Quality Assurance

As one of the most modern, well-equipped laboratory complexes in Canada, SRC Environmental Analytical Laboratories provides a wide range of commercial analytical services.  An extensive Quality Assurance (QA) Program ensures the reliability of analytical data.  Key components of the QA program are:

• Accreditation by the Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation Inc. (CALA). 
• Participation in inter-laboratory performance assessment programs.
• Routine quality control practices.
• Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

Accreditation and Proficiency Testing by CALA

SRC Environmental Analytical Laboratories is accredited by CALA for numerous tests listed in the scope of accreditation approved by CALA.  Accreditation ensures that procedures, facilities, and methods conform to ISO 17025, the internationally recognized standard.  The accreditation program consists of on-site assessments and proficiency testing.  Proficiency testing helps to ensure the accuracy of results through inter-laboratory comparisons and is a mandatory requirement of accreditation for numerous parameters.

Inter-laboratory Performance Assessment

In addition to the CALA proficiency testing program, SRC Environmental Analytical Laboratories participates in several other inter-laboratory performance assessment programs.  These include:

• Environment Canada’s Ecosystems Inter-laboratory QA program
• The Alberta Water Analysts Committee (AWAC) round robin program
• Environment Canada’s Northern Contaminants program
•  International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) programs
• Commercially available performance assessment programs such as those supplied by Environmental Resource Associates (ERA).

Methods

Most routine analytical methods are based on established standard methods (e.g. APHA, US EPA, ASTM, Environment Canada). All routine methods are thoroughly validated and authorized before use in the laboratory. Methods are reviewed annually.

Quality Control

SRC Environmental Analytical Laboratories employs a variety of techniques, such as the analysis of reference materials, control samples, duplicates, and spike recovery to ensure the validity of analytical results.  If a problem is identified, the samples are repeated or other corrective action is taken to demonstrate that the analytical results are acceptable.  If this is not possible, then the client is notified.

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

The SRC LIMS was developed in-house and is maintained by an IT group within SRC Environmental Analytical Laboratories. SRC LIMS is a multi-functional system that allows for sample tracking, monitoring of workflow, tracking of chemical inventories, transmission of data from instrumentation, data calculations and input, control charting, electronic alerts, customized reporting formats, invoicing, data trending, statistical analysis, plus many other functions.

Quality Assurance Department

QA staff at SRC Environmental Analytical Laboratories manage all aspects of the quality system.  This includes reviews of quality control data, method validation and quality audits.  For further information contact the laboratory.