2003 NELAC Standards Microbiology Checklist: How to Pass your Assessment

By Denise K. Williams Biological Scientist III Florida Department of Health Environmental Laboratory Certification Program FSEA Microbiology Workshop Rev. 2; 5-22-07

Do Your Homework
Use the Microbiology Checklist! Read Appendix D.3 to NELAC Chapter 5 Make sure previous deficiencies are still corrected (if still applicable) Review original methods and your current Standard Operating Procedures [SOP] Do internal audits of each method Maintain Demonstrations of Capability [DOC]

Work Area
D.3.8 (a) Are the laboratory floors and work surfaces where Microbiology testing takes place non-absorbent and easy to clean and disinfect? D.3.8 (a) Are microbiology work surfaces adequately sealed? D.3.8 (a) Are laboratory storage spaces for Microbiology testing sufficient, clean, and free from accumulation of dust? D.3.8 (a) Does the laboratory prohibit plants, food, and drink from the Microbiology work area?

Incubator/Water Bath Records

D.3.8(b)(6)(i) - Does the laboratory document temperatures of incubators & water baths twice daily, at least 4 hours apart, on each day of use?
Are your times documented to demonstrate that checks were performed 4 hours apart? Temperature Units? (oC?)

Incubator/Water Bath Records

Do the laboratory's analytical records on strip charts, tabular printouts, computer data files, analytical notebooks, & run logs include the following essential information?
5.4.12.2.5.3(f) - Analyst or operator initials/ signature(Initials?) 5.4.12.2.5.3(c) - Instrumentation identification & instrument operating conditions/parameters (or reference to such data)(Equipment ID?) 5.5.5.5(b) - Manufacturer's name, type identification, & serial number or other unique identification (Unique ID?)

Incubator/Water Bath Records

5.5.5.2.1(d) - Is the support equipment acceptability for use according to the needs of the analysis or the application for which the equipment is being used? Are your incubation temperatures in the proper range per method requirements?
(Typically 35oC+/- 0.5 or 44.5oC+/- 0.2)

Incubator/Water Bath Records

If temperatures were out of range, did you: (1) Qualify the data? NELAC 5.5.10.3.1 (2) Take corrective action (and document that action)? NELAC 5.4.10.3 (3) Result of corrective action: when did temperature become acceptable?

Incubator/Water Bath Records

D.3.8(b)(6)(i) - Has the laboratory established the stability, uniformity of temperature distribution, & time to re-establish thermal equilibrium conditions (after test sample additions) in incubators & water baths?
Two parts: (1) Stability/Uniformity (2) Equilibrium One time study (can you find your records?)

Refrigerator
5.5.5.2.1(d) - Temperatures checked once per day?
Equipment ID? Analyst Initials? Temperature Units?

Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater [SM], 20th Edition specifies: 1-4oC
Out of range? Need corrective action

(Clean vents? Too close to wall?)

Thermometers
5.5.5.2.1(d) - Is the following support equipment associated with microbiological testing checked with NIST traceable materials (where available)?
Includes Refrigerator(s) for sample storage and/or media storage; Water Baths; Incubators Traceability: Do you have the NIST certificates??

Thermometers
D.3.8(b)(1) - Is each temperature measuring device (e.g., liquid-in-glass thermometers, thermocouples, platinum resistance thermometers) calibrated at least annually to national or international standards for temperature?
SM 20th Ed.: Requires semi-annual calibration for microbiology

Thermometers
D.3.8(b)(1) - Are the available temperature monitoring devices that are used in incubators, autoclaves, refrigerators, or other equipment where temperature accuracy has a direct effect on the Microbiological analysis of appropriate quality to achieve specifications in the test method (e.g., no separations in liquid column for liquid-in-glass thermometers)?
LOOK at your thermometers

Thermometers
D.3.8(b)(1) - Is the scale of graduations for each temperature measuring device appropriate for the required accuracy of measurement?
LOOK at your thermometers: 35.0oC- need at least 0.5 units 44.5oC- need at least 0.1 units

Thermometers
Recording temperatures is dependent on the graduations of the thermometer. For example, if your thermometer is in 0.5 increments, temperature recordings must either end in NN.0 or NN.5.

