Section 210. Standards for accreditation

A. Standards for personnel. The standards for personnel are found in Section 5.2 of Volume 1, Module 2 of the TNI standards.

B. Standards for proficiency testing.

1. The standards for proficiency testing are found in (i) Module 1 and (ii) section 4.11 of Module 2 of Volume 1 of the TNI standards.

2. Additional requirements from Volume 2, Module 2 of the TNI standards.

a. A laboratory shall perform two proficiency test studies each calendar year for each FoPT. These proficiency testing studies shall be performed at least five months apart and no longer than seven months apart within the calendar year.

b. The following proficiency testing studies shall not apply when meeting the requirements of subdivision 2 a of this subsection:

(1) Studies used for corrective action to reestablish successful history in order to maintain accreditation; and

(2) Studies used to reinstate accreditation after DCLS suspends accreditation.

c. DCLS shall consider a laboratory's analytical result for a FoPT not acceptable for the following reasons:

(1) When the laboratory does not report the results within the time frames specified in Volume 1, Module 1 of the TNI standards.

(2) When the laboratory makes any reporting error or omission that results in a nonspecific match between the analytical result for the FoPT and any criterion that identifies the laboratory or the field of accreditation for which the PT sample was analyzed for the purpose of initial or continued accreditation.

d. If DCLS requests a corrective action plan from a laboratory, the laboratory shall provide the plan within 30 calendar days of the request.

e. A laboratory may withdraw from a study for any FoPT on or before the close date of the study. Withdrawing from a study shall not exempt the laboratory from meeting the semiannual analysis requirements necessary for continued accreditation.

C. Standards for quality systems.

1. General requirements for all environmental laboratories are found in Volume 1, Module 2 of the TNI standards.

2. Requirements for the specific types of testing that may be performed by an individual environmental laboratory are found in Volume 1, Modules 3 through 7 of the TNI standards.

3. Drinking water laboratories obtaining certification under this chapter shall meet the reporting requirements set out in 1VAC30-41 for compliance with 12VAC5-590-530 and 12VAC5-590-540.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 25, Issue 07, eff. January 1, 2009; amended, Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 01, eff. November 1, 2015.

Statutory Authority

§ 2.2-1105 of the Code of Virginia.