Providing the Tools Needed for a Lab to Produce a Detailed Data Package for Reporting Results for EPA Approved Methods on Dioxins (Alternate Testing Procedure for the Determination of Dioxins & Furans by Method 1613b Replacing GC-HRMS with GC-MS/MS)Optimizing Laboratory Operations
Oral Presentation
Prepared by D. Walker
Agilent, 5301 stevens creek blvd, Santa ClaRA, CA, 95051, United States
Contact Information: [email protected]; 916-949-8796
ABSTRACT
The use of GC/MS/MS platforms has been accepted as an alternate testing procedure by USEPA for analyzing polychlorinated dioxin and furans in wastewater, soil, and biotas. The use of a GC/MS/MS allows labs to analyze samples offering versatility, robustness, reliability and familiarity to environmental lab. Conversely, Magnetic Sector systems are very costly and require significant expertise in maintenance and operation. As a greater number of GC/MS/MS systems are installed in Analytical Laboratories the capacity for analyzing dioxins and PCBs has increased exponentially. However, quantification and reporting needs for these compounds can be complex too. This presentation focuses on the tools needed for reporting this data. The question is how we are currently reporting data and how can we improve that process. Large laboratories historically incorporate a LIMS system to generate reports. Smaller labs traditionally create reports in Excel or similar. Working with several laboratories we have designed a series of reports to help improve & streamline this process. This approach gives the bench chemist & lab manager the ability to generate repots in real time enabling them to make several critical decisions. Aspects covered will include:
1. Are dilutions necessary?
2. Does the sample require re-extraction?
3. Does the sample need to be re-injected?
4. Are there Diphenyl Ethers present?
5. What are the Estimated Maximum Possible Concentrations?
6. What is the total Toxic Equivalency of the sample?
7. Does the sample meet all the QA/QcC requirements?
