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Complete Article from Edition 58 APG eNewsletter
Article by Jim Kowalski , Sales Manager at APG
“What are your objectives for using Quality Control Samples (QC’s)?” Seems like a very simple and obvious question, doesn’t it? Do you use QC’s for a demonstration of capabilities? Do you use QC’s for training purposes? Do you use QC’s as a mandate as a result of your country’s regulations to verify your quality control process? IC calibrations? There are a multitude of reasons to use QC’s.
However, you would be surprised how many laboratories struggle with the answer. Or how many laboratories are not aware of all the benefits and advantages of using QC’s as a REGULAR dimension of their quality management system. APG is very aware of the competitive advantages a quality management system can provide and APG should be the supplier for all a laboratory’s QC needs. Whether you are testing wastewater (WP), drinking water (WS), soils, micro’s, purchase and distribute reagents and/or solutions, or engaged in calibration, you will find the QC’s from APG are second to none. That’s easy to say, let’s look at why.
Reliable Samples
APG Quality Control Standards are an asset to any Quality Assurance Program. They are designed to be run as a sample and therefore can be used to verify and validate your analyses. Since most standards are both NIST traceable and certified in our inter-laboratory program, they give your laboratory assurance that your analysis is consistent with National Standards. APG Quality Control Samples are in stock and ready to ship with reference materials and peer laboratories.
Identify Issues before they Become Problems
Many methods require that QC standards be run with every batch of samples. APG's QC samples are an asset to any quality assurance program because they enable you to test your internal systems to ensure that your equipment, methods, and analysts are producing repeatable and defensible quality data. QC samples can also be used to verify training and function as problem-solving tools that help identify and correct problems before they can become a larger issue. Use APG QC samples, and ensure data quality.
Unique Needs? Not a Problem
Sometimes you need a sample that is specialized or outside of the normal concentration range. APG is a great source for your custom or specialty samples. APG has over 20 years of experience manufacturing custom samples for our customers, and we may be able to manufacture a specialized sample for your unique needs. APG can manufacture custom samples on a once only basis or on a regular schedule. APG is the answer if you require only one vial or if you need a specialized product line. We offer our custom samples as quality controls, blinds, double blinds, calibration materials, and solutions. The same high standards we use for manufacturing our standard range samples are applied to our custom samples. You can be certain that the custom samples you receive from APG will be stable, homogenous, and accurately prepared to your specifications to ensure effective and cost efficient testing.
Calibration – the Key to Effective Quality Control
Instrument calibration is the most important step in most analytical processes and the quality of data is directly related to the quality of the calibration standards. APG provides a range of high quality calibration materials for both ICP and Ion Chromatography. All calibrations are verified and certified to be NIST traceable. Similarly all calibration products are certified using both classical chemical analysis and the technique for which they were designed. APG's Certificate of Analysis contains the actual results of testing versus NIST SRM's for both ICP and IC standards. That benefits you and your laboratory because our samples:
- Are certified to be within 1% of True Value via two independent analysis methods,
- Have documented homogeneity,
- Are directly NIST traceable, and
- Our Certificates of Analysis includes actual analytical data
It should now be clear that APG is not only your premiere source for performance evaluation testing but the source for quality, accurate and reliable QC samples. Contact an APG representative today to learn how your facility can become the premiere facility for your customers.
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