Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) measures ensure the precision and accuracy of the data collected. QA generally refers to the broader plan for ensuring quality in all aspects of a program. QC measures are the steps you will take to determine the validity of specific sampling and analytical procedures. The QA plan describes the monitoring effort and includes proper documentation of procedures, volunteer training, study design, data management and analysis, and specific QC measures. During the planning of a chemical analysis program, QA activities focus on defining data quality objectives and designing a QC system to measure the quality of data being generated. QA activities ensure that the QC system is functioning effectively and that the deficiencies uncovered by the QC system are corrected.

General QAQC principles applicable to a contaminant monitoring program include:

• Establish data quality objectives or requirements prior to sample collection and analysis.
• Collect, process and analyze samples according to scientifically valid standardized procedures.
• Maintain integrity and security of samples at all times.
• Ensure recordkeeping and documentation procedures are adequate for traceability of all samples and data.
• Assess, document, and report data quality.
• Report complete and accurate results.

The Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) is a formal planning document which describes how environmental information operations are planned, implemented, documented, and assessed during the life cycle of a project. The QAPP describes in comprehensive detail the necessary QA/QC requirements and other technical activities that must be implemented to ensure that the results of the environmental information operations performed will satisfy the stated performance and acceptance criteria.

Other sections that cover QA/QC measures include:

• In the Field – Sampling Collection
• Processing Samples
• Analytical Methods
• In the Lab – Quality Assurance and Quality Control
• Data Verification, Reporting and Validation