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ELAB, Inc. has implemented a comprehensive quality control program that surpasses industry standards. It is the policy of all the operating units to maintain an active QA/QC program to provide analytical data of known and defensible quality. The Corporate QA Officer functions as an independent auditor to ensure that ELAB, Inc.’s data meets all quality assurance criteria. When required by the Project QA Plan, the QA Officer may insert Blind samples for quality control purposes. The QA Officer will monitor the results of this sample to ensure that the analyst meets quality assurance criteria for the project. In addition to routinely analyzing Internal Performance Evaluation Samples, Elab, Inc. participates in Proficiency WP, WS & Soil Studies.
It is of the utmost importance to be able to track the progress of samples through the laboratory, including sample check in, storage, preparation and analysis of samples and the final report. Good sample and procedural documentation is mandatory to maintain high quality defensible data. ELAB, Inc.'s QC procedures are in substantial compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and regulatory specific requirements. ELAB, Inc. maintains all the documents, including raw data and final reports, in secure areas for long-term storage. The QA Officer conducts routine inspections to ensure that the documents are accurate and can be used for the reconstruction of defensible data regardless of what documentation medium is used.
In order to meet regulatory requirements and in order to provide a comprehensive summary of laboratory operations as they relate to meeting the needs and demands of the environmental climate, which we operate in, the laboratory maintains an up-to-date Quality Manual. To receive a copy of this document, please contact us through our Contact page or call a Project Manager at 1-800-966-5668.
Because of our commitment to meeting the Company’s vision, the laboratory has implemented an aggressive training program for both technical and non-technical subjects. In a laboratory industry where data manipulation and fraud is compounded with the technological advances in the computer industry, our laboratory attempts to eliminate fraudulent practices by on-going training in Professional and Technical Ethics and Integrity, which ultimately safeguards our Clients interests.
The laboratory has implemented a three-tier data review process to facilitate data defensibility via the minimization of errors. Data review at the laboratory analyst and supervisory level can include, but is not limited to, the evaluation of raw data, the application of statistical tools for accuracy and precision and the evaluation of historical data for the Project and/or site. At the Project Management level, this review can also include trend and historical data analysis, which may often lead to re-analysis or re-evaluation of samples prior to the final reporting phase begins. The laboratory has instituted comprehensive QA/QC procedures, which optimize data quality through an integrated and collective approach to data evaluation using multiple levels of data review.
The QA Officer is involved with reviewing all data anomalies and implements corrective actions as needed. The laboratory also initiates data re-checks due to result discrepancies with historical data or if the data does not meet technical specifications. The laboratory is committed to enhancing and optimizing its overall operations and uses the weekly technical and production meetings with all technical supervisors and management, including QA, to discuss corrective actions, up-coming Projects, instrument problems and needs, sample loads, and other technical issues. At ELAB, Inc. the commitment to quality is defined as a cumulative process, where each piece of the puzzle is involved in making our overall quality superb.
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The laboratory performs Performance Evaluations (PEs) at a program specified interval to ensure that the laboratory meets the frequency and quality criteria for each certification type (two each for SDWA, NPW, and Solids and Chemical Materials). Blind PE samples are acquired from a NIST approved provider and are analyzed by the laboratory in accordance with routine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The results from the PE are submitted to the vendor who in turn directly submits the evaluation of the PE to the state accrediting authority. These performance studies are integral to the certification procedures for the State of Florida and other States in which the laboratory is accredited. Requirements for the PT Studies are based upon the current NELAC standards. Additional Studies are performed in order to satisfy the PT requirements of regulatory agencies other than NELAC or to perform corrective actions. Recent Studies performed by the laboratory are summarized below:
For copies of Performance Evaluation Studies please contact us through our Contact page or call a Project Manager at 1-800-966-5668.
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As a NELAC accredited laboratory, ELAB, Inc. is assessed by Florida’s regulatory agency at a frequency of at least once every two years. The comprehensive assessments are followed with reports  of findings, which require laboratory corrective actions to be implemented. The laboratory works with the accrediting authority to not only resolve all issues relating to deficiencies, but also to improve overall laboratory procedures in order to meet the intent of the NELAC program. In the spirit of the program, ELAB, Inc. attempts to be ahead of the curve by training and implementing procedures in accordance with the NELAC standards. The laboratory is also certified and is frequently audited by other agencies such as the Arizona Department of Health Services. It is the goal of the laboratory to continue to meet the regulatory requirements of all agencies by which we are certified.
In addition to meeting regulatory requirements, the laboratory has implemented an aggressive assessment program in order to review adherence to quality requirements. At a minimum, the QA Officer performs an Internal Audit once a quarter, which results in follow-up corrective actions. The laboratory is routinely audited, by its external Clients, for adherence to Project specific requirements or to assess the laboratory’s contractual compliance. Copies of external audits performed by regulatory agencies can be provided for review upon request through our Contact page or by calling a Project Manager at 1-800-966-5668.
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