5EPA
Classification No.:
Approval Date:
2180.2
12/10/87
Addressee
EPA ORDER - DATA STANDARDS FOR THE ELECTRONIC
TRANSMISSION OF LABORATORY MEASUREMENT
RESULTS
1. PURPOSE. This Transmittal issues EPA Order 2180.2 -
Data Standards for Electronic Transmission of Laboratory
Measurement Results.
2. EXPLANATION. EPA Order 2180.2 - Data Standards for
Electronic Transmission of Laboratory Measurement Results
issues standards for the electronic transmission of environmental
measurement results from laboratories to EPA programs.
3. FILING INSTRUCTIONS. File the attached Order in a three-
ring binder established for the EPA Directives System.
Kathy Peltruccelli , Director
Management and Organization Division
Originator
EPA Form 1315-12(5-86)
Information Management Services Division/Office of
Information Resources Management
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Classification No.: 2180.2
Approval Date: 12/10/87
DATA STANDARDS FOR THE ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF
LABORATORY MEASUREMENT RESULTS
PA Form 131 5-12A (5-86)
1. PURPOSE. The purpose of this Order is to issue standards
for the electronic transmission of environmental measurement
results from laboratories to EPA programs. These standards
will provide a consistent definition of laboratory data and
will facilitate cross-media use of laboratory data.
2. SCOPE. This Order applies to laboratories that supply
measurement data for Agency, Regional or program office
decisions.
3. BACKGROUND.
a. Integration of information and databases is difficult
because program offices use disparate formats and names
for similar data elements.
b. There is a need to make and support decisions based on
standard information and data collected which cut across
the Agency's programs.
c. Specific programs have an increasing need to share data
from other programs, other Agencies, States and local
governments. This adds credence to the need for accept-
able data standards to facilitate the exchange of
information.
d. Information technology has reached a point at which the
sharing of data among automated systems is technically
feasible.
e. The Agency has implemented standards for hardware and
software which facilitate the sharing of data among
programs.
f. Laboratory measurement results are commonly acquired by
almost all the operating programs and Regions.
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EPA ORDER 2180.2
12/10/87
g. The large quantity of data that is received from
laboratories mandates the use of automated systems of
transmission to decrease errors of transcription, to
increase the speed of reporting and to facilitate wide
use of the data.
h. A standard approach to the transmission of laboratory
data is required to ensure that all measurement data
reported to Agency programs from laboratories will
include common elements that define the sample type,
the measurement technique and method, and the quality
of the measurement, .in addition to the measurement
results.
i. These standards define data originally acquired for
one specific purpose to other potential users. Use of
these standards certifies the existence of qualifying
information to second and third party users of the data.
4. AUTHORITIES.
a. 15 CFR, Part 6 Subtitle A, Standardization of Data
Elements and Representations.
b. OMB Circular A-130, Management of Federal Information
Resources.
5. POLICY. The Standards for Electronic Transmission of Laboratory
Measurement Results in Appendices A through C to this Order
will be used to move measurement results from laboratories to
program offices.
a. Programs will adhere to the standards except where it
can be demonstrated that the costs of using the standards
exceed the benefits or will impede the Agency in
accomplishing its mission.
b. These standards provide a framework that can be adapted
to the needs of each program. Addition or deletion of
data elements is permissible within the standards.
c. No timetables are set for conversion of existing automated
data transfer mechanisms. The Office of Information
Resources Management will ensure that new instances
of the automated collection of laboratory measurement
results will consider these standards as part of the
workplan.
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EPA ORDER 2180.2
12/10/87
6. ASSISTANCE. Assistance in implementing this Order can
be obtained from the Immediate Office, Office of Information
Resources Management (OIRM).
7. PROVISION FOR WAIVER. OIRM recognizes that due to variances
in mission needs, information requirements, and resource
allocations, not all information systems can easily conform to
the standards defined in this policy. In order to provide a
reasonable amount of flexibility, this provision for waiver
is included in the Order.
a. An application for waiver should provide information to
substantiate the problems encountered in adopting the
standard. Also, the application should include the
program's alternate plan of action for transmitting
laboratory results.
b. The application must be approved by the decision official
in the requesting office and the respective Senior
Information Resources Management Official prior to
submission to the Director of OIRM, who has responsibility
for final disposition. The applying office will be
notified in writing of the disposition of the waiver
within 30 days. .
t * ' J
\
C. Morgan Kimgjhorn
Acting Assistant Administrator
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12/10/87
CONTENTS OF APPENDICES
Appendix A. Format for Analytical Results Reports on Machine Readable Media
Introduction A-l
Media Format A-l
Record Formats A-2
Production Runs A-2
Record Sequence A-3
File/Record Integrity A-4
Dates and Times A-4
Necessary Information A-4
Field Sampling Data A-4
Multiple Volume Data A-5
Format of the Production Run Header Record (Type 10) A-6
Format of the Chromatography Records (Types 11 and 12) A-7
Format of the Mass Spectrometer Record (Type 13) A-9
Format of the I.e.A.P. Record (Type 14) A-10
Format of the Sample Header Record (Types 20 and 21) A-ll
Format of the Sample Condition Record (Type 22) A-13
Format of the Associated Injection Record (Type 23) A-14
Format of the Field Sampling Data Record (Types 24 to 26) A-15
Format of the Results Data Record (Type 30) A-17
Format of the Instrumental Data Readout Record (Type 31) A-18
Format of the Auxilliary Data Record (Type 32) A-19
Format of the Name Record (Type 33) A-20
Format of the QC Limit Record (Type 34) A-21
Format of the Correction Data Record (Type 35) A-22
Format of the Deleted Data Record (Type 40) A-23
Format of the Special Header Record (Type 50) A-24
Format of the Comment Record (Type 90) A-25
Appendix B. Definitions of Various Codes
Structure of the Method Number B-l
Quality Control Codes in Type 20 Records B-2
Quality Control Codes in Type 34 Records B-8
Codes for Sample Medium (Matrix, Source) B-9
List of Sample and Result Qualifiers B-10
Appendix C. Example Method and Matrix Codes for Dioxin,
General Organic and Inorganic Methods C-l
Table 1. Method and Matrix Codes for Dioxin and General Organics C-2
Table 2. Method and Matrix Codes for Inorganics C-3
Table 3. Example of the Sequence of Record Types C-5
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12/10/87
Appendix A
Format for Analytical Results Reports on Machine Readable Media
Introduction
This constitutes an EPA standard for media and record formats to be used in
transmission of analytical results. The following points should be noted:
1. The standard describes transmission formats only. It is expected that pro-
cessing systems will convert the input records into forms more convenient for
storage and processing.
2. Spaces between fields permit these records to be prepared by programs written
for laboratory automation systems in versions of BASIC which require this
feature, as well as to be compatible with Agency standard statistical and
database management systems (e.g., SAS, S2K, ADABAS, etc.).
3. Record formats contain sequence numbers and checksums to be consistent with
requirements for a future error-free telecommunications format.
Media Format
The record formats are intended to be general for a variety of media/ but some
special considerations apply to certain media.
1. Magnetic Tapes shall be industry - standard 9-track, 800, 1600, or 6250 bits
per inch, with no internal labels. Floppy diskettes shall be IBM-PC compati-
ble and may be of any standard size. Telecommunications requirements will
be defined as appropriate. Data compression or "squeezing" algorithms will
be employed where appropriate for future telecommunications protocols.
2. Records shall be fixed-length 80-byte records consisting of ASCII characters.
If the operating system producing the record requires an end-of-record code
(such as carriage return and/or line feed), this code shall occupy record
positions 79-80. Otherwise, positions 79-80 shall be blank.
3. Records on tape may be combined optionally into fixed-length blocks, with a
blocksize not exceeding 4000 bytes. If the block includes a prefix or post-
fix supplied by the operating system in addition to the records, information
about the presence and length of the prefix or postfix shall be included in
the external label.
4. Tapes or diskettes shall consist of one or more files. Each tape file shall
end with a tapemark; the last file on the tape shall end with two tapemarks.
Diskettes shall have all files present in the root or parent directory.
5. Each tape reel or diskette shall bear one or more external labels, collec-
tively supplying the following information: volume ID, number of files,
creation date, and name, address and phone number of submitter. Magnetic
tape labels shall also contain density, blocksize and recordsize. Individual
Agency environmental monitoring programs may require additional external
labels such as to provide linkage to other related data (e.g., field sampling
data sheets or lab "chronicles").
A-l
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Appendix A
12/10/87
6. The following media shall be compliant with Federal Information Processing
Standards (FIPS) cited below:
FIPS Subject
3 800 BPI, NRZI, 9-track tape
25 1600 BPI, PE, 9-track tape
50 6250 BPI, GCR, 9-track tape
Record Formats
There are six groups of record types in the standard, as shown below. Detailed
record formats follow.
Type Name Contents
10 Run Header Contains information pertinent to the whole production
run (group, batch, etc. of samples or sample equiva-
lents) . See production run definition below.
