2008-03-10_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - M1977247

Home Browse Search

I ACZ Laboratories, Inc. August 10, 2007 Quality Assurance Plan Version 12 SOPADO 18.08.07.12 Page 27 of 96 I 6 SAMPLE COLLECTION & HOLDING TIMES Sample collection procedures are well documented by the EPA and other agencies, and ACZ's clients are instructed to provide representative samples whenever possible. ACZ supplies its clients with the containers and other materials necessary to maintain sample integrity (to the extent possible) from the time of collection through analysis. Although ACZ does not perform sample collection activities, each project manager or client service representative will assist a client with specific sampling requirements as needed, or when necessary, will direct a client to other resources. The following sections include general information on sample containers, preservatives and holding times, which are essential components in maintaining the chemical and physical properties possessed by the sample at the time of collection. 6.1 Sampling Containers and Preservatives The EPA outlines the requirements for sample container types, sample volume and preservation. ACZ inventory includes various sizes of plastic and glass containers that range from pre-sterilized to certified-clean by the supplier. Amber bottles are used when specified by the method. Glass containers are obtained from vendors that specialize in the sales of environmental sample containers, and all non-certified bottles are purchased from reputable lab/industry vendors. Refer to FRMAD045 and FRMAD046 for bottles types and preservation techniques for specific analyses. Refer also to Appendix A for additional information regarding EPA requirements container types and preservation. ' All sample containers shipped to our clients are new, contain the appropriate preservative(s), and are color- coded to identify preservation and storage. Out-going containers are packed in clean coolers with a copy of ACZ's Sample Acceptance Policy, general directions for sample collection, bottle labels, ice packs, sampling information, blank chain of custody, return shipping labels, and custody seals. Trip blanks and rinsette water are included when requested by the client or when mandated by a specific analytical method. After samples have been collected they are cooled to a temperature > 0 °C and < 6 °C. Samples that require thermal preservation must be maintained within this temperature range until all analyses have been completed. 6.2 Holding Times The EPA has conducted lengthy studies of sample degradation versus time to establish a maximum holding time for each method, and the results of these studies are compiled into holding-time tables to provide guidelines for litigation purposes. Data for a sample prepared / analyzed outside of the established holding time are the most difficult to defend in court. Holding times will vary slightly from regulation to regulation, thus further emphasizing the need for a client to consult with their Project Manager prior to sample collection. The holding time begins from the time or date of collection in the field. Appendix A outlines holding times (a hold time stated in 40CFR supersedes the published method). NOTE: The sampling date for PT samples is the preparation date, which must be documented on the workgroup and the container of prepared sample. If ACZ Laboratories, Inc. receives samples past holding times or near the expiration of the holding time, sample analysis will proceed unless the client has indicated on the CCOC that an attempt to contact the client must first be made. Analyses performed outside of holding time will be appropriately qualified on the final report. Holding times < 72 hours are calculated based on the hour of the sample date/time. Holding times > 72 hours are calculated based on the day of the sample date/time. In general, and unless otherwise noted in the test SOP, sample preparation and analysis must be completed within the stated holding time. For analyses that extend beyond the intended scope of the method for an ' analyte or matrix, the hold time stated in the SOP must be met, or samples must be appropriately qualified. 2773 Downhill Drive 970-879-6590 Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 www.acz.com