An established Quality Assurance Unit (QAU) is committed to ensuring data quality and regulatory compliance at ASL.  The QAU maintains the integrity of the Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) environment at the laboratory.   It is ASL policy that federal GLP regulations (40 CFR Part 160) will be strictly followed for those studies requiring them, and to the fullest extent applicable and practical  for other projects.  The Quality Assurance Officer is a  member of the Society of Quality Assurance.  

Quality Assurance Policy

 ASL's quality system includes the following elements:

• The consistent use of management-approved standard operating      procedures for all laboratory operations, including personnel training, sample handling, analytical procedures, reagent preparation, documentation, and equipment operation and maintenance.  

• Methods include acceptance criteria for quality of results.

• Quality control samples, such as blanks, blank spikes, duplicates, and reference materials, are run with each analytical batch to ensure accuracy and precision.  Whenever the analysis type permits, certified reference materials that are traceable to a national standards agency, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), are analyzed.

• Each analytical batch receives supervisory and peer review for acceptance.

• Periodic laboratory audits by the Quality Assurance Unit to determine laboratory adherence to project protocols, GLPs, and the Quality Management Plan, as applicable. 

• Participation in outside agency performance evaluation programs and analysis of check samples.

Proficiency Testing

ASL participates in several performance evaluation (PE) programs:

• North American Proficiency Testing Program for soil and plant analyses

• NAPT-Performance Assessment Program for compliance with NRCS State 590 NMP Standards

• Veterinary Laboratory Association Quality Assurance Program

• National Blood Lead Proficiency Testing Program (Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene)

            ANALYTICAL SCIENCES LABORATORY
                             University of Idaho
                          Holm Research Center

                               2222 W. Sixth St. 
                         Moscow, ID 83844-2203
                           Phone: 208-885-7900

                             Fax: 208-885-8937

                              asl@uidaho.edu