Microorganisms
D.3.7(a) - Does the laboratory use reference cultures of microorganisms for positive & negative controls obtained from a recognized national collection, organization, or manufacturer recognized by the NELAP Accrediting Authority?
Typically ATCC Do you have your certificates? Do you use these organisms for your media QC? Are your reference cultures not expired? Traceability of use?

Microorganisms
D.3.7(a) - Note: Microorganisms can be singleuse preparations or cultures maintained by documented procedures that demonstrate continued purity & viability of the organism.
Documented: Do you have a written procedure? Do you have a subculture record (traceability)?

[5.5.4.1.1 - Does the laboratory have standard operating procedures that accurately reflect all phases of current laboratory activities?]

Microorganisms
D.3.7(a) - Note: Microorganisms can be singleuse preparations or cultures maintained by documented procedures that demonstrate continued purity & viability of the organism. Purity: How do you know there is only a single type organism?
Gram stain? Streak for isolated colony? API?

Viability: How do you know the organism is still alive after storage under your specified conditions?
How do you know your negative control culture is viable?

Microorganisms
D.3.7(a)(1) and (2): Are reference cultures of microorganisms revived (if freeze-dried) or transferred from slants & subcultured only once to provide reference stocks? Are reference stocks preserved by a technique that maintains the desired characteristics of the strain? Are the working stocks of microorganisms for routine work prepared from the reference stocks? Are reference stocks that have been thawed not refrozen & re-used? Are microorganism working stocks not sequentially subcultured more than 5 times? Are working stocks of microorganisms not subcultured to replace reference stocks?

Autoclave
D.3.8(b)(2)(i) - Has the laboratory evaluated the functional properties & performance (e.g., heat distribution characteristics) for each autoclave with respect to typical uses?
One time study- can you locate your records? Can be done with biological indicators or maximum registering thermometer.

Autoclave
D.3.8(b)(2)(i) - Is the autoclave capable of meeting specified temperature tolerances?
Check manufacturers specifications. [SM 20th Ed. media: 121-124oC]

Autoclave
D.3.8(b)(2)(ii) - Does the laboratory demonstrate sterilization temperature by using a continuous temperature recording device or maximum registering thermometer with each cycle? D.3.8(b)(2)(iv) - Does the laboratory perform autoclave maintenance annually (either internally or by service contract) which includes a pressure check & calibration of the temperature device? [SM requires semi-annual calibration of temperature devices.]

Autoclave
D.3.8(b)(2)(iv) - Does the laboratory perform autoclave maintenance annually (either internally or by service contract) which includes a pressure check & calibration of the temperature device?
Pressure check: Is there a leak around the seal/gasket of the autoclave? [Is the pressure 15-20 psi during the sterilization portion of the autoclave cycle? Check manufacturers specifications.]

Autoclave
D.3.8(b)(2)(iii) - Does the laboratory record the [1] date, [2] contents, [3] maximum temperature reached, [4] pressure, [5] time in sterilization mode, [6] total run time (may be documented as time in & time out), and [7] analysts initials for every cycle of autoclave operations?
Equipment Identification?

Autoclave
D.3.8(b)(2)(v) - Does the laboratory check the autoclave mechanical timing device quarterly against a stopwatch and document the actual elapsed time? Includes automatic autoclaves with continuous recorders. D.3.8(b)(2)(ii) - Does the laboratory use temperature sensitive tape with the contents of each autoclave run to indicate that the autoclave contents have been processed? -Tape only indicates that materials have been inside an autoclave, not that autoclave conditions have been met. D.3.8(b)(2)(i) - Are pressure cookers not used for sterilization of growth media?

