NIOSH 7300 metals. Confirm compatibilities before going to
the sampling site.
• Are the samples or media time-sensitive? Some media has a
limited shelf life (as short as one week) and some tests need
to be performed within a specific number of days after the
sample is collected.
• What is the laboratory’s availability for weekend packages or
analyses? Microbial samples collected on plated agar Friday
or Saturday may require immediate incubation, or samples
shipped on a Friday may need to be kept cold through the
weekend.
• Can analytes be tested for OSHA compliance using a passive
diffusion badge, especially if a single employee will be loaded
with several air pumps?
• Can the laboratory deliver a final report on the day/time
required?
• Will a large sample batch, delivered at one time, overwhelm
the laboratory’s capacity or delay turnaround time (TAT)?
Tips for Submitting Samples
Communication by the consultant to the laboratory is equally im-
portant. During the sampling process, the consultant should note
important information on the chain-of-custody paperwork (in ad-
dition to sample identification, run time, volume, etc.), such as:
• Will the hexavalent chromium sample be taken from a paint-
ing, welding or plating operation? Special sample preparation
or holding times apply in certain scenarios.
The Bill, Please
While the consultant requires a technically sound analysis on his
or her samples, neither the IH consultant nor the laboratory
wants to end the transaction with a dispute about the invoice.
The following should be discussed prior to sampling:
• The price for a specific report delivery time or TAT.
• Whether the asbestos or other bulk analytical price is quoted
Developing and Maintaining
a Laboratory Quality Management System
Self-Study Course Revised & Updated in 2009!
This new, intermediate-level, self-study course is designed to
guide you through a series of lessons on laboratory quality
assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures.
Gain up-to-date
knowledge on:
Three NEW chapters explore the implementation of a well-
designed laboratory QA/QC program, compliant with ISO/IEC
17025 and AIHA Laboratory Accreditation Programs (LAP)
requirements.
• Concepts of quality assurance
and quality control
• Basic elements required to im-
plement and evaluate an ef-
fective laboratory QA/QC
program
• How defined principles affect
analytical data
• ISO/IEC 17025 and AIHA LAP
compliance requirements
www.aiha.org/SelfStudy.
Available in a NEW on-demand electronic format—Summer 2009!
To learn more, visit