20 Sample Header Contains sample-identifying information or corres-
ponding information for calibrations, QC samples,
instrument performance checks, etc.
30 Results Record Contains any final result on a sample, calibration or
QC sample and identifying information.
40 Deleted Record Signals a deleted record; record contents are unde-
fined except for the record type code.
50 Special Record Signals a header for other Agency Standard Data Base
Records (e.g., STORET, SAROAD, SFC, AIRS, etc.).
90 Comments Record Signals a record containing free-form comments.
Record types 10, 20 and 30 are mandatory, except when field sampling data only are
being reported, in which case type 30 may be missing; other types are optional.
Type 20, representing the sample, contains a Region and Sample ID which acts as an
identifying label for the sample. The QC code indicates whether the data are from
an environmental sample, calibration or QC sample; or other calculated run-wide
data such as mean response factors. Type 30, representing an individual analyte,
contains either a program or contract specified identifier or a CAS code and an
indicator ("I" or "C" or another code) as to which code was used. Type 50 is used
to include data from any other standard agency data base such as STORET or AIRS.
It is required only when records from these other systems are being mixed with
records from this standard. It should be noted that records which are optional in
the standard may be considered mandatory in a given application (e.g., Contract Lab
Program). See page C-5 for an example of the sequence of the record types.
Production Runs
Since, under this standard, a file contains the results for one production run, it
is necessary to define a production run in terms applicable across a wide variety
of analysis types. In general, a production run should represent a "group" or
"batch" of samples that are processed in a continuous sequence under relatively
stable conditions. Specific points characterizing a production run are:
A-2
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Appendix A
12/10/87
0 Calibration - initial and continuing checks. Typically all samples in a run
use the same calibration data. (There will be a few exceptions,
such as isotope dilution for GC/MS, where some of the calibra-
tion information is contained in each sample.)
0 Method number - (see Appendix B) will be constant.
0 Instrument conditions - are typically constant throughout a run. Results
obtained on different instruments cannot be combined
in one run.
The time span of a production run varies with the type of analysis. Many runs for
inorganic analyses take a fraction of a day. Some organic analyses, such as GC and
GC/MS, take a long time for each sample, so that the production run may contain
data from many work shifts which could span days or weeks.
The first record in each file must be a record type 10, the Run Header. Positions
4-24 form an identifier for the run. Ignoring the blanks, this would read
118404011521GC/MS " for a GC/MS run started at 3:21 p.m. on April 1, 1984. If data
from a single production run are split and reported on several files (presumably at
different times), it is mandatory that this run identifier be identical on each
such file. The measurement type is general and will be assigned by EPA. In runs
completed during one work shift by one individual, the initials designate the
responsible analyst. For runs which involve more than one instrument operator,
it may be necessary to use the initials of a manager. In any case, the initials
should indicate one individual responsible for the quality and consistency of the
entire run.
Record'Sequence (see page C-5)
1. A Run Header (type 10) record must be present <*.=> the first record in the
file. Further occurrences of the type 10 record in the file are not allowed.
2. Each environmental sample, calibration or quality control sample is
represented by a group composed of a type 20 and 21 record, which holds
sample level identifying information, followed by one type 30 record for
each method analyte or standard. The region/client and EPA sample ID together
should uniquely identify a single sample, but there is no separate requirement
that the sample ID be unique on a national level. The type 20 record holds
a count for the number of method analytes being determined. Type 20 records
should occur in the order in which analytical results were obtained. The
type 20 records for quality control items have further rules (see Appendix B,
for definitions of QC types):
a. LD1 must occur before the corresponding LD2 record, but the two records
need not be adjacent. (Similar rule for FD1 and FD2)
b. LF1 must occur before the corresponding LF2 record, but the records need
not be adjacent.
In addition, a type 20 record is used as a header for any additional run-wide
data that must be reported for each method analyte (such as detection limits
or interelement correction factors). Unique identifiers given on page B-6
are used in place of "QC codes" to indicate the types of data that follow.
A-3
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Appendix A
12/10/87
3. Type 50 records are used to indicate the presence of data in formats of other
existing agency data bases and may occupy any position. Each contains a
counter to indicate the number of records from the other system that follow.
4. Type 90 records may be defined to occupy any position except before the type
10 (header) record, or between records following a type 50.
File/Record Integrity
All record types (excepting those following type 50) shall contain the following
check fields to ensure file and record integrity:
Record Field Field
Position Length Contents Remarks
1-2 2 Record type or identifier "10" or as appropriate
72-74 3 Record sequence number 000-999, repeated as
within file necessary
75-78 4 Record checksum Four hexadecimal digits;
calculation algorithm to
be supplied
79-80 2 Reserved for operating Will contain blanks, or
system use a code for CR and/or LF
Dates and"Times
Wherever a date or time-of-day is required, the information consists of successive
groups of two decimal digits each, separated by blanks. Dates are given in the
order YY MM DD, and times as HH MM. All hours will be given as 0 to 23, right
justified, using a 24 hour clock and will be local time. Since some computers
generating the date and time sequence may have difficulty producing leading zeros,
these will not be required. The program reading the file will convert leading
blanks to leading zeros in all date and time fields.
Necessary Information
The exact list of reportable information will obviously vary considerably from one
program to another. The information given on the following records is designed to
be as general as possible, and not all of it will apply to any program or method.
It is important to note that this standard is in no way attempting to determine,
or even suggest, what data should or should not be reported for any given program;
it is only defining how that data should be reported. Any data element that is
not applicable should simply be left blank; if no data on a record type are appli-
cable the entire record may be omitted. All of the definitions of the field
contents should be considered to be general; specific programs and methods may
further define any field, or may require the use of some fields to represent program
or method specific information. Additional method dependent record types may be
defined in the future to accommodate information which cannot be reported using the
defined format.
A-4
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Appendix A
12/10/87
Field'Sampling Data
Field sampling data will also be reported using this standard. If the field
sampling data are sent in separately, then the file will be structured in the same
manner as an analytical analysis. There will be a type 10 record at the start
which will have "FIELD" in columns 19-23 along with whatever information is
appropriate. All type 20 records will have the appropriate field GC codes along
with an appropriate sample qualifier, e.g., FLD". Much of the other information
will be blank. Type 30 records will be present only if necessary (such as to
report the amount of field spikes for each spiked analyte). If field sampling
data are reported by the laboratory performing the analysis, using the same file,
it will be necessary to have two type 20 records for each sample, one for the
analytical results and one for field sampling data.
Multiple Volume Data
There is no requirement under this standard that all the data from an entire
production run fit onto a single volume of the transmission medium. If data are
being split into multiple volumes, then each program will define how this is to be
performed. For example, if the multiple volumes are reported at different times,
it may be necessary to repeat the transmission of all initial calibration data
with each volume. Cn the other hand, if multiple volumes are utilized simply
because all data will not fit onto a 360 K diskette, then there would be no need
to repeat the initial calibration data on each volume. In all cases, the program
will define when and where data may be split and how the files are to be named so
that the sequence is unambiguous. What is necessary, is that all volumes start
with a type 10 record, and that all type 10 records have the same run identifier
as explained on page A-3. If it is necessary to split the data from a single
sample into multiple volumes, then the type 20 (and following) type records for
that sample must be repeated; in this situation, it is mandatory that columns
4-37, which collectively identify the sample, be identical in each volume.
General Instructions
1. All character data are to be upper case, except in comment fields where no
restrictions are given or when using the symbols for chemical elements (one
upper case letter or one upper case letter followed by a lower case letter).
2. Missing or unknown values are to be left blank.
3. All character fields are to be left justified.
4. All numeric fields are to be right justified. A decimal point is to be
used with a non-integer if exponential notation is not used. Commas are not
allowed.
5. All temperature fields are in centigrade and are presumed non-negative unless
preceded by a minus sign (-).
A-5
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Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Mandatory Production Run Header Record (Type 10)
Record
Position
1-2
3
4-5
6
7-8
9
10-11
12
13-14
15
16-17
18
19-24
25
26-30
31
32-34
35
36-41
42
43-44
45
46-47
48
Field
Length
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
6
1
5
1
3
1
6
1
2
1
2
1
Field
Contents
Record type
blank
Positions 4 through 17
contain the date/time of the
start of instrumental analysis
Year
blank
Month
blank
Day
blank
Hour
blank
Minute
blank
Measurement Type or
Agency Code
blank
Method Number
blank
Person responsible for run
blank
Lab ID
blank
Positions 43-51 contain the
date report prepared.
Year
Blank
Month
Blank
Remarks
"10"
Positions 4-24 constitute the
run ID. See instructions for
. record type 10, page A- 3.
YY
MM
DD
HH
MM
General descriptor (e.g.,
ICAP, GC/MS, ASTM, USGS) ; or
"FIELD" if field data only.
Standard number defined by
EPA or other Agency, (see
page B-l for examples).
3 initials of Manager.