Autoclave
D.3.8(b)(2)(ii) - Does the laboratory use appropriate biological indicators once per month [if in use] to determine effective sterilization? -Biological indicator: contains thermophilic sporeforming organism, typically Bacillus stearothermophilus -Have you ever processed a non-autoclaved control? (See NELAC 5.4.6.2) -Do you keep records? Optimally, these records would include the incubator ID, incubation period, traceability to lot of spores used, retention of spore certificates, analyst initials? -Do you incubate at the proper temperature? Typically, 55-60oC (see manufacturers instructions).

UV Sterilization
D.3.8(b)(4) - If used for sanitation, are UV instruments tested quarterly for effectiveness with an appropriate UV light meter or by plate count agar spread plates? Note: UV bulbs must be replaced if output is less than 70% of the original for light tests or if count reduction is less than 99% for a plate containing 200-300 organisms.

Ovens for Sterilization

D.3.8(b)(6)(ii) - Are ovens used for sterilization checked for sterilization effectiveness monthly with appropriate biological indicators? D.3.8(b)(6)(ii) - Does the laboratory maintain records of each sterilization cycle for the oven that include date, cycle time, temperature, contents, & analysts initials?
Equipment ID?

Washing
D.3.8(b)(7)(i) - Does the laboratory have a documented [written] procedure for washing labware? D.3.8(b)(7)(i) - Does the laboratory use detergents [Alconox, Liquinox] designed for laboratory use for washing labware? D.3.8(b)(7)(ii) - Is the laboratorys glassware used for Microbiological analysis made of borosilicate or other non-corrosive material, free of chips & cracks, and have readable measurement marks?

Washing- IRT
IRT- Inhibitory Residue Test D.3.8(b)(7)(iii) - Is labware that is washed & reused tested for possible presence of residues which may inhibit or promote growth of microorganisms by performing the Inhibitory Residue Test annually? D.3.8(b)(7)(iii) - Does the laboratory perform the Inhibitory Residue Test each time it changes the lot of detergent or washing procedures?
Either current (annual) certificate or annual test is OK. Procedure is in SM 20th Ed, 9020 B, 4(a)(2).

Washing- pH test
D.3.8(b)(7)(iv) - Does the laboratory test washed labware at least once daily, each day of washing, for possible acid or alkaline residues by testing at least one piece of labware with a suitable pH indicator such as bromothymol blue? Note: Records of these tests must be maintained.

Sample Containers- Sterility

D.3.1(a)(4) - Does the laboratory perform sample container sterility checks on at least one container for each lot of purchased, presterilized containers, or on one container per sterilized batch for containers prepared & sterilized in the laboratory, with nonselective growth media [such as TSB]. -Includes sample bottles, sample bags, Quantitray. -Did you record the lot number?

Sample Containers- Volume

Non-disposable:

D.3.8(b)(3)(ii) - Does the laboratory calibrate volumetric equipment such as filter funnels, bottles, non-Class A glassware, & other marked containers once per lot prior to first use?
Disposable:

D.3.8(b)(3)(iii) - Does the laboratory check the volume of disposable volumetric equipment such as sample bottles, disposable pipettes, & [micropipette tips-DELETE] once per lot?
Did you record the batch number (sterilization date) or lot number?

Sample Containers-Chlorine
Requirement depends on laboratorys procedures for sample receipt but checks are typically required. 5.5.8.3.1(a)(2) - Has the laboratory checked samples for proper preservation (e.g. pH, absence of free chlorine, temperature) prior to or during sample preparation or analysis? [Note: These checks are not required for chlorinated water systems as long as: The laboratory must have records showing that Chlorine was measured in the field & the actual concentration is documented; AND ] The laboratory must check one sample container from each commercial lot or prepared batch (for adequate Na2S2O3), to prove that 5 mg/L Chlorine in Drinking Water & 15 mg/L Chlorine in Non-Potable Water can be neutralized.

