La. Admin. Code tit. 33 § I-5307

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

Section I-5307 - Test Methods and Procedures

A. The laboratory shall have procedures for making and controlling revisions to in-house SOPs, using revised SOPs only after written authorization from the designated laboratory authority.

B. Quality control procedures shall be documented and available to the staff as required in LAC 33:I.5301.C.

C. All manual calculation and data transfers shall be subject to appropriate checks.

1. When manual calculations are checked by a supervisor or another analyst, the results shall be initialed and dated on the work sheet by the individual who verified the results.

2. Where results are derived by electronic data processing techniques, the stability of the system shall be such that the accuracy of the results is not affected. This generally implies an ability to detect malfunctions in the hardware during program execution and take appropriate corrective action. Adherence to good automated laboratory practices (GALP) is recommended; however, at a minimum the laboratory must comply with the following:

a. computer software must be appropriate for the intended use;

b. procedures must be established and implemented for the protection of the integrity of data. Such procedures shall include:

i. integrity of data entry or capture;

ii. data storage;

iii. data transmission; and

iv. data processing;

c. computer and automated equipment must be provided with acceptable environmental operating conditions in order to maintain the operating integrity of the system; and

d. appropriate procedures must be implemented in order to maintain the security of data. These procedures must include prevention of unauthorized access to computer records and prevention of unauthorized amendments or changes to computer records.

D. Whenever samples are subcontracted to another environmental testing laboratory, the original laboratory shall maintain a verifiable copy of results with a chain of custody. This procedure may not be used to circumvent proper accreditation or any state requirements. The original laboratory is responsible for ensuring that the secondary laboratory used is properly accredited for the scope of testing performed.

La. Admin. Code tit. 33, § I-5307

Promulgated by the Department of Environmental Quality, Office of the Secretary, LR 24:927 (May 1998).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 30:2011.