Recognized Results Based on Quality Assurance and Quality Control

QA/QC supports the verification of results and documents that the measuring system is operated correctly

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Recognized Results Based on Quality Assurance and Quality Control

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Analysis and quality assurance measures are inseparably interlinked. There is much more to ensuring high quality measurement results than simply the type of analytical method (standard/norm vs. operational analysis) that is used. The care taken over the individual work steps and the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) measures that are implemented play much greater roles.

Hach supports users of TNTplus Vial Tests by carrying out a substantial part of the quality assurance measures on their behalf. This means that the relevant quality and batch certificates are always available, on the Hach website. Support is also provided for users when carrying out individual quality control measures.

Why the need for quality control?
Nowadays, the quality of goods and services is crucially important. Purchasers and users have come to expect high quality standards from suppliers and manufacturers.

This is why the quality of the services and products on offer is checked and documented several times over (in accordance with ISO 9001:2000).

The results of analyses can also be considered as goods and they have to be able to prove their quality. Responsibility for the resultant data is on the users themselves or their supervisors. Both are therefore liable for any incorrect interpretations and decisions that are made as a consequence of incorrect analysis results. Integrating appropriate quality control measures at the relevant points of the analysis process ensures reliable analysis and minimizes the risk of exposure to liability.

How QA/QC is organized in the laboratory
Organizing and carrying out QA/QC in laboratories involves dealing with a variety of international and local standards.

The central points are:

  • Defining the measures to be implemented based on applicable standards
  • Internal and external quality assurance measures
  • Analytical equipment (monitoring and maintenance)
  • Laboratory staff (skills and training)
  • Documentation of implemented measures

The main aim is to define uniform quality standards for measured results from operational analysis. Fundamental requirements will be established for the operating methods themselves, for the manufacturers of equipment and reagents, and for the users. The requirements apply across all industrial and municipal sectors.

Building blocks of QA/QC

QA/QC can be subdivided into two areas:

  1. Internal quality assurance. This is carried out by the users themselves.
  2. External quality assurance. For example, this results from a collaboration between the user and the equipment manufacturer or between different laboratories.

The operational definitions (definition of measures, frequency, and quality control objectives) ensure that individual measures are tailored to suit the needs of the relevant plant.

Internal measures

Multiple determinations
Multiple determinations for a sample or for the repetition of individual steps of an analysis (e.g. sampling) increase the reliability of the individual measurement result. Multiple determinations allow major outliers to be recognized immediately. Averaging the measured values substantially improves the precision of the results. Duplicate determinations should be a part of everyday analysis, regardless of the analysis procedure that is used.

Standard measurement
Regular analyses of a standard solution form the basic framework of any QA/QC process. This is done by analyzing solutions with a known content and documenting the readings on a standard control card. If the readings are within a predetermined confidence interval (permitted scatter around the setpoint value), this confirms that the equipment used, such as the photometer, vial test, pipettes, etc., are working correctly and that the analysis was carried out properly.

Plausibility check
Samples can contain substances that distort an analysis (e.g. high concentrations of COD when determining nitrate). These can be checked by means of diluting or spiking.

Diluting: For example, the sample is diluted 1:10, i.e., 1 mL sample plus 9 mL distilled water, and then analyzed according to the working procedure. The result produced must be comparable with the measured result of the original sample once the dilution factor is taken into account. Note: It is important that the measurement range limits are observed when selecting the level of dilution. If the measured result of the original sample is already in the lower measurement range of the vial test, the sample should be spiked.

Spiking: This involves mixing the sample with the spiking solution and then measuring this with the relevant vial test (E1). The sample is also measured without spiking solution in parallel to this (E2). The spiking rate is calculated as follows: Spiking rate = E1 – E2/2

The calculated spiking rate should now be within the predetermined confidence interval. If it is outside this interval, the sample contains interfering ions. It must then be prepared prior to analysis using a suitable method to reduce the concentration of interfering substances (dilution, digestion, etc., depending on the type of sample).

Verification of equipment
A frequent cause of error is incorrectly measured volumes, e.g. using an incorrectly adjusted pipette or not handling the pipette properly. Regular checks help with recognizing and rectifying these sources of errors quickly.

For photometers, sets of calibration filters are available for checking stray light and photometric accuracy. These make it quick and easy for users to check their devices themselves. The resultant data is documented into an inspection sheet. Booking a Hach Service Program is another option to ensure the reliability of your instruments.

External measures

Round-robin test participation
The round-robin test is an important element of external QA/QC. The principle behind it is that identical samples are analyzed independently by several participants under comparable conditions. The work of the individual participants can be assessed using the individual results. The process also provides information about the precision and correctness of the analysis procedure. Participation in a round-robin test is often a requirement for the recognition of the parity of operational analysis methods.

Parallel measurement
For almost all normal sample matrices, the operational analysis procedures deliver results that are comparable with the standard procedures. Still, the question of comparability of results with the reference method stays in focus. It is therefore recommended during regulatory monitoring that the sample be split and analyzed in parallel with the vial test, including the necessary QA/QC measures.

Training
Regular participation in training seminars keeps analytical knowledge up to date. Understanding analytical correlations, recognizing possible sources of error, and doing analyses with a group of peers increase the ability to make the best possible use of operational analysis and to evaluate results correctly.

Documentation
QA/QC supports the verification of results and documents that the measuring system is operated correctly. This starts with pulling a sample and ends with an analysis report in the laboratory or operational logbook. The documentation must be accurate and clearly arranged. It must be obvious whom produced what analysis data and when. All results of QA/QC measures should be entered onto the relevant control cards.

What do you need to pay attention to?

  • All measured results should be within the confidence interval
  • Aim to improve working methods by narrowing the confidence interval
  • Observe trends

Empirical values are also an important component in evaluating the results. Changes in the concentration of substances may depend on a variety of factors, such as total water quantity, period of time spent in the plant, pH value, etc. Analysis values and empirical values must also match.

Regular application of QA/QC ensures that:

  • The results of analyses are traceable
  • The correct status of the analysis system is documented
  • Handling errors can be recognized immediately
  • Comparison of measured results is possible
  • Results of analyses are recognized

For more information on wastewater testing and equipment, visit www.hach.com.



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