Sample Receipt- Chlorine

5.5.8.3.1(a)(2) - Has the laboratory checked samples for proper preservation (e.g., pH, absence of free chlorine, temperature) prior to or during sample preparation or analysis? Note: These checks are not required for chlorinated water systems as long as : Sufficient Na2S2O3 was added to each sample container to dechlorinate at least 5 mg/L Chlorine in Drinking Water samples & at least 15 mg/L Chlorine in Non-Potable Water samples. -How do you demonstrate this?

Sample Receipt- Chlorine

(1) The laboratory must have records showing that Chlorine was measured in the field & the actual concentration is documented; AND (2) The laboratory must check one sample container from each commercial lot or prepared batch (for adequate Na2S2O3), to prove that 5 mg/L Chlorine in Drinking Water & 15 mg/L Chlorine in Non-Potable Water can be neutralized.

Sample Receipt- Chlorine

If no field chlorine level is documented for the sample, the laboratory must check the sample for chlorine. The laboratory may check each sample for chlorine and not check each lot/batch of sample containers for adequate Na2S2O3. Even sources known not to contain chlorine must have chlorine checks.

Sample Receipt- Temperature

5.5.8.3.1(a)(2) - Has the laboratory checked samples for proper preservation (e.g. pH, absence of free chlorine, temperature) prior to or during sample preparation or analysis?
DEP-SOP-001/01, Table FS 1000-4: However, even if ice is present when the samples arrive, it is necessary to immediately measure the temperature of the samples (document actual temperature) Lab must also document if sample was received on ice or not on ice.

Sample Receipt- Temperature

DEP-SOP-001/01, Table FS 1000-8 : Drinking Water (Total coliforms, fecal coliforms, E. coli, HPC): < 10oC DEP-SOP-001/01, Table FS 1000-4: Non-Potable Water (Total coliforms, fecal coliforms): 4oC NEW: 40 CFR Part 136, Table II: </= 10oC

Sample Receipt- Temperature

How do I take sample temperature? Temperature of ice water bath in cooler must not be used for sample temperature. Can take temperature of each sample, representative sample, or dummy sample per cooler. Lab needs to have a procedure! If using non-invasive temperature measuring device (IR gun), have you calibrated it?

Sample ReceiptTemperature Acceptability

5.5.8.3.1(a)(1) - For samples that require thermal preservation, does the laboratory consider acceptable only those samples where the arrival temperature is within 2oC of the required temperature or method-specified range OR is within 0-6oC (where the specified temperature is 4oC). Note: For samples hand-delivered to the laboratory on the same day [calendar date] that they are collected, samples are considered acceptable if there is evidence that the chilling process has begun (e.g., arrival on ice).

Sample Receipt- Holding Times

DEP-SOP-001/01, Table FS 1000-8: Drinking Water (Total coliforms, fecal coliforms, E. coli): 30 hrs; (HPC): 8 hrs DEP-SOP-001/01, Table FS 1000-4: Non-Potable Water (Total and fecal coliforms): 6 hrs NEW: 40 CFR Part 136, Table II: 6 hrs transport with 2 hours to begin analysis after receipt Hold time: Time between collection and analysis Is the sample time and date documented? Is the analysis time and date documented? Do you reject the sample or qualify the data if holding times are exceeded (procedure should be in corrective action/contingency plan)?

Sample Receipt- pH
5.5.8.3.1(a)(2) - Has the laboratory checked samples for proper preservation (e.g., pH, absence of free chlorine, temperature) prior to or during sample preparation or analysis?
pH not typically required for microbiology samples (virus method?)

Volumetric Equipment
D.3.8(b)(3)(i) - Does the laboratory calibrate volumetric equipment with movable parts, such as automatic dispensers, dispensers/diluters, & mechanical hand pipettes quarterly? D.3.8(b)(3)(ii) - Does the laboratory calibrate [nondisposable] volumetric equipment such as filter funnels, bottles, non-Class A glassware, & other marked containers once per lot prior to first use?

