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Selecting a Laboratory
Companies may need to hire a lab to test industrial waste, wastewater, air or soil. Before purchasing lab services, be informed about the tests you may need and the services that labs offer.
Questions to
Ask Before Selecting a Lab
Tests
- Do you know exactly what waste-related tests are required of your business? The regulatory agency requesting the tests or the disposal company you are working with should be able to tell you exactly what tests are required. Find out if the disposal company can arrange for testing, or if the agency can provide a list of qualified labs.
- Should testing be done by a certified lab? For some analyses, certification programs exist. Ask the agency or disposal company requesting the tests about certification programs and where to get a list of certified labs. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) certifies environmental testing labs in Minnesota. To learn more about the tests covered and to obtain a list of certified environmental testing labs, call the MDH at 651/201-5200 or see the MDH Web site. Ask the labs what tests they are certified to perform, and ask for proof of their certification.
- Are repeat analyses required? If yes, use the same lab test method each time. This reduces the number of variables should an investigation be required.
- If repeat or multiple samples are required, you may be able to set up a contract with the lab and receive discounted pricing.
Samples
The analytical testing process begins with collecting samples and ends with the proper disposal of sample materials—especially if the samples are hazardous waste. Make sure the samples are collected properly to avoid extra costs and delayed results. For example, submitting samples in unacceptable containers or using the wrong preservative can make your test results invalid.
Consider the following questions about samples to help ensure that your business obtains quality results.
- Will the lab collect the samples or provide your company with containers and equipment to do so?
- Will the lab provide complete instructions for sample collecting, preserving, storing and transporting, including proper packaging and labeling? Will more than one sample be needed; if so, when and how should samples be collected and labeled?
- Will labeling be accurate?
- What methods will the lab use on the sample? Most regulatory programs require specific American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methods.
Results
- What is
the turnaround time? Two weeks is typical.
- Does the lab maintain records to support your sample analyses? Can these be made available to your company? A regulatory agency may challenge a test result or the sample collection procedure. Obtaining documents about testing procedures from the lab may be critical for verifying results.
- Is record retention long enough for your project and how are your records stored? How long can you retrieve them? MDH certified labs are required to maintain records for five years.
Other Considerations
Characteristics of Quality Labs
Labs that provide quality results have procedures in place to help them ensure accuracy. Be aware that the lab providing the lowest bid may not provide the best quality. Learn more about the lab you are considering to find out if it meets the following criteria:
- A quality assurance plan exists. Key elements of the plan include a description of how the lab’s employees are organized, what procedures are in place to ensure data quality, how sample names are logged, how samples are protected from unauthorized access, who is authorized to process the samples, analytical procedures, calibration procedures, procedures to ensure data accuracy and reproducibility, corrective action measures and performance system audits.
- Written, standard operating procedures are used for each of the tests performed.
- Standards, such as blanks, spikes and duplicates are used routinely along with the sample unknowns to ensure ongoing quality control.
- The lab reports the results of blanks, spikes and duplicates along with sample results for analysis.
- Equipment calibration is routinely checked, and statistical analysis procedures are used in evaluating test results.
- Documentation, such as log books, of analytical runs, standard preparation, calibration and quality control is kept for at least five years.
- Employees are trained and training records are maintained.
- The lab will readily discuss and assist you with interpreting results and test limitations.
- The lab will provide names of other clients for reference. Asking questions and talking to other clients of the lab you are considering can help ensure that your company is getting quality results.
- The lab has an ethics policy.
Reviewing Test
Results
- Review the test results carefully.
- Understand your test results. Discuss
questions with the lab.
- Make sure the results you receive
are for your samples.
- Make sure your samples were tested
in a timely manner.
- Keep copies of your results on file for at least five years. If your samples affect drinking water supplies, lead and copper results need to be kept for 12 years.
Additional
Resources
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s
(MPCA'S) fact sheet Hazardous
Waste Consultants and Commercial Testing Laboratories
is available online. Or, call the MPCA at 651/297-6300.
The U.S. EPA’s Quality Management Tools—Best Practices for Lab Quality Systems Web page contains references, trainings and other on-line resources for best practices.
For More Information
MnTAP has a variety of technical assistance services available to help Minnesota businesses implement industry-tailored solutions that prevent pollution at the source, maximize efficient use of resources, and reduce energy use and cost. Our information resources
are available online. Or, call MnTAP at 612.624.1300
or 800.247.0015 from greater Minnesota for personal
assistance.
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