laboratory audits by independent institutions and the analysis of proficiency test (PT) samples, we have established an additional qualification step. This takes into account the fact that spiked samples do not necessarily reflect the matrix of real samples with potential specific interferences and matrix effects. The additional step of the Quality Assurance and Control (QAQC) program was also triggered by findings of quality issues with accredited laboratories which are not necessarily addressed in the normal data evaluation process. An example is the over-dilution of samples which makes it impossible for us to demonstrate compliance.
The program is based on blended, diluted, and intensively homogenized real internal water samples which are submitted annually to the laboratories in duplicate along with a dilution for metals, volatile and semi-volatile organic components. To achieve and maintain the status of a Dow preferred contract laboratory, the results of these samples have to exceed a certain score. Failure to do so can result in a suspension or elimination of the status. The analysis of the duplicate and the dilution of this sample allows us also to gain additional information regarding the laboratory’s performance and precision.
The initial and ongoing control of the laboratories covers not only the pure comparison of the analytical data but also the data validation and an evaluation of the overall service. The concept of such control samples is used now for an on-going quality control in site investigations by blending samples from that specific site, send them camouflaged and embedded in the sample pool to the analyzing laboratory as well as to “reference” laboratories.
Poster Presentation
Prepared by J. Richardson1, M. Wilken2
1 - The Dow Chemical Company, 1897 Building H-21 , Midland, MI, 48667, United States
2 - Dow Chemical Company , 1790 Building office 225, Midland, MI, 48674, United States
Contact Information: [email protected]; 989-636-1420
ABSTRACT
Poster Presentation
Prepared by Jennifer Richardson1, and Michael Wilken2
1 The Dow Chemical Company, Environmental Analytical Support 1897 Bldg., Midland, MI 48667
2 The Dow Chemical Company, Environmental Remediation & Restoration 1790 Bldg., Midland, MI 48674
Contact Information: [email protected]; 989-636-1420
ABSTRACT
The Dow Chemical Company is using several contract laboratories for the analysis of compliance related environmental and internal process samples. In addition to the requirement that the contract laboratories be accredited and certified, which includes laboratory audits by independent institutions and the analysis of proficiency test (PT) samples, we have established an additional qualification step. This takes into account the fact that spiked samples do not necessarily reflect the matrix of real samples with potential specific interferences and matrix effects. The additional step of the Quality Assurance and Control (QAQC) program was also triggered by findings of quality issues with accredited laboratories which are not necessarily addressed in the normal data evaluation process. An example is the over-dilution of samples which makes it impossible for us to demonstrate compliance.
The program is based on blended, diluted, and intensively homogenized real internal water samples which are submitted annually to the laboratories in duplicate along with a dilution for metals, volatile and semi-volatile organic components. To achieve and maintain the status of a Dow preferred contract laboratory, the results of these samples have to exceed a certain score. Failure to do so can result in a suspension or elimination of the status. The analysis of the duplicate and the dilution of this sample allows us also to gain additional information regarding the laboratory’s performance and precision.
The initial and ongoing control of the laboratories covers not only the pure comparison of the analytical data but also the data validation and an evaluation of the overall service. The concept of such control samples is used now for an on-going quality control in site investigations by blending samples from that specific site, send them camouflaged and embedded in the sample pool to the analyzing laboratory as well as to “reference” laboratories.