From EPA standard list or
Project Officer.
YY
MM
A-6
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Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Mandatory Production Run Header Record (Type 10) cont.
Record Field Field"
Position Length Contents
49-50 2 Day
51 1 Blank
52-61 10 Contract Number
62 1 blank
63-68 6 Instrument ID
69 1 blank
70 1 Security code
Remarks
DD
Agency standard number.
e.g., GC8312; provided by
contract lab; must be unique
and permanent within lab.
"S" = secure, "U" = unsecure
Other codes may be defined
to comply with additional
contract requirements.
A-7
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Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Chromatography Record (Type 11)
Use: To describe Chromatograph conditions. Applies to a group of samples in a
run. Will be present for any method involving Chromatography.
Position: Follows type 10
Record
Position
1-2
3
4-11
12
13-16
17
18-21
22
23
24
25-26
27
^3-30
31
32-33
34
35-37
38
39-42
43
44-45
46
47-48
Field
Length
2
1
8
1
4
1
4
1
1
1
2
1
3
1
2
1
3
1
4
1
2 .
1
2
Field
Contents
Record type
blank
Commercial Column name
blank
Column Length in meters
blank
Column inside diameter in mm.
blank
Type of Injector
blank
Carrier Gas
blank
Carrier Gas flow rate
in mL/min or Cm/sec
blank
Units code
blank
Initial Column Temp, in
degrees C
blank
Initial Temp. Holding Time
in min.
blank
Number of Column
Temperature Programs
blank
First (or only) Column
Remarks
"11"
e.g. SP2330
e.g., 100 or 99.5 or 3.5
e.g., 2 or .3
S = split
L = splitless
O = on column
Chemical Symbol
e.g. He, Ar, N, H
nnn
"ML" or "CM"
e.g., 50 or 300
XX.Y
Integer number
e.g., 8
49
Temperature Program in degrees
C/min
blank
A-8
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Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Chromatography Record (Type 11) (cont.)
Remarks
e.g., 250 or 350
Record
Position
50-52
53
54-57
Field
Length
3
1
4
Field
Contents
First* Column Temp.
in degrees C.
blank
First* Temp. Holdin
Time XX. Y
in min.
*Note: When Number of Column Temperature Programs is "1", positions 50-52 and
54-57 will hold the final column temperature and holding time, and no
type 12 record will follow.
Format of the Chromatography Record (Type 12)
Use: Continuation of type 11. Used only if multiple ramp column temperature
programs are employed.
Position: Follows the type 11 to which it applies.
Record
Position
1-2
3
4-14
15
16-26
27
28-38
39
40-50
51
Field
Length
2
1
11
1
11
1
11
1
11
1
Field
Contents
Record type
blank
Second Column Temperature Program
blank
Third Column Temperature Program
blank
Fourth Column Temperature Program
blank
Fifth Column Temperature Program
blank
Remarks
"12"
Use the same format as
positions 47-57 of record
type 11.
Use the same format as
positions 47-57 of record
type 11.
Use the same format as
positions 47-57 of record
type 11.
Use the same format as
positions 47-57 of record
type 11.
52-62 11 Sixth Column Temperature Program Use the same format as
positions 47-57 of record
type 11.
A-9
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Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Mass Spectrometer Record (Type 13)
Use: To describe Mass Spectrometer conditions. Applies to a group of samples in a
run. Will be present whenever mass spectrometry is used.
Position: Follows type 10
Record
Position
1-2
3
Field
Length
2
1
Field
Contents
Record type
blank
Remarks
"13"
4-9
10
11-13
14
15
16
6
1
3
1
1
1
17-20
21
22-25
26
27-29
30
31
32
33-38
39
40-41
42
4
1
4
1
3
1
1
1
6
1
2
1
Instrument model
blank
Scan cycle time in sec.
blank
Scan Type
blank
Initial Mass Value or
Number of Masses
blank
Final Mass Value
blank
Pos. or Neg. ions
blank
Type of Instrument
blank
First letter - manufacturer,
1-5 characters for model.
1.3
R - Continuous Scan Range
S - SIM - mass range given
U - Unknown scan type
N - SIM - f masses given
Integer mass value. Lowest
mass for "R", "S", .or "U"
(above); or number of masses
monitored for "N".
Highest mass for "R", "S",
or "U"; or blank for "N".
"POS" or "NEG"
M - magnetic, Q - quadrupole
Other types may be defined
Mass Spectrometer Resolution Integer resolution value
or Peak Width *
blank
43-49
lonization Mode
blank
Reagent Gas
FA, FD, FI, El, TS, CI, AP
Chemical symbol or formula
e.g., He, CH4, C8H18, NH3
* (Defined as M/delta M for magnetics, Peak Width in amu for Quads)
A-10
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Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the AA/ICAP Instrument Record (Type 14)
Use: To describe AA/ICAP instrument conditions.
a run. Will be present whenever AA/ICAP is
Position: Follows type 10
Applies to a group of samples in
used.
Record
Position
1-2'
3
4-9
10
11-15
16
17-21
22
23-28
29
30-32
33
34-35
36
37-39
40
41-43
44
45-47
48
49-51
52
53-58
59
60-64
65
Field
Length
2
1
6
1
5
1
5
1
6
1
3
1
2
1
3
1
3
1
3
1
3
1
6
1
5
1
Field
Contents
Record type
blank
Instrument model
blank
Initial Wavelength in nm
blank
Final Wavelength in nm
blank
Gas utilized
blank
Flow rate magnitude
blank
Flow rate units
blank
Other gas added
blank
Flow rate magnitude
blank
Digestion time
blank
Digestion temperature
blank
Acid used
blank
Oxidizer used
blank
Remarks
'14'
First letter - manufacturer,
1-5 characters for model
e.g., 5000
Chemical symbol or formula,
e.g., C2H2, NO
e.g., AIR
Assumes same units as in
Positions 34-35.
66-70
Other digestion options
e.g., H2SO4 or HNO3
e.g., H202
Program may assign a code,
e.g., SW846 digestion method.
A-ll
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Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Mandatory Sample Header Data Record (Type 20)
Record
Position
1-2
3
4-5
6
7-14
15
16
17
18-20
21
22-24
25
26-33
34
35-37
38
39-40
41
42-43
44
45-46
47
48-49
50
51-52
53
54
55
Field
Length
2
1
2
1
8
1
1
1
3
1
3
1
8
1
3
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
Field
Contents
Record type
blank
Region or other client
blank
EPA Sample I.D.
blank
Sample Medi urn/Matrix Code (Z)
blank
CC code
blank
Sample Qualifier
blank
Project number
blank
Batch/shipment number
blank
Positions 39 through 52 con-
tain the date/time of instru-
ment analysis.
Year
blank
Month
blank
Day
blank
Hour
blank
Minute
blank
Work shift of sample analysis
blank
Remarks
"20"
Alphanumeric
Raw Sample ID only;
no suffixes
See page B-9. Examples are
found in Appendix C.
Codes type of data to be
reported; see page B-2
Code to qualify the results
of the entire sample
analysis (see page B-10).
e.g., Case # for Contract
Laboratory Program.
Alphanumeric
Field samples use date of
sample collection.
YY
MM
DD
HH
MM
"G", "D" or "S" for:
graveyard, day, swing.
A-12
-------
Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Mandatory Sample Header Data Record (Type 20) cont.
Record Field Field"
Position Length Contents
56 1 Sample Units Code
57 1 blank
58-65 8 Sample Size
66 1 blank
67-69 3 Analyte count
Remarks
"L" = liters
"C" = cubic meters
"K" = kilograms (wet wt.)
See note.
Numeric; 1-3 decimal
digits.
Note: Sample Size is the volume in liters for liquids, the volume in cubic
meters for air and the wet weight in kilograms for solids. The Sample Units
Code indicates which units are in use for the current sample.
A-13
-------
Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Sample Header Data Record (Type 21)
Use: Continuation of type 20.
Position: Follows the type 20 to which it applies.
Record
Position
1-2
3
4
5
6
7
8-10
11
12
13
14-16
17
18-23
24
25-35
36
37-38
39
40-41
42
43-44
45
Field
Length
2
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
3
1
6
1
11
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
Field
Contents
Record type
blank
Method Variation Code (N)
blank
Concentration level
blank
Clean-up or other sample
processing variation
blank
Extraction code
blank
Initials of operator
blank
General Administrative
Reporting Number
blank
Laboratory Data File Name*
blank
Positions 37 through 44 con-
tain the date/time that
sample preparation began.
Year
blank
Month
blank
Day
blank
Remarks
"21"
Codes any sample method
variations. See Appendix C.
Indicates possible method
variations. (See Note 1)
"L" = low
"M" = medium
"H" = high
Codes to be
used will be defined by each
program.
As defined in contract.
Use whomever is responsible
for the sample results.
Alphanumeric; e.g., S.A.S.
Number for CLP program
(if necessary) .
File name in instrument data
system or other descriptor.
