Basic HTML Version
39
performance had been returned to acceptable standards prior to reuse. An inventory of critical spare parts
is maintained at the Mobile Test Platform and the laboratories to ensure rapid response to issues.
B.7.
Instrument Calibration and Frequency
Calibration
procedures
for
field
equipment will follow manufacturer instructions. Laboratory
instrument calibration will follow manufacturer instructions and accepted procedures associated with the
selected analytical methods, the respective laboratory's QAPP, and SOPs.
All instruments will be calibrated to known, traceable standards. Typically, certified standards with
certificates of analysis are used to prepare calibration standards for analytical instruments. Certified
calibration standards are obtained from commercial vendors, and where possible, standards be traceable
to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Stock solutions for spiking solutions will
be made from reagent-grade chemicals or as specified in the SOPs. All new calibration or spiking
solutions are analyzed against a previously accepted standard to verify that the concentrations of each
parameter are within 15% of the verified stock.
Preparation of a standard curve is accomplished by using calibration standards containing the analyte to
be measured into a specific solvent mixture to be introduced into the instrument. The concentrations of
the working standards are chosen to cover the working range of the instrument. The calibration curve is
prepared by plotting instrument response versus the concentration of the standards. Concentrations of the
samples analyzed are read directly from the calibration curve or determined by interpolation.
Calibration procedures, checks, and results will be recorded in field and laboratory logbooks. Testing will
not occur until instrument calibration results meet the acceptance criteria.
B.8.
Inspection/Acceptance of Supplies and Consumables
Standard operating procedures itemize the apparatus, equipment, materials, and supplies required for
various field and laboratory equipment, and for each analytical technique. In general, supplies and
consumables are procured directly from the vendor. Supplies must meet the following criteria:
•
solvent and reagent grades are based on the intended use. All materials must meet the purity
requirements of the method;
•
equipment used to generate data must provide appropriate sensitivity;
•
a certificate of analysis must be provided and retained for reagents and standards;
•
the quality and purity of expendable materials must be documented and adequate to meet the data
quality objectives of the client.
All reagents, calibration standards, chemicals, and other supplies are to be inspected upon receipt by
qualified staff to ensure suitability for the BWTS tests. No standards, solutions, buffers, or other
chemical additives will be used if the expiration date has passed. In the case of field and laboratory
equipment and materials, the received item(s) are inspected to ensure the proper part number was received
as ordered and to identify any damaged products. If damaged or inappropriate goods are received, they
will be returned or disposed of and arrangements will be made to receive replacement materials.
Materials and supplies received are dated so that storage duration can easily be determined. A revolving
inventory system (first in, first out) is used to ensure that storage times do not affect the material’s
integrity. If a manufacturer or SOP requirement indicates a specific expiration period for supplies, those
supplies exceeding expiration dates are discarded if not used within the acceptable period.