Section 149.28. Procedure for correcting unacceptable proficiency testing sample results.

 

(1)   Aqueous and solid matrices. If a laboratory does not meet the acceptance limits for a particular analyte or analyte group and the laboratory does not have acceptable results on a previous sample analyzed during the same certification or registration period, the department shall require the laboratory to analyze a second proficiency testing sample for that analyte or analyte group.

(a) If the results of a second proficiency testing sample do not meet the acceptance limits, the department may initiate an assessment of the laboratory's quality control records if this action is necessary to validate data generated by the laboratory. After failing 2 consecutive proficiency testing samples, the laboratory shall:

1. Submit a corrective action report and initiate an action plan to correct the problems within 30 days of the date of notification of the second failure. This action plan shall include a timetable for correcting the problems and obtaining a third proficiency testing sample.

2. Analyze a third proficiency testing sample within 60 days of the date of notification of the second failure. If the results of the third proficiency testing sample do not meet the acceptance limits, the laboratory shall analyze 2 subsequent and consecutive acceptable proficiency testing samples.

(b) The department may not renew the certification or registration of those analytes or analyte groups for which a laboratory has failed 3 consecutive proficiency testing samples for those analytes or analyte groups and has not successfully analyzed 2 subsequent and consecutive proficiency testing samples for those analytes or analyte groups prior to September 1.

(c) When applying to have an analyte or analyte group reinstated after non-renewal for failing 3 consecutive proficiency testing samples, the laboratory shall provide acceptable results on 2 subsequent and consecutive proficiency testing sample studies for that analyte or analyte group.

(2)   Drinking water. If a certified laboratory does not meet the acceptance limits that have been established by the department, the department shall require the laboratory to analyze a second proficiency testing sample and may require the laboratory to submit a corrective action report. If the results of the second sample do not meet the acceptance limits, the department may not renew the laboratory's certification and may revoke the laboratory's certification as specified in s. NR 149.10 .

History: CR 06-005 : cr. Register April 2008 No. 628 , eff. 9-1-08.