WAC 173-50-070   Performance audit.  (1) The lab accreditation unit advises applying laboratories of specific requirements for proficiency tests. Such tests are completed for applicable parameters no more frequently than twice annually. Current proficiency tests conducted under the provisions of other recognized programs may be used to satisfy the accreditation program proficiency testing requirement. The lab accreditation unit determines the sufficiency of such audits.

     (2) Drinking water laboratories must analyze a minimum of one PT sample per applicable microbiology parameter per year and two PT samples for applicable chemistry parameters per year.

     (3) The lab accreditation unit may require the laboratory to submit raw data along with the report of analysis of PT samples.

     (4) The lab accreditation unit may waive proficiency tests for certain parameters if PT samples are not readily available or for other valid reasons.

     (5) Applying laboratories are responsible for obtaining PT samples from vendors certified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or otherwise approved by the lab accreditation unit. No fee shall be charged to the department for the purchase or analysis of PT samples.

     (6) For laboratories applying for NELAP accreditation, proficiency testing requirements are those designated in the NELAC standards. If the NELAC standard is more stringent than the corresponding standard in this chapter, the NELAC standard applies for laboratories seeking NELAP accreditation.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21A.230. 02-20-090 (Order 01-12), § 173-50-070, filed 10/1/02, effective 11/1/02; 93-20-011 (Order 92-53), § 173-50-070, filed 9/22/93, effective 10/23/93; 90-21-090 (Order 90-21), § 173-50-070, filed 10/19/90, effective 11/19/90; 89-10-001 and 90-07-017 (Order 89-1 and 89-1A), § 173-50-070, filed 4/20/89 and 3/13/90, effective 4/13/90.]