YY
MM
DD
Note 1: The Concentration level is an estimate of overall level for all analytes.
* The file name is the identifying code for sample data in a laboratory data system.
In laboratories without data systems, the file name will be any code used for sample
A-14
data identification.
-------
Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Sample Header Data Record (Type 21) cont.
Record Field Field
Position Length . Contents
Remarks
46
47
1
1
Work shift for sample prep
blank
Positions 48-55 contain
date sample received at lab.
48-49
50
51-52
53
54-55
56
57-63
64
65-70
2
1
2
1
2
1
7
1
6
Year
blank
Month
blank
Day
Blank
Source
(if not
blank
Volume
of Compound
unknown sample)
of Sample Analyz
Units determined by
Contract
"G", "D" or "S" for:
graveyard, day, swing.
YY
MM
DD
Company or EPA from which
compound was obtained.
50 or 0.5; e.g., Injection
Volume in uL for CLP.
A-15
-------
Appendix- A
12/10/87
Format of the Sample Conditions Record (Type 22)
Use: Continuation of type 20. Used to describe additional sample conditions.
Position: Follows the type 20 and 21 to which it applies.
Record
Position
1-2
3
31-34
35
36-37
38
39-40
41
Note 1:
Note 2:
Field
Length
2
1
4
1
2
1
2
1
Field
Contents
Record type
blank
Remarks
ii 22 "
4-5
6
7-8
9
10-11
12
13-14
15
16-17
18
19-29
30
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
11
1
Year
blank
Month
blank
Day
blank
Hours
blank
Minute
blank
Calibr
blank
Positions 4-17 contain the
date/time of associated cal-
ibration. See Note 1. (Date
of Source of the response factors
used)
YY
Calibration data File Name*
Sample pH
blank
Percent moisture
blank
Decanted percent moisture
blank
DD
HH
MM
See Note 2. Data File Name
of associated calibration or
"AVERAGE" in positions 21-27
(if mean used).
XX or XX. X
For organic, dioxin
For organic dioxin
For average, use the date and time average was calculated.
This field must match positions 25-35 of record type 21 for the
associated QC injection.
* The file name is the identifying code for sample data in a laboratory data
system. In laboratories without data systems, the file name will be any code
used for sample data identification.
A-16
-------
Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Sample Conditions Record (Type 22) cont.
Record
Position
42-46
47
48-54
55
56-59
60
61
62
63-70
Field
Length
5
1
7
1
4
1
1
1
8
Field-
Contents
Extract Volume in ml.
blank
Remarks
e.g. 1.0 or 0.050
Concentration/dilution factor e.g., 2000 or .001
blank
Method Detection Limit
Method
blank
Code for quantification
report type
blank
Sample Dry Weight or
percent solids
Established per project
by Project Officer.
Program will specify when
desired.
If necessary, contract will
define required value.
A-17
-------
Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Associated Injection and Counter Record (Type 23)
Use: Continuation of type 20. Used to identify associated QC injections and to
provide for program specific counters. May not be required in all programs.
Position: Follows the type 20, 21, and 22 to which it applies.
Record Field Field
Position Length Contents
1-2 2 Record type
3 1 blank
4 1 • Type of First QC Injection
5 1 blank
Positions 6 through 19
contain date/time of
associated QC injection.
(Acquisition date and time
of QC injection to be linked
with this sample.)
6-7
8
9-10
11
12-13
14
15-16
17
18-19
20
21-31
32
33
34
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
11
1
1
1
Year
blank
Month
blank
Day
blank
Hour
blank
Minute
blank
QC injection File
blank
Type of Second QC
blank
Name*
Injection
Remarks
"23"
Identifies injection type.
"P" - performance check,
"B" - blank, etc. Other
codes may be defined.
MM
DD
HH
MM
See Note 1.
Identifies Second injection
type; same as position 4.
Note 1: This field must match positions 25-35 of record type 21 for the associated
QC injection.
* File name is the identifying code for sample data in a laboratory data system.
In laboratories without data systems, the file name will be any code used for
sample data identification.
A-18
-------
Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Associated Injection and Counter Record (Type 23) cont.
Record Field Field
Position Length Contents Remarks
Positions 35 through 49 contain
the date/time of associated
QC injection. Positions 33
to 60 have the same format as
positions 4 to 31 for the second
type of QC injection. If more
than two types of injections must
be linked with the sample then
use additional records.
35-36 2 Year YY
37 1 blank
38-39 2 Month MM
40 1 blank
41-42 2 Day DD
43 1 blank
44-45 2 Hour HH
46 1 blank
47-48 2 Minute MM
49 1 blank
50-60 11 QC Injection File Name*
61 1 blank
62 1 Description Code of First Program may define any
Counter necessary sample-wide coun-
63 1 blank ters to be reported here.
64-65 2 First Counter nn
66 1 blank
67 1 Description Code of Second Two counters may be entered
Counter on each record.
68 1 blank
69-70 2 Second Counter
* The file name is the identifying code for sample data in a laboratory data
system. In laboratories without data systems, the file name will be any code
used for sample data identification.
A-19
-------
Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Field Sampling Auxilliary Data Record (Type 24)
Use: Continuation of type 20. Used for Field Sampling Data to describe additional
sample conditions.
Position: Follows the type 20 and 21 to which it applies.
Record
Position
1-2
3
Field
Length
2
1
Field
Contents
Record type
blank
Remarks
'24'
4-39
40
36
1
Project Name
blank
41-55
56
15 Sample Station Number
1 blank
From Standard List.
57
58
59-61
62
1
1
3
1
Type of Sample
blank
Preservative Added
blank
Positions 63 through 70
contain the date the sample
was shipped to the lab.
G grab; T time composite;
S space composite
From standard list - blank
if none.
63-64
65
66-67
68
2
1
2
1
Year
blank
Month
blank
YY
MM
69-70
Day
DD
A-20
-------
Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Field Sampling Auxilliary Data Record (Type 25)
Use: Continuation of type 24. Used for Field Sampling Data for additional
descriptive information - exact format defined by each program.
Position: Follows the type 24 to which it applies.
Record Field Field
Position Length Contents
1-2 2 Record type
3 1 blank
4-36 33 Station Name, Location,
and/or Description
37 1 blank
38-70 33 Names of Samplers
Remarks
'25'
Field contents and formats
may be defined further by
the individual program.
As above. May also contain
chain-of-custody data.
A-21
-------
Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Field Sampling Auxilliary Data Record (Type 26)
Use: Continuation of type 24. Used for Field Sampling Data to record any
numerical values which indicates where or how the sample was collected. The
exact format is defined by each program.
Position: Follows the type 24 to which it applies. (Record will only be required
for some programs.)
Record
Position
1-2
3
4-6
7
8-11
12
21-24
25
Field
Length
2
1
3
1
4
1
4
1
Field
Contents
Record type
blank
Description of First Value
blank
Magnitude of First Value
blank or '£'
13-15
16
17-19
20
3
1
3
1
Exponent
blank
De script
blank
Magnitude of Second Value
blank or 'E'
Remarks
'26'
Program specified descrip-
tor, e.g., "FLW" - flow
rate; "IMP" - temperature;
"LAT" - latitude; "LON" -
longitude; "ALT" - altitude.
Fixed or Scientific notation
(XXXXEYYY). Program will
define appropriate measurement
and applicable units.
Blank field will be interpret
as "+000".
Each value has the same
format as positions 4-15. Up
to five values may be given on
each record. Additional
records may be added if necessary.
26-28
29
30-32
33
34-37
38
3
1
3
1
4
1
Exponent
blank
Description of Third Value
blank
Magnitude of Third Value
blank or 'E'
49-41
42
3
1
Exponent
blank
A-22
-------
Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Field Sampling Auxilliary Data Record (Type 26) cont.
Record Field Field
Position Length Contents Remarks
43-45 3 Description of Fourth Value
46 1 blank
47-50 4 Magnitude of Fourth Value
51 1 blank or 'E'
52-54 3 Exponent
55 1 blank
56-58 3 Description of Fifth Value
59 1 blank
60-63 4 Magnitude of Fifth Value
64 1 blank or 'E'
65-67 3 Exponent
A-23
-------
Appendix A
12/10/87
Record
Position
1-2
3
4
5
6-14
15
49-54
55
56-58
59
60
61
62-66
67
68-70
Format of the Results Data Record (Type 30)
Field
Length
2
1
1
1
9
1
6
1
3
1
1
1
5
1
Field
Contents
Record type
blank
Type of Identifier Used
blank
Identifier Code or CAS #
blank
16-24
25
26-30
31
32-34
35
36-41
42
43-45
46
47
48
9
1
5
1
3
1
6
1
3
1
1
1
Identifier Code or CAS # of
internal standard utilized.
blank
Units of measure
blank
Non-numeric result
blank
Numeric analytical result
blank or 'E'
Exponent
blank
Calculated Value Descriptor
blank
Related Calculated Value
blank or 'E1
Exponent
blank
QC or Limit Value Descriptor
blank
Related QC or Limit Value
blank or 'E1
Remarks
"30"
"I" = General Identifier
(e.g. chemical symbol,
program code). "C" = CAS
Registry Number. Other
codes may be defined.
