External Laboratory QC

External laboratory QC involves reference help from other laboratories and participation in national or international interlaboratory sample and data exchange programs such as Proficiency Testing (PT). Such programs may involve  

The necessary components of a complete QA/QC program include internal QC criteria that demonstrate acceptable levels of performance, as determined by a QA review (audit). External review of data and procedures is accomplished by the monitoring activities of accreditation organizations such as the Standards Council of Canada (SCC, 2005). This includes laboratory evaluation samples (PT samples, see above) and a periodic (sometimes every 2 years) on-site assessment of all QA/ QC procedures, performed by external assessors from the accrediting organization. 

Canadian Association of Environmental Analytical laboratories (CAEAL) (1999). Template for the design and development of a Quality Manual for Environmental Laboratories [Online] and QC for Environmental laboratories [Online]. Available http //www.caeal.ca/t caealpubs.html[07 March 2005], 

Environment Canada (2002). Contaminated site remediation section technical assistance bulletins. [Online] available http //www.on.ec.gc.ca/pollution/ecnpd/contaminassist e.html[04 March 2005], This webpage shows a list of Technical Assistance Bulletins. See Section 5 QC samples in Tab 4 Sampling and Analysis of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soil. 

Gerlach, R. W., Dobb, D. E., Raab, G. A., and Nocerino, J. M. (2002). Gy sampling theory in environmental studies.1. Assessing soil splitting protocols. J. Chemom. 16, 321—328. Published online in Wiley InterScience www.interscience.wiley.com DOI 10.1002/cem.705. 

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