Methods

U.S. EPA. Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes. EPA-600/4-79-020 revised March 1983, EPA-600/4-79-017 revised March 1984 - Analytical Chemistry

U.S. EPA. Methods for the Determination of Inorganic Substances in Environmental Samples. EPA/600/R-93/100, August 1993 - Analytical Chemistry

U.S. EPA. Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods. SW-846, 3rd Edition and subsequent updates - Analytical Chemistry

U.S. EPA. Contract Laboratory Program Statement of Work for Organics Analysis, Multi-Media, Multi-Concentration. Document No. OLM04.3 and subsequent revisions - Analytical Chemistry

U.S. EPA. Contract Laboratory Program Statement of Work for Inorganics Analysis, Multi-Media, Multi-Concentration. Document No. ILM04.1 and ILM05.3 and subsequent revisions - Analytical Chemistry

U.S. EPA. Organic Analysis, Low Concentration Water, Document No. OLC03.2 and subsequent revisions - Analytical Chemistry

U.S. EPA. Organic Analysis, Multi-Media, Multi-Concentration Document No. SOM01.1 - Analytical Chemistry

Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory - Cincinnati. (1991, 1992). Methods for the Determination of Organic Compounds in Finished Drinking Water. EMSL Physical/Chemical Methods Branch - Analytical Chemistry

CompuChem notes any minor method modifications in the method summary, which appears in the deliverable data package, in our SOPs, and in our Quality Manual - Analytical Chemistry

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

CompuChem's Management Information System utilizes a variety of MIS technologies to support Organic and Inorganic sample analysis, data processing, and reporting. The LIMS is the backbone of the company's infrastructure, as it manages all sample receiving and sample tracking information. The organic laboratories utilize separate data acquisition software to automatically transfer data to one of three UNIX™ systems. The inorganics laboratories also use separate data acquisition software, while data processing and reporting are performed on a Windows NT™ platform. This infrastructure is protected by a number of resources, including a Firewall, Raid 5 redundancy, TCP/IP protocols, an Uninterruptible Power Supply, an aggressive backup strategy, and password protection. All of these systems contribute to the successful operation of the MIS department. CompuChem purchased the LabVantage™ Solutions Seedpak V 3.98.1 LIMS in the fall of 1999. The LIMS runs on a UNIX™ operating system and is driven by a powerful Oracle™ database. The system uses dual processors combined with Raid 5 technology to provide enhanced performance and data redundancy. In addition to Raid 5, CompuChem also employs a backup strategy for data protection. Organic data acquisition is accomplished by dedicated computer systems, which use either EZ Chrom™ or Chemstation™ software. Upon completion of each analysis, data are immediately transferred to a UNIX™ server for processing. ThruPut™ software is used for data processing, which in turn produces hard copy forms along with what is referred to as a CompuChem format or Superset electronic file. Inorganic data acquisition is also accomplished through the utilization of dedicated computer systems through a variety of serial and network links. Data are processed using either Metals Analytical Review and Reporting System™ (MARRS) or General Chemistry Analytical Review and Reporting System™ (GARRS) software. Both MARRS and GARRS contain impressive capabilities that include the importation of data from a variety of different instruments as well as the ability to retrieve sample information from the LIMS. These capabilities allow personnel to review data effectively and accurately generate forms and a superset electronic file. Programmers may utilize a variety of resources to generate Electronic Data Deliverables. Both organic and inorganic software generate a master electronic file. This file contains all the information about the sample analysis. These files can be queried from the LIMS to allow the retrieval of any sample receipt information. By utilizing the master electronic file and the LIMS, our personnel can construct customized reporting formats.CompuChem has taken a forceful approach in order to ensure network and data security. The network is protected from the Internet community by an advanced checkpoint firewall. The firewall inspects every packet that tries to enter the network and denies any effort to breech it. All UNIX™ and Windows NT™ servers are password protected and utilize the TCP/IP protocol. All systems are backed up regularly and are protected by our 300 kV uninterruptible power supply (UPS). This solid state, on-line system filters power entering the building, providing electricity free of voltage spikes or drops to these critical electronic components. A battery back-up system provides power for up to two hours in the event of a complete power failure.