Identifier codes may only be
used when no acceptable
CAS # exists. (Use right
justification in either case.)
For internal standard, if
measurement uses internal
standards; otherwise leave
blank.
Established per project by
Project Officer.
See page B-10; also called
a result qualifier.
Fixed point or scientific
notat ion.
Exponent
Describes following value:
"S" - surrogate; "F" -
spiked analyte; "N" - #
of points in mean. Other
codes may be defined.
Value represents amount
added or other calculated
or theoretical value.
Format same as 36-46.
Describes following value:
"D" - method detection limit
"S" - surrogate % recovery.
Value is method detection
limit; surrogate % recovery;
or other type defined by
the appropriate program.
A-24
-------
Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Instrumental Data Readout Record (Type 31)
Use: To describe a specific instrument readout value (raw data), for a specific
sample where both the instrument setting and the associated value must be
reported; exact nature of the value will be program dependent.
Position: Follows type 30. (Record will only be required for some programs.)
Remarks
Record
Position
1-2
3
Field
Length
Field
Contents
2
1
Record type
blank
'31'
4
5
1
1
Type of Data
blank
6
7
10-17
18
19-28
29
30-37
38
39-48
49
50-57
58
59-68
1
1
1
1
8
1
10
1
1
10
1
8
1
10
Type of Value Recorded
blank
Method of Data Entry
blank
First Instrument Setting
blank
First Instrument Value
blank
Second Instrument Setting
blank
Second Instrument Value
blank
Third Instrument Setting
blank
Third Instrument Value
Code for description of property
being measured or Instrument
Setting; e.g., M - mass
(GC/MS), or W - wavelength
in nm.
Code for Value Recorded;
e.g., A - area, B - absorbance,
H - height, P - percent
abundance, I - intensity.
C - computer, M - manual
(could be a sequence #).
e.g., 320 or 320, ">736 for
mass, or 4973.61 for wave-
length.
Up to 10 decimal digits.
Up to three readouts may be
given on each record provided
that positions 4, 6 and 8 are
the same for all.
A-25
-------
Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Auxilliary Data Record (Type 32)
Use: To describe qualifying data for calibration or analytes in samples. Indi-
cates where in the analysis data are located or how data were found or measured.
CLP program will report analyte scan number and retention time (in minutes).
Other projects.may use this record for any numerical sample qualifying data.
Position: Follows type 30. (Record will only be required for some programs.)
Record
Position
1-2
3
4-5
6
7
9-10
11
12-17
13
19-21
23-24
25
26-31
32
33-35
36
Field Field
Length Contents
2 Record type
1 blank
2 Match Score (if matching
of any sort was utilized)
1 blank
1 Match Score Specifier
1 blank
2 Description Code of
First Value
1 blank
6 Magnitude of First Value
1 blank or 'E'
3 Exponent
2 Description Code of
Second Value
1 blank
6 Magnitude of Second Value
1 blank or 'E'
3 Exponent
1 blank
Remarks
'32'
0 to 99%; e.g., used for
tentatively identified
compounds in GC/MS
How score was obtained; one
alphabetic char; program
will specify code when it
is appropriate.
Program specified descrip-
tor, e.g., "RT" for GC/MS
retention time; "IT" for
integration time; "CM" for
guantitation mass.
Fixed or Scientific notation
as in Record Type 30. Pro-
gram will define appropriate
measurement and applicable
units.
Each value has the same format
as positions 9-21. Up to four
values may be given on each
record. Additional records
may be added if necessary.
A-26
-------
Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Auxiliary Data Record (Type 32) cont.
Record Field Field
Position Length Conte'nts Remarks
37-38 2 Description Code of Third
Value
39 1 blank
40-45 6 Magnitude of Third Value
46 1 blank or 'E'
47-49 3 Exponent
50 1 blank
51-52 2 Description Code of Fourth
Value
53 1 blank
54-59 6 Magnitude of Fourth Value
61 1 blank or 'E1
61-63 3 Exponent
A-27
-------
Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Name Record (Type 33)
Use: To carry an analyte name and any other necessary identifying information
Different programs may .define further information to be reported.
Position: Follows type 30. (Record will only be required for some programs.)
Record Field Field
Position Length Contents Remarks
1-2 2 Record type "33"
3 1 blank
4-70 67 Name of compound Different programs may
define this field further.
A-28
-------
Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the QC Limit Record (Type 34)
Use: To
or
Position:
Record
Position
1-2
3
4-7
8
9-11
12
13
14
15-22
23
24-29
30
31-33
34
35-40
41
42-44
45
46-51
52
53-55
56
57-59
60
report- QC limit values that were in effect for the indicated measurement,
for the entire
Follows type
Field
Length
2
1
4
1
3
1
1
1
8
1
6
1
3
1
6
1
3
1
6
1
3
1
3
1
production run, depending
30. (Record will only be
Field
Contents
Record Type
blank
Type of data present
blank
Type of Value (s) present
blank
Method for calculating
limit
blank
Instrument Setting
blank
First QC or Limit Value
blank or 'E1
Exponent
blank
Second QC or Limit Value
blank or 'E1
Exponent
blank
Standard Deviation
blank or 'E1
Exponent
blank
Number of points used
for mean
blank
on program requirements.
required for some programs.)
Remarks
"34"
QC chart type, or any other
descriptor. See page B-8.
Limit Type (WIN, MAX, A, B,
LWL, LCL, AVE, UCL, UWL) , or
other descriptor. See page B-
M = manual, C = computer
Other codes may be defined.
Only if appropriate; (e.g.
wavelength value) .
May be a mean. Use fixed or
scientific notation.
May not be necessary. Use
format of positions 24-29.
Integer.
A-29
-------
Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the QC Limit Record (Type 34) cont.
Record Field Field
Position Length Contents Remarks
Positions 61 through 68
contain the date the QC limits
were computed.
61-62 2 Year YY
63 1 blank
64-65 2 Month MM
66 1 blank
67-68 2 Day DD
A-30
-------
Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Correction Data Record (Type 35)
Use: To record any correction data required. Different programs may define
further information to .be reported.
Position: Follows type 30. (Record may be required only for some programs.)
Remarks
'35'
"ICP" for ICP interelement
correction factors.
If necessary - describes
factor or gives units.
Record
Position
1-2
3
4-6
7
8-12
13
Field
Length
2
1
3
1
5
1
Field
Contents
Record Type
blank
Type of Correction
blank
Type of Value
blank
or Units
Positions 14 through 22
contain the date the factor
was determined.
14-15
16
17-18
19
20-21
22
23-31
32
33-40
41
42-47
48
2
1
2
1
2
1
9
1
8
1
6
1
Year
blank
Month
blank
Day
blank
CAS # of interfering
blank
element
Instrument setting in nm
blank
Correction factor
blank or '£'
YY
MM
DD
Wavelength for ICP
Use fixed or scientific notation.
49-51
Exponent
Contents of rest of record may be defined further by other programs.
A-31
-------
Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Deleted Data Record (Type 40)
Use: To delete any record.
Position: May occur anywhere.
Record
Position
1-2
3
Field
Length
2
1
Field
contents
Record Type
blank
4-70
67
Remarks
'40'
Contents undefined
Note: Any record type may be logically deleted by changing Record Type field to
"40". Remaining contents of record are unchanged and should be ignored by
all processing software.
A-32
-------
Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Special Data Record (Type 50)
Use: To indicate the presence of any data records from other Agency Data Base
Systems (e.g., STORET, AIRS, etc). This record may be used to report data in
any other format without having to convert the data.
Position: May occur anywhere.
Record Field Field
Position Length Contents
1-2 2 Record Type
3 1 blank
4-12 9 EPA (or other agency)
Project Type
13 1 blank
14-18 5 Counter
19 1 blank
20-70 51 Comments
Remarks
"50'
e.g., STORET, SAROAD, AIRS,
SFC
Indicates the number of
records from the indicated
system that will follow.
Any free-form comments may
appear here.
This record is necessary only if records from another system are being mixed with
records from this standard. The record may appear multiple times if data from more
than one additional system are present, or if all such data are not contiguous. The
counter will give the number of records in the alternate format that follow. These
alternative records have no defined format within this standard, and therefore no
check for any contents will be made. Record types, sequence numbers, and checksums
will not be present in the expected fields, and the sequence number counter will
simply ignore these records. Processing programs are expected simply to pass these
records as received to the appropriate system.
A-33
-------
Appendix A
12/10/87
Format of the Comment Record (Type 90)
Use: To provide any other necessary comments. Different programs may define this
further and may require its presence in various places.
Position: May occur anywhere (see above).
Record Field Field
Position Length Contents Remarks
1-2 2 Record Type "90"
3 1 blank
4-70 67 Any Comment Any program may use this
record for any purpose and
may further define field
contents.