D.3.8(b)(3)(iii) - Does the laboratory check the volume of disposable volumetric equipment such as sample bottles, disposable pipettes, [& micropipette tipsDELETE] once per lot?

Environmental Conditions
NELAC 5.5.3.2 The laboratory does not provide for effective monitoring, control, and recording of appropriate environmental conditions (such as biological sterility, dust, electromagnetic interference, humidity, mains voltage, temperature, and sound and vibration levels).
Note: SM 9020 B, 2(e) requires monthly air monitoring to not exceed 15 colonies/plate/15 minutes.

Colony counts- Reproducibility

D.3.2 - If the test method specifies colony counts (e.g., membrane filtration, HPC), the laboratory does not verify the ability of individual analysts to count colonies at least once per month by having two or more analysts count colonies from the same plate.
Note: Counts must be within 10% between multiple analysts to be acceptable. Note: An analyst in a 1-person laboratory may do repetitive counting on the same plate, with no more than 5% difference between the counts.

Sterility Checks- Misc.

D.3.1(a) - Does the laboratory demonstrate that filtration equipment & filters, sample containers, media, & reagents have not been contaminated through improper handling or preparation, inadequate sterilization, or environmental exposure? [Petri dishes? Blender? Pipettes? Quantitray?] D.3.1(a)(4) - Does the laboratory perform sample container sterility checks on at least one container for each lot of purchased, pre-sterilized containers, or on one container per sterilized batch for containers prepared & sterilized in the laboratory, with nonselective growth media? Non-selective growth media: typically TSB

Sterility Checks- Misc.

D.3.1(a)(5) - Does the laboratory perform a sterility blank on each batch of dilution water prepared in the laboratory, & on each batch of prepared, ready-to-use dilution water, with nonselective growth media? (may use double strength TSB) D.3.1(a)(6) - Does the laboratory check at least one filter from each new lot of membrane filters for sterility with non-selective growth media?

Sterility Checks- Membrane Filtration Method

D.3.1 (a)(2) Is one beginning and one ending sterility check conducted for each laboratory sterilized unit used in a filtration series?; Is a sterility check conducted once per lot for pre-sterilized single-use funnels? Note: The filtration series may include single or multiple filtration units that have been sterilized prior to beginning the series. D.3.1 (a)(2) Is the membrane filtration series ended when more than 30 minutes elapses between successive filtrations? D.3.1 (a)(2) Is a sterility blank analyzed every 10 samples (unless filtration units are sanitized by UV light after each filtration)? Note: During a filtration series filter funnels must be rinsed with three 20-30 ml portions of sterile rinse water after each sample filtration.

Sterility Checks- Media

D.3.1(a)(1) - Is a sterility blank analyzed for each lot of pre-prepared, ready-to-use medium & for each batch of medium prepared in the laboratory? Note: This blank must be analyzed prior to first use of the medium. Dont forget to check TSB itself. Dont dilute other media with TSB. D.3.1(a)(3) - For pour-plate technique does the laboratory make a sterility blank of the medium by pouring at least one uninoculated plate for each lot of prepared, ready-to-use media & for each batch of medium prepared in the laboratory? Dont forget HPC, PCA, etc.

Media QC
TESTS:
(1) Sterility (2) pH (3) + Control (4) Control (if applicable)
Buy ready to use: test per lot
Lab must check even if certificate was supplied.

Make in lab: test per batch

Media- pH
Does the pH measured meet method (or sometimes, manufacturer) specifications? Have you checked the pH of Colilert and other similar media? (Suspend in reagent water and test pH).

Media: +/- Controls

+/- Controls: Use pure, known cultures Note: These culture controls must be analyzed prior to first use of the medium and test organisms need to respond in an acceptable & predictable manner.
Colilert and other media may have more controls. Do records show traceability to media lot number? If media is prepared, do records show traceability to preparation record? Do records show traceability to reference stock and/or working stock ID?

