Introduction

Staff Profiles

Specialty Capabilities

Quality Assurance

Major Instrumentation

Certifications and Affiliations

Service Brochure

Sample Custody
Each sample(s) and/or project(s) received by PSS is compared to its chain-of-custody (COC) and examined to insure that all required information is available and the samples meet the criteria necessary to perform the analytical process. In the event that there is a discrepancy with the provided information, or sample integrity, a notation explaining the nature of the discrepancy will be made on the COC and the client shall be contacted regarding the matter.

Each sample(s) and/or project(s) is logged with a Work Order Number (WO), a numerical designation which is discrete for the given project. The WO designation appears on each Certificate of Analysis (COA), as well as calculation logs, if applicable. Each sample is maintained in the appropriate conditions, as defined by documented analytical protocol.

Sample Extraction/Analysis
Samples are extracted and/or analyzed in accordance to procedures described in documented EPA methods or, where suitable for superior data, method modifications based on client needs and/or analytical expertise. Specifically, adherence to SW-846, Standard Methods, CFR, ASTM, and Standard Operating Procedures is maintained for each analysis where applicable.

Samples are typically analyzed in conjunction with blanks, internal or external standards, surrogates, and continuing calibration standards to monitor both analyst and instrument performance.

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Instrument Maintenance
In order to maintain the stability of analytical instruments, preventative maintenance is performed and recorded in an instrument log. The instrument log also contains details pertaining to any symptom or malfunction of each instrument and the corrective action taken. An adequate supply of replacement parts and/or service contracts are maintained to provide analytical testing capability on a 24-hour basis.

Analytical instruments are operated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The analysis of calibration standards is used to observe instrument conditions on a daily basis. Historical instrument data is retained to assist in the long term serviceability and responsiveness of future repairs.

Computerized Electronic Data Deliverables (EDD)
Electronic deliverables may include CD or e-mail downloads. Additionally, electronic deliverables may be custom formatted to meet client information or format requirements.

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Report Generation
All reports are reviewed by a PSS Manager highly experienced in evaluating analytical data using objective and subjective techniques for validation of results. This project management review is facilitated by the computerized Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

Outliers or other abnormal values are carefully scrutinized, and samples are reanalyzed if the abnormalities cannot be explained. In cases where results from spiked samples suggest interference, attempts are made to resolve the interference problem, or alternate analytical procedures may be used with client approval. If the interference problem cannot be resolved, it is annotated on the report. Reports are customized to meet project requirements. Many standard formats for both hardcopy and electronic deliverables are available and may be selected or modified as required during the pre-project planning discussion with the PSS Project Manager.

Validatable Data Package Deliverables
PSS is able to perform analyses according to specific federal or state program requirements. Additionally, data packages may be provided in corporate or third-party-data-validator specific report formats as defined for project specific concerns.