A-34
-------
Appendix 1
12/10/87
Appendix B
Definitions of Various Codes
STRUCTURE OF THE METHOD NUMBER
The Method Number
The method number is a five character alphanumeric code. The purpose of the method
number is to define concisely the target analytes and the details of the method of
analysis. The method number has the form:
XXXXY
Where:
XXXX defines one or more target analytes plus the analytical method. This part
of the code is identical with the method numbers defined in EPA methods
manuals, the code of Federal Regulations and the private standard setting
organizations, e.g., ASTM.
Y is an alphanumeric modifier which specifies that an allowed option in the
method has been implemented or specifies fractions of analytes in the
method. The defined values of Y are dependent on the value of XXXX, that
is, a Y = 5 in the 200 series methods may have a different meaning than Y
= 5 in the 300 series methods. As an example, Y may distinguish total and
dissolved phosphorus measured by the same method but with or without the
optional method filtration. Another example is the use of Y to distin-
guish the acid and base/neutral fractions in method 625. If Y is not
defined in a method, the default value is one.
The method number is validated as alphanumeric for XXXX and Y. It is stored right
justified in the 5 digit method number field. Appendix C gives examples for
organic and inorganic analyses.
B-l
-------
Appendix B
12/10/87
Note:
LDl
LD2
LD3
to
LD9
Quality Control and Related Codes (QCC) in Type 20 Records
9
These QCC appear in the QC code fields of type 20 records. They are used
to indicate the type of data that are being reported. See page A-12.
Name
LABORATORY DUPLICATE
FIRST MEMBER
LABORATORY DUPLICATE
SECOND MEMBER
LABORATORY REPLICATE
Nth MEMBER
Definition
The first of two aliquots of the same environmental
sample. Each aliquot is treated identically
throughout a laboratory analytical procedure; and
each is carried through the entire laboratory
analytical method as applied to all other samples
analyzed with the same method.
The second of the two aliquots described under LDl.
The 3rd through the 9th additional aliquots which
logically follow LDl and LD2. If more than two
aliquots are used, all names are changed from
duplicates to replicates. Codes do not change.
LRB LABORATORY (REAGENT)
BLANK
LDB LABORATORY (DRY)
BLANK
LSB LABORATORY (SOLVENT)
BLANK
LCB LABORATORY CALIBRATION
BLANK
An aliquot of reagent water or equivalent neutral
reference material treated as an environmental
sample in all aspects in the laboratory including
addition of all reagents, internal standards,
surrogates/ glassware, apparatus, equipment, sol-
vents, and analyses.
Exactly the same as the LRB except the aliquot of
reagent water or equivalent neutral reference
material is omitted.
Exactly the same as the LDB except any internal
standards or surrogates are omitted.
An aliquot of reagent water, possibly adjusted in
pH, but without addition of other reagents.
LCM LABORATORY CONTROL
SOLUTION
LVM LABORATORY CALIBRATION
VERIFICATION SOLUTION
An aliquot of reagent water or equivalent neutral
reference material to which a known quantity(s) of
method analyte(s) was added in the laboratory. The
LCM is treated as an environmental sample in all
aspects in the laboratory including addition of all
reagents, internal standards, surrogates, glass-
ware, equipment, solvents, and analyses.
Exactly like LCM; used for calibration verifica-
tion.
B-2
-------
Appendix B
12/10/87
QCC Name
LIM LABORATORY INTERFERENCE
CHECK SOLUTION
LFM LABORATORY FORTIFIED
BLANK
Definition
Exactly like LCM; used to verify inter-element and
background correction factors.
An aliquot of sample matrix, known to be below de-
tection limits for an analyte(s), to which a known
quantity(s) of method analyte(s) was added. The
LFM is treated as an environmental sample in all
aspects in the laboratory including addition of all
reagents, internal standards, surrogates, glass-
ware, equipment, solvents, and analyses.
LSO LABORATORY SPIKED
SAMPLE BACKGROUND
(ORIGINAL) VALUES
LSF LABORATORY SPIKED
SAMPLE - FINAL VALUES
An environmental sample which is analyzed according
to the analytical method, and a single independent
aliquot of the same sample is taken for fortifica-
tion (spiking) with the method analyte(s).
An environmental sample in which the analyte(s) was
measured in an independent sample aliquot before
spiking (LSO), a known concentration increment was
made, and the measurement(s) of the final concen-
tration(s) were made according to the analytical
method (LSF).
•JX> LABORATORY DILUTED
SAMPLE BACKGROUND
(ORIGINAL) VALUES
LDF LABORATORY DILUTED
SAMPLE - FINAL VALUES
An environmental sample which is analyzed according
to the analytical method, and a single independent
aliquot of the same sample is taken and diluted
according to the analytical method.
An environmental sample in which the analyte(s) were
measured in an independent sample aliquot before
dilution (LDO), a known dilution was made, and the
measurement (s) of the final concentrations) were
made according to the analytical method (LDF).
LSD LABORATORY SPIKE
DUPLICATE
LF1 LABORATORY SPIKED
SAMPLE - FINAL -
FIRST MEMBER
LF2 LABORATORY SPIKED
SAMPLE - FINAL -
SECOND MEMBER
An environmental sample exactly like the LSO except
that two independent aliquots of the same sample
are taken for fortification (spiking) with the
method analyte(s).
An environmental sample exactly like the LSF except
that duplicate aliquots were spiked, and the
measurement(s) of the final concentration was made
according to the analytical method (LF1).
The second member of the LF1/LF2 duplicate pair.
B-3
-------
QCC Name .
LPS LABORATORY CONFIRMATORY
SCAN
Appendix B
12/10/87
Definition
The measurement of the spectrum or partial spectrum
of an analyte(s) in an environmental sample or
extract to obtain additional qualitative evidence
when the analyte(s) identification and measurement
were obtained from other techniques.
LPC LABORATORY PERFORMANCE
CHECK SOLUTION
A solution of method analyte(s)/ surrogate(s)
and/or internal standard(s) used to evaluate the
performance of an instrument with respect to a
defined set of criteria.
LDX LABORATORY DOUBLE
PURPOSE PRECISION AND
ACCURACY SAMPLE
An environmental sample which is used for both the
LSO (background level before spike) and LDl (first
member of a duplicate).
CAL CONCENTRATION CALI-
BRATION SOLUTION
(Type Unspecified)
CLM INITIAL CALIBRATION
MULTI POINT
CLS INITIAL CALIBRATION
SINGLE POINT
CLC CONTINUING CHECK
CALIBRATION
CLD DUAL PURPOSE
CALIBRATION
IDL INSTRUMENT DETECTION
LIMIT SOLUTION
A solution of method analyte(s) used to calibrate
the instrument response in terms of concentration
of analyte(s). Response factors rather than con-
centrations will be reported on the following type
30 records.
A calibration solution as above used to determine
the initial calibration of an entire production run
where a group of calibrations are required at
different levels of method analyte concentrations.
Exactly the same as CLM except only a single level
of method analyte concentrations are utilized.
A calibration solution as above used to verify
whether the initial calibration data are still cur-
rently valid. Will be run several times throughout
the duration of the production run.
A calibration solution as above used both as an
initial calibration (CLM or CLS) and a continuing
check (CLC).
A calibration solution (not necessarily the same
solution as above), where the data are to be used to
calculate instrument detection limits only.
blank
Unknown sample, not associated with any quality
control item.
B-4
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Appendix
12/10/87
B
The following QCC will only apply to field data.
QCC
FD1
Name
FIELD DUPLICATE
FIRST MEMBER
FD2
FIELD DUPLICATE
SECOND MEMBER
Definition
The first of two environmental samples taken at the
same time and place under identical circumstances.
Each sample is treated identically throughout field
and laboratory analytical procedures; and each is
carried through the entire laboratory analytical
method as applied to all other samples analyzed
with the same method.
The second of the two samples described under FDl.
FRB FIELD BLANK
An aliquot of reagent water or equivalent neutral
reference material treated as an environmental
sample in all aspects in both the field and the
laboratory including addition of all preservatives,
reagents, internal standards, surrogates/ glass-
ware, apparatus, equipment, solvents and analyses.
FCM FIELD CONTROL SOLUTION
An aliquot of reagent water or equivalent neutral
reference material to which a known quantity(s) of
method analyte(s) was added in the field. The FCM
is treated as an environmental sample in all as-
pects in both the field and the laboratory, includ-
ing addition of all preservatives, reagents, inter-
nal standards, surrogates, glassware, equipment,
solvents and analyses.
FRM FIELD REFERENCE
SOLUTION
FFM FIELD FORTIFIED BLANK
An aliquot of a sample (submitted by the requestor)
having a certified value. These samples are usual-
ly obtained from the NBS, EMSL, etc. The concen-
tration measured by the same analytical procedure
used for other samples is the "found" value.