Media: +/- Controls

D.3.1(b), D.3.4(a) - Does the laboratory test each lot of prepared, ready-to-use medium & each batch of medium prepared in the laboratory with at least one pure culture of a known positive reaction? Dont forget TSB and HPC, PCA.

D.3.1(c) - Does the laboratory test each lot of prepared, ready-to-use medium & each batch of medium prepared in the laboratory with at least one or more known negative culture controls (non-target organisms) as appropriate to the method? [N/A for general purpose (non-selective) media such as TSB, HPC, PCA, etc.]

Media- General
D.3.6 - Does the laboratory ensure that the quality of reagents & media is appropriate for the test concerned? D.3.6(a) - Does the laboratory only use culture media from commercial dehydrated powders or purchased ready-to-use?

Media- Original Expiration Date

D.3.6(b) - Does the laboratory use reagents, commercial dehydrated powders, & media within the shelf-life of the product? (Not expired?) D.3.6(b) - Are all original containers of reagents & media labeled with an expiration date? [see also 5.5.6.4(b)]
Assign expiration date if not assigned by manufacturer.

Media- SM Requirements
SM 20th Ed. 9020 B, 4 (i):
Store opened bottles in a desiccator.

(Is your desiccant still working?)

Use opened bottles of media within 6 months (assign new expiration date after opening).

Media Records
D.3.6(d) - Does the laboratory have records on media preparation in the laboratory that includes the (1) date of preparation, (2) preparer's initials, (3) type & (4) amount of media prepared, (5) manufacturer, & (6) lot number, (7) final pH of the media, & (8) expiration date [of the prepared media]? D.3.6(d) - Does the laboratorys documentation on media purchased pre-prepared, ready-to-use include (1) manufacturer, (2) lot number, (3) type & (4) amount of media received, (5) date of receipt, (6) pH of the media [even Colilert!], and (7) expiration date?

Media-Misc.
See checklist and method requirements. D.3.6(d) - Are the media, solutions, & reagents prepared, used, & stored according to a documented procedure that follows the manufacturer's instructions or the test method?
HPC/PCA- Sterile agar medium melted not more than once; Melted agar used within 3 hours, agar tempered at 44-46oC before pouring. Media preparation- Is media autoclaved or brought just to boiling point? Colilert, Colilert-18, etc.: Protect from light m-Endo Preparation: Ethanol used is NOT denatured

Media- Storage
Storage of prepared media (SM9020B, 3h4; EPA-600/878-017, Part IV-A, 7.9; & EPA 9131, 8.3.7): Membrane Filter broth 4C 96 hours Membrane Filter agar plates 4C 2 weeks Media (loose-fitting closures) 4C 2 weeks HPC plates (sealed in plastic bags) 4C 2 weeks Broth media (with screw caps) [4C] 3 months HPC agar (screw-cap container) 4C 3 months Refrigerated fermentation tube media incubated overnight prior to use; media indicating growth not used OR Fermentation tube media stored at 25oC used within 1 week, evaporative losses < 1 mL

Dilution Water
Laboratory Prepared:
Water quality records Preparation record [see 5.5.6.4(d)] Sterility check (double strength TSB) [see NELAC D.3.1(a)(5)] pH check [see D.3.6(d)]

Purchased Ready To Use:

Water quality records Sterility check pH check Precipitate check

Dilution Water- 3/07 Guidance

Laboratory prepared: Sterility check per batch as per Appendix D.3.1(a)(5) to NELAC Chapter 5. The laboratory must also have source/reagent water tests. Laboratory purchased per lot: Sterility check per batch as per Appendix D.3.1(a)(5) to NELAC Chapter 5. QC per SM 9020B, 4, (c) check pH and check for precipitate. Also, obtain source/reagent water QC per SM 9020B, Table II for the lot. Note: Any unused dilution water in a container opened >1 month shall be tested for sterility before further use in order to satisfy the requirements of Appendix D.3.1(a) to NELAC Chapter 5.

