QA - Lab Proficiency Test

A proficiency test (PT) is a type of assessment in which a sample, the composition of which is unknown to the analyst, is provided to test whether the analyst/laboratory can produce analytical results within the specified acceptance criteria. PTs for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbonyls and metals are implemented in the NATTS program and can be used in other programs as well.

  • VOCs and carbonyls are analyzed on site by analyzers. The proficiency test in this case is auditing the on-site analyzer. This means that the monitor id is needed on the transaction to identify the analyzer being assessed. This assessment is referred to as a Field Proficiency Test or Field PT.

  • Metal analysis is performed by a laboratory off site. The proficiency test in this case involves auditing the lab used to analyze the metals. For this case, the monitor id is not appropriate; rather the agency code of the lab is needed to identify the audited lab. This assessment is referred to as a Lab Proficiency Test, or Lab PT.

Format

QA - Lab Proficiency Test transaction format

Seq.

Name

Description

Formatting Rules

Required

Key

1

Transaction Type

Quality Assurance transaction identifier.

Must = QA

Always

2

Action Indicator

Indicator for Insert, Update, or Delete action.

Must = I, U, or D

Always

3

Assessment Type

Indicates the specific QA assessment associated with the transaction.

Must = Lab Proficiency Test

Always

Y

4

Performing Agency Code

Agency Code of organization performing assessment.

Must exist in AGENCIES reference table.

Always

Y

5

PQAO Code

Agency Code of organization responsible for the quality of data for Monitoring Organization.

Must exist in AGENCIES Reference Table.

Always

Y

6

Parameter Code

The AQS parameter code assigned to the monitor in AQS.

Must exist in PARAMETERS reference table.

Always

Y

7

Assessment Date

Date that the assessment was performed

YYYYMMDD.

Always

Y

8

Assessment Number

A unique number associated with an assessment performed at a site on a given day. Value should be “1” unless additional same assessments are performed.

Integer.

Always

Y

9

Reported Unit Code

Units of measure of analyte by Lab.

Must exist in UNITS reference table.

Unless Delete

10

Laboratory Response Value 1

The mass of analyte reported by Lab.

Decimal.

Insert

11

Assessment Mass 1

The known mass of analyte on the test media.

Decimal.

Insert