Laboratory Accreditation and Data Certification

This book provides descriptions of current laboratory accreditation schemes and explains why these schemes fall short of assuring data purchasers that the data produced from accredited laboratories are always quality products. The book then presents a system for laboratory accreditation in conjunction with data certification that assures data purchasers their data are useful for the purposes for which they are intended. In this book, simple quality assurance and quality control techniques, in addition to concepts of total quality management, are described and then applied to the environmental laboratory industry.This 'System For Success' was developed from real problems and real solutions within the industry and represents an integration of proven techniques that offer a better way to ensure quality laboratory data is obtained. Laboratory Accreditation: a Workable Solution is a must for government officials, environmental professionals, independent environmental laboratories, hazardous waste disposal industries, chemical manufacturers, QA professionals, and testing laboratories.

LABORATORY ACCREDITATION AND CERTIFICATION-HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE AND DEFINITION OF NEED. Definition of Need. The Goals of Laboratory Accreditation/Certification. Process Inspection Versus Product Inspection. Evolution and Description of the Current Programs. The Role of the Government in Accreditation and Evaluation. The Role of Professional and Trade Organizations. The Role of the Laboratory Industry. The Role of Private Certification Companies. Statement of the Problem: Current Programs Do Not Effectively Meet the Goals. The Solution-An Introduction. CERTIFICATION, ACCREDITATION, REGISTRATION AND LISTING. Definition of Terms. Use of the Terms Accreditation and Certification. Current Use of Related Terms. Public Perception and Confidence of Programs and Terms. PRINCIPLES OF LABORATORY ACCREDITATION. Description. Strengths and Weaknesses. Public Perception and Confidence and Scientific Validity. Cost and Benefits. Effectiveness and Integrity. PRINCIPLES OF PRODUCT CERTIFICATION -AS RELATED TO LABORATORY ACCREDITATION. Description. Third-Party Product Certification Programs. Listing Programs. Strengths and Weaknesses. Public Perception and Confidence and Scientific Validity. Cost and Benefits. Effectiveness and Integrity. Description of Current CertificationPrograms. Description of Current ListingPrograms. Critique-Do the Current Programs Meet Product Certification Requirements? Product Certification and Data Inspection-The Critical Link. THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY CONTRACT LABORATORY PROGRAM-A DE FACTO CERTIFICATION PROGRAM THAT INCLUDES PRINCIPLES OF EACH SYSTEM. Introduction. Pre-Award Elements. Post-Award Elements. CLP Strengths and Weaknesses. Successful Application of the CLP. Public Perception and Confidence and Scientific Validity. Cost and Benefits. Effectiveness and Integrity. THE TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT APPROACH. Description. Understanding Total Quality Management-Deming's Fourteen Points. Total Quality Management and its Relation t o Accreditation and Certification Systems. The Purpose of Certification and Accreditation in Relation to Vendors and Purchasers. Vendor Accreditation and Purchaser Certification - Are These Systems Needed? Improvement of the Current Programs Through Application of Total Quality Management Principles. THE SOLUTION-A SYSTEM FOR INDEPENDENT THIRD-PARTY CERTIFICATION OF ANALYTICAL DATA. Description. Appraisal of Process Capability. Appraisal of the Ability of the Laboratory to Perform. Specifications and Requirements of the System. The Role of Accreditation and Certification Bodies and the Role of Data Purchasers. Third-Party Certification Authorities. Oversight of Third-Party Organizations. IMPLEMENTATION CONSIDERATIONS. Introduction. Roadblocks to Implementation of a National Program. Reluctance of the Federal Government. Reluctance of Laboratories to Accept a National Program. The General Approach-A Schematic Design. Accreditation and Certification Criteria. Tiered Approach to De fining Requirement