Support Equipment
5.5.5.2.1(d) - Is the following support equipment associated with microbiological testing checked with NIST traceable materials (where available):
pH meter [retain buffer certificate?], Balance(s), Conductivity meter, Chlorine meter, Refrigerator(s), Water Baths, Incubators

D.3.8(b)(5) - Are conductivity meters, oxygen meters, pH meters, hygrometers, & other support equipment calibrated according to the method-specified requirements?

Water Quality
D.3.6(c) - Is the laboratory reagent water used in the preparation of media solutions & buffers free from bactericidal & inhibitory substances? D.3.6(c) - Is the laboratory reagent water tested monthly, when maintenance is performed on the water treatment system, or at start-up when the period of disuse exceeds one month, for [1] chlorine residual, [2] specific conductance, & [3] HPC? D.3.6(c) - Does the laboratory test its Microbiology reagent water annually for [1] toxic metals & [2] Bacteriological Water Quality? Note: The Bacteriological Water Quality Test [Ratio] is not required for laboratories that have documentation to show that their water source is Type I or Type II reagent water. (See SM 1080 C)

Water Quality
D.3.6(c) - Does the laboratory maintain records on all water quality checks (for 5 years) & meet the following criteria for acceptance (SM9020B, 4d & EPA-600/8-78017, Part IV-A, 5.2): **Pay attention to the required test intervals and the actual data!

Water Quality
pH 5.5-7.5 (measured each use) Residual Chlorine < 1.0 mg/L (monthly) Conductivity < 2.0 umho/cm at 25oC (with each use) Heterotrophic Plate Count < 1000 CFU/ mL (monthly) [Bacteriological ratio 0.8 3.0 (annually, EPA-600/8-78017 only)*] Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn each < 0.05 mg/L, collectively < 0.1 mg/L (annually) NH3, Organic Nitrogen < 0.1 mg/L (monthly check) TOC < 1 mg/L (monthly) Student's t < 2.78 for Use Test (quarterly & for new water source)

Water Quality- 3/07 Guidance

A. Laboratory continuous preparation: QC per Standard Methods (SM) 9020B, Table II, including frequencies. B. Laboratory purchased per lot: QC per SM 9020B, Table II, including frequencies. The laboratories may obtain source/reagent water QC per SM 9020B, Table II from the manufacturer or arrange for the required testing.

Water Quality- 3/07 Guidance

Note: The manufacturers certificate of testing must only be used for first month after receipt of the lot of reagent water (except for conductivity and pH which have different test frequencies; the laboratory must have additional test records for days of use).

Reagent water lots stored at the laboratory >1 month must be tested at the required frequencies. Laboratories may obtain the same or different lots of water from the manufacturer on a monthly basis, along with the relevant, current certificates, to avoid having to perform additional tests other than pH and conductivity.

Standard Operating Procedures

NELAC 5.5.4.1.2 (a) Does the laboratory have an inhouse methods manual for each accredited analyte or method? Note: This manual may consist of copies of published or referenced test methods. NELAC 5.5.4.1.2 (b) Does the laboratory clearly indicate in its methods manual any modifications made to the referenced test method and describe any changes or clarifications where the referenced test method is ambiguous or provides insufficient detail? Appendix D Does the laboratory ensure that the essential standards outlined in Appendix D are incorporated into the method manuals and/or Quality Manual?

