Abstract: 5020 A. Introduction

Quality assurance (QA) is a laboratory operations program that specifies the measures required to produce defensible data with known precision and accuracy. This program is defined in a QA manual, written procedures, work instructions, and records. The manual should include a policy that defines the statistical level of confidence used to express data precision and bias, as well as method detection levels (MDLs) and reporting limits. The overall system includes all QA policies and quality control (QC) processes needed to demonstrate the laboratory’s competence and to ensure and document the quality of its analytical data. Quality systems are essential for laboratories seeking accreditation under state or federal laboratory certification programs. Refer to Section 1020 for details on establishing a Quality Assurance Plan.