An aliquot of sample matrix, known to be below
detection limits for an analyte(s), to which a
known quantity(s) of method analyte(s) was added in
the field. The FFM is treated as an environmental
sample in all aspects in the field and in the
laboratory, including addition of all preserva-
tives, reagents, internal standards, surrogates,
glassware, equipment, solvents and analyses.
B-5
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Appendix 3
12/10/87
FSO
FSF
Name
FIELD SPIKED SAMPLE
BACKGROUND (ORIGINAL)
VALUES
FIELD SPIKED SAMPLE -
FINAL VALUES
Definition
An environmental sample which was split in the
field. The portion represented by FSO is analyzed
according to the analytical method without fortifi-
cation (spiking).
The second portion of the environmental sample
which was split in the field, and to which a spike
was added in the field with a known concentration
increment. The measurement(s) of the final concen-
tration(s) was made according to the analytical
method (FSF).
The following QCC values do not refer to actual samples or calibrations for which
laboratory results are obtained. Instead they are used on type 20 records which
act as a header and indicate that additional (usually calculated) analyte specific
data will be present on type 30 (and following type) records. Usually these data
will apply to an entire production run, in which case they will appear immediately
following the type 10 record. If the data apply to only a portion of the samples
in the run, they should be placed immediately preceding the samples to which they
applies. Much of the rest of the information in the type 20 record may be blank,
indicating that this data does not apply to these results. Many of these codes are
method specific, and more codes will be added as additional methods require addi-
ti ^nal data.
MNC MEAN VALUES FROM
CALIBRATIONS
SID SAMPLE INDEPENDENT
(i.e. INSTRUMENT)
DETECTION LIMITS
ICF INTER-ELEMENT
CORRECTION FACTORS
SDR SPIKE/DUPLICATE
CALCULATED RESULTS
The data following represent mean values and
percent RSD's from several calibration solutions.
Data will be present for each method analyte for
which a mean has been determined.
The data following represent sample independent
detection limits for each method analyte calculated
according to the method being utilized.
The data following represent ICP interelement
correction factor measurements for each method
analyte.
The data following represent calculated QC results
for any QC samples involving multiple injections.
Data will consist of percent recoveries and the
percent RSD values for each appropriate method
analyte that was analyzed according to the analy-
tical method.
B-6
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Appendix B
12/10/87
Laboratory Quality Control Codes Which Do Not involve Real Samples
QC
Code
LRB
LRB
LDB
LSB
LCB
LFM
LCM
Name
Lab Reagent
Blank
Lab Reagent
Blank
Lab Dry Blank
Lab Solvent
Blank
Lab Calibra-
tion Blank
Lab Fortified
Blank-Measured
Lab Control
Solution
Measured
I/O
0
I
0
0
I
0
I
Internal
Stds
yes
no
yes
no
no
yes
no
Surrogates
yes
no
yes
no
no
yes
no
Clean
Matrix
Present
yes
yes
no
no
yes
yes
yes
Clean
Matrix
Analyzed
yes
yes
N/A
N/A
yes
no
no
Clean
Matrix
Spiked
no
no
N/A
N/A
no
yes
yes
NOTE 1: All except LCB prepared in the laboratory and treated exactly like a
sample for the value being measured, including all preanalysis treatments.
NOTE 2: Entries in I/O column: I = inorganic, 0 = organic
NOTE 3: LVM and LIM differ from LCM in their QC role in the run.
B-7
-------
Appendix B
12/10/87
Quality Control Codes in Type 34 Records
Note: Type 34 records are used to record the limit values which were in force
during the run. Other programs may define other codes. All codes should
be left justified.
Record Field
QC Chart Type
Limit Type
Code
LSPK
LSSP
LRBL
LDUP
LCST
A
B
MIN
MAX
LCL
LWL
AVE
UWL
UCL
Meaning
Statistical data from Laboratory Spikes
Statistical data from Laboratory Surrogate Spikes
Statistical data from Laboratory Reagent Blanks
Statistical data from Laboratory Duplicates
Statistical data from Laboratory Control Standards
Critical Range CR^) Slope
Critical Range (Rc) Intercept
Note: Upper limit for duplicates is expressed by the
critical range linear equation: RC = AX + B
Minimum concentration for which duplicates limit is
applicable
Maximum concentration for which duplicates limit is
applicable
Lower control limit
Lower warning limit
Mean
Upper warning limit
Upper control limit
Note: LCL, LWL, AVE, UWL and UCL apply to all QC
chart types except LDUP.
B-8
-------
Codes For Sample Medium (Matrix. Source)
Appendix B
12/10/87
Medium
All Media, Don't Know or Don't Care
Water, Type Unknown or Not Specified
Drinking Water
Ambient Surface Fresh Water
Raw Wastewater
Primary Effluent Wastewater
Effluent Wastewater (Secondary - Tertiary)
Industrial Wastewater
Salt, Ocean or Brackish Water
Ground Water
Leachate
Air, Type Unknown or Not Specified
Ambient Air
Source or Effluent Air
Industrial Workroom Air
Solids, Type Unknown or Not Specified
Bottom Sediment or Deposit
Soil
Sludge
Hazardous Wastes, Dumps
Fish, Shellfish Tissue
Plants, Algae Tissue
Commercial Product Formulation
Gasoline
Waste Oils
Field Sampling Equipment Solvent Washings
Atmospheric Deposition (Direct only)
Code
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
E
H
I
J.
K
L
M
N
P
Q
R
B-9
-------
Appendix
12/10/87
B
LIST OF SAMPLE and RESULT QUALIFIERS
Definition: A sample qualifier or a result qualifier (also called a non-numeric
result) consists of 3 alphanumeric characters which act as an indica-
tor of the fact and the reason that the subject analysis (a) did not
produce a numerical result, (b) produced a numeric result but it is
qualified in some respect relating to the type or validity of the
result or (c) produced a numeric result but for administrative reasons
is not to be reported outside the laboratory. Qualifiers related to
STORET remarks are indicated in the list below. This list is not
intended to be complete/ and it is assumed that individual projects
will add additional qualifiers to cover project specific circumstances.
Qualifier Full Name
BDL BELOW DETECTABLE LIMITS
FPS
FAILED PRELIMINARY
SCREENING
NSQ
NOT SUFFICIENT QUANTITY
LAC
LABORATORY ACCIDENT
FAC
FIELD ACCIDENT
ISP
PNQ
CMP
IMPROPER SAMPLE
PRESERVATION
PRESENT BUT NOT
QUANTIFIED
USED AS PART OF A
COMPOSITE
Definition
There was not a sufficient concentration of the
parameter in the sample to exceed the lower
detection limit in force at the time the analy-
sis was performed. (No result; STORET "W"
remark) Numeric results field, if present, is
at best, an approximate value.
A preliminary screening of the sample for the
subject parameter was conducted. The result of
the screening indicated that it would not be
useful to determine the concentration of the
parameter. (No result; no STORET remark)
There was not a sufficient quantity of the
sample to conduct an analysis to determine the
concentration of the subject parameter. (No
result; no STORET remark)
There was an accident in the laboratory that
either destroyed the sample or rendered it not
suitable for analysis. (No result; STORET "0"
remark)
There was an accident in the field that either
destroyed the sample or rendered it not suit-
able for analysis. (No results; no STORET
remark)
Due to improper preservation of the sample, it
was rendered not suitable for analysis. (No
results; no STORET remark code)
The subject parameter was present in the sample
but no quantifiable result could be determined.
(No result; STORET "M" remark)
The sample was not analyzed for the subject
parameter, instead it was used as part of a
composite sample. (No result; STORET "E"
remark)
E-10
-------
Appendix B
12/10/87
Qualifier
Full Name
NAI NOT ANALYZED DUE TO
INTERFERENCE
NAR NO ANALYSIS RESULT
PRE .PRESUMPTIVE PRESENCE
UNO ANALYZED BUT UNDETECTED
FQC FAILED QUALITY CONTROL
RNA RELEASE/REPORT NOT
AUTHORIZED
AVG AVERAGE VALUE
CNT NON-ACCEPTABLE COLONY
COUNTS
CAL CALCULATED RESULT
FLD FIELD MEASUREMENT
FEM FEMALE SEX
KIT FIELD KIT DETERMINATION
EST ESTIMATED VALUE
CAN CANCELLED
MAL MALE SEX
Definition
Because of uncontrollable interference the
analysis for the subject parameter was not
conducted. (No result; no STORET remark)
There is no analysis result required for this
subject parameter. (No result; no STORET
remark)
Presumptive evidence of presence of material;
tentative identification (No result; STORET "N"
remark)
Indicates material was analyzed for but not
detected. (No result; STORET "U" remark)
The analysis result is not reliable because
quality control criteria were exceeded when the
analysis was conducted. Numeric field, if pre-
sent, is estimated value. (Result; no STORET
remark, non-reportable; or report with STORET
"J" remark)
The analysis result is not authorized (by lab-
oratory management) for either forwarding to a
National Database or presentation in Engineer-
ing tabulations (No STORET remark)
Average value - used to report a range of
values (STORET "A" remark)
Results based on colony counts outside the
acceptable range. (STORET "B" remark)
Calculated result. (STORET "C" remark)
Field measurement. (STORET "D" remark)
In the case of species, indicates female sex.