Standard Operating Procedures

NELAC 5.5.4.1.2 (b) Does each test method in the inhouse methods manual include or reference: (1) Identification of the test method (2) Applicable matrix or matrices (3) Method Detection Limit (4) Scope & application, with components to be analyzed (5) Summary of the test method (6) Definitions (7) Interferences (8) Safety (9) Equipment & supplies (10) Reagents & standards (11) Sample collection, preservn, shipment, & storage

Standard Operating Procedures

(12) Quality control (13) Calibration & standardization (14) Procedure (15) Calculations (16) Method performance (17) Pollution prevention (18) Data assessment & acceptance criteria for QC (19) Corrective actions for out-of-control data (20) Contingencies for handling out-of-control or unacceptable data (21) Waste management (22) References (23) Tables, diagrams, flowcharts, validation data

[Initial] Demonstration of Capability

D.3.3 (a) Has the laboratory demonstrated proficiency with the test method prior to its first use? 10 spiked samples of typical matrix; passing one PT; comparison to an accredited method. 5.5.4.2.2 (a) and C.1 Did the laboratory perform a satisfactory demonstration of method capability prior to the acceptance & institution of this test method? (See also Appendix D.3.3(a)); Analysts must not process samples before having an acceptable DOC

Demonstration of Capability
C.1 Does the laboratory document in its Quality Manual other adequate approaches to Demonstration of Capability if this procedure is not required by the mandated test method or regulation and if the laboratory elects not to perform this procedure?
If your method or regulation does not describe how your lab will perform the DOC, then the lab must define this procedure and place it into the QM. If there is no proficiency test available, how do you demonstrate capability?

[Initial] Demonstration of Capability

5.5.4.2.2 (d) and C.2 Does the laboratory use the NELAC-specified certification statement to document the completion of each Demonstration of Capability (initial)? The only time NELAC prescribes a form- USE IT. Form not required for continuing DOC but is helpful. C.2 Are copies of certification statements retained in the personnel records of each employee performing the test method? Organize your analysts DOC information in a personnel file. Statements should easily link to the data used for the DOC.

Demonstration of Capability
NELAC 5.5.4.2.2 (d) Does the laboratory retain all associated supporting data necessary to reproduce the analytical results summarized in the appropriate certification statement? A logical place to link or have a copy of these records are in a personnel DOC file. NELAC 5.5.4.2.2 (e) and Appendix C.1 The laboratory does not complete a demonstration of capability each time there is a change in instrument type, personnel, or test method.

[Continued Proficiency] Demonstration of Capability

NELAC 5.5.2.6 (c)(3) - Each analyst does not have documentation of continued [cDOC] proficiency by at least one of the following once per year: (1) Acceptable performance of a blind sample (single blind to the analyst). (2) Another demonstration of capability. (3) Successful performance of a blind performance sample on a similar test method using the same technology. (4) At least 4 consecutive laboratory control samples with acceptable levels of precision & accuracy. (5) Analysis of authentic samples that have been analyzed by another trained analyst with statistically identical results.

Method Requirements
Review actual method and its Quality Control, as well as any additional Quality Controls that may be a NELAC requirement. Review checklists for some method requirements. A checklist is a tool and guide only.

Method Requirements SM 9223 B

SM 9223 B certification includes ONLY: Colilert and Colilert-18 SM 9223 B certification does not include: Readycult [Verifications no longer required] Colisure Quantitray Lab must apply for certification (equivalent technology PTs, iDOC, SOP, etc.) Do you use reagent water for Colilert controls? Dont use dilution water. Are samples 100 ml if performing Presence/Absence? Verifications not required if tests are P/A.

Method RequirementsCommon Problems

Drinking Water- 100 ml sample
Is your sample 100 ml (+/- 2.5 ml)? How do you subsample appropriately?

Membrane Filtrations
Do dilutions yield the appropriate number of colonies? Do you verify typical AND atypical colonies, if required by the method?

Microbiological Sludge
If your lab is analyzing microbiology sludge samplesthe lab must have certification in the Solid and Chemical Materials matrix.
DEP QA Rule 62-160.120 (16)(c), the Solid and Chemical Materials (SCM) matrix includes sludges; biosolids are solids.
DEP-SOP-001/01, Table FS 1000-9: preserve Cool 4oC; Holding time 24 hrs

The End