(STORET "F" remark)
Value based on field kit determination - re-
sults may not be accurate. (STORET "H" remark)
Present above detection limit but not quanti-
fied within expected limits of precision.
(STORET "J" remark)
The analysis of this parameter was cancelled
and not performed. (No result; no STORET
remark)
In the case of species, indicates male sex.
(STORET "M" remark)
B-ll
-------
Appendix B
12/10/87
Qualifier . Full Name
LTL LESS THAN LOWER
DETECTION LIMIT
GTL GREATER THAN UPPER
DETECTION LIMIT
LTC LESS THAN CRITERIA OF
DETECTION
UNK UNDETERMINED SEX
RET
EER
REQ
CBC
LLS
MPR
MSL
TIE
RIN
REX
Definition
Actual value is known to be less than value
given - lower detection limit. (STORET "K"
remark)
Actual value is known to be greater than value
given - upper detection limit. (STORET "L"
remark)
Value reported is less than the criteria of
detection (which may differ from instrument
detection limits). (STORET "T" remark)
In the case of species, indicates undetermined
sex. (STORET "U" remark)
The analysis result is not approved by labora-
tory management and reanalysis is required by
the bench analyst with no change in the method.
(NO STORET remark)
The recorded value is known to be incorrect but
a correct value cannot be determined to enter a
correction. (No STORET remark)
The analysis is not approved and must be re-
analyzed using a different method. (No STORET
remark)
The calculated analysis result cannot be calcu-
lated because an operand value is qualified.
The analysis value is less than the lower
quality control standard. (Result; STORET "J"
remark)
The analysis value is the midpoint value of a
range of concentrations.
RETURN(ED) FOR
RE-ANALYSIS
ENTRY ERROR
REQUEUE FOR SEANALYSIS
CANNOT BE CALCULATED
LESS THAN LOWER STANDARD
MIDPOINT OF RANGE
"EMSL" DETECTION LIMITS Instrument Detection Limits were computed using
a "T" test on two or more calibration samples.
TENTATIVELY IDENTIFIED The subject parameter was not in the contract-
- ESTIMATED VALUE defined list of parameters to be analyzed for;
however its value has been estimated. (No
STORET remark)
The indicated analysis results were generated
from a re-analysis (injection) of the same
sample extract or aliquot.
The indicated analysis results were generated
from a re-preparation (extraction) of the same
sample.
RE-ANALYZED
RE-PREPARED
B-12
-------
Appendix
12/10/87
B
Qualifier - Full Name
REJ REJECTED
SPL
SRN
SRX
STD
STB
BAG
FBK
SPLIT RESULTS
SPLIT RESULTS -
RE-ANALYZED
SPLIT RESULTS -
RE-PREPARED
INTERNAL STANDARD
INTERNAL STANDARD
BELOW DETECTION LIMITS
BACKGROUND CORRECTION
POUND IN BLANK
CON CONFIRMED
TFB TENTATIVELY IDENTIFIED
AND FOUND IN BLANK
ALC ALDOL CONDENSATION
ALT ALTERNATE MEASUREMENT
AFB ALTERNATE AND FOUND IN
BLANK
Definition
The analysis results have been rejected for an
unspecified reason by the laboratory. For any
results where a mean is being determined, this
data was not utilized in the calculation of
the mean.
The indicated environmental sample or calibra-
tion has been split into more than one analy-
sis/ and the analysis results will be reported
as more than one group of results (multiple
type 20 records).
A combination of "SPL" and "RIN"
A combination of "SPL" and "REX"
The subject parameter is being utilized as an
internal standard for other subject parameters
in the sample. There is no analysis result to
report, although the theoretical and/or limit
value(s) may be present.
A combination of "STD" and "BDL"
Background correction has been applied to this
value.
The subject parameter had a measurable value
above the established QC limit when a blank was
analyzed using the same equipment and analyti-
cal method. Therefore the reported value may
be erroneous.
The subject parameter has been confirmed using
an auxilliary analytical technique as specified
in the analytical method.
A combination of "TIE" and "FBK"
The indicated compound is suspected by the
analyst of being a product of an aldol conden-
sation reaction.
The subject parameter was determined using an
alternate measurement method. Value is
believed to be accurate but could be suspect.
A combination of "ALT" and "FBK"
B-13
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Appendix C
12/10/87
Appendix C
Exanple Method and Matrix Codes for Dioxin,
General Organic and Inorganic Methods
The codes in Tables 1 and 2 are examples of method number designations for dioxin,
general organics and inorganics. In all of these, the Z position refers to the
matrix code and should be interpreted with the aid of page B-9. The generic value
of I/ which represents "water, type unknown or not specified", is used for water
analysis. Each of these generic matrix codes represents a group of specific codes,
with Z values of 2 through 9, and A through R.
Solid samples are represented by two specific codes, with Z values of G (bottom
sediment or deposit) and H (soil).
Dioxin rinsate samples use the value of Q (field sampling equipment solvent wash-
ings ).
Each method code shown occurs in a type 10 record and acts as the header for the
appropriate list of method analytes.
Method variations are designated by the N position. For example, Method 613
(Table 1) is run in three variations - full scan, partial scan and high
resolution.
C-l
-------
Appendix C
12/10/87
Table 1
Examples of Method and Matrix Codes for Dioxin and General Organics
XXXX Y N Z. Definition
680 111 Pesticides and PCBs - water
680 1 1 G Pesticides and PCBs - sediment
680 1 1 H Pesticides and PCBs - soil
613 111 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin - water
613 1 1 G 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin - sediment
613 1 1 H 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin - soil
613 1 1 Q 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin - rinsate
613 121 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin - water partial scan
613 1 2 G 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorc— dibenzo-p-dioxin - sediment partial scan
613 1 2 H 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin - soil partial scan
613 1 2 Q 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin - rinsate partial scan
613 131 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin - water - high resolution
scan
613 1 3 G 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin - sediment high resolu-
tion scan
613 1 3 H 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin - soil - high resolution
scan
613 1 3 Q 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin - rinsate - high resolu-
tion scan
624 111 GC/MS - Purgeables - water, internal/external standard
624 1 1 G GC/MS - Purgeables - sediment
624 1 1 H GC/MS - Purgeables - soil
624 121 GC/MS - Purgr^bles - isotope dilution - water
625 All GC/MS - Acid Fraction - water, internal/external standard
625 B 1 1 GC/MS - Base/Neutral Fraction - water, internal/ external
standard
625 C 1 1 GC/MS - combined acid and base/neutral fractions water, inter-
nal/external standard
625 C 1 G GC/MS - combined fractions - sediment
625 C 1 H GC/MS - combined fractions - soil
625 A 2 1 GC/MS - Acid Fraction - water, isotope dilution
625 B 2 1 GC/MS - Base/Neutral Fraction - water, isotope dilution
Notes:
1. See Page B-l for the structure of "XXXX" and "Y".
2. For each water sample, the appropriate value of "Z" should replace the
generic value of 1.
3. The values of "Z" and "N" are sample dependent and may vary within a
production run. They are reported on type 20 and 21 records (pages A-12
and A-14).
C-2
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Appendix C
12/10/87
Table 2
Examples of Method and Matrix Codes for Inorganics
XXXXY N Z. Definition
200 411 Generic code for analysis of total metals in water, after
method - defined digestion, by atomic absorption, flame.
200 421 Generic code for analysis of total metals in water, after
method - defined digestion, by atomic absorption, furnace.
200 471 Generic code for analysis of total metals in water, after
method - defined digestion, by TCP.
Note 1: For specific matrix codes, replace Z with specific value for type of
sample (from page 3-9), and XXXX with value for metal:
202 Aluminum
204 Antimony
206 Arsenic
208 Barium
210 Beryllium
213 Cadmium
215 Calcium
218 Chromium
219 Cobalt
220 Copper
236 Iron
239 Lead
242 Magnesium
243 Manganese
249 Nickel
258 Potassium
270 Selenium
272 Silver
273 Sodium
279 Thallium
282 Tin
286 Vanadium
289 Zinc
Note 2: Exception to above:
245 111 Analysis of mercury in water by the manual cold vapor
technique.
245 1 2 1 Analysis of mercury in water by the automated cold vapor
technique.
245 4-5 G Analysis of mercury in sediment, after method-defined
digestion, by the manual cold vapor technique.
C-3
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Appendix C
12/10/87
XXXX Y N Z Definition
245 4 5 H Analysis of mercury in soil, after method-defined digestion/
by the manual cold vapor technique.
245 451 Analysis of mercury in sludge, after method-defined digestion,
by the manual cold vapor technique.
335 121 Analysis of total cyanide in water by titrimetric, manual
spectrophotometric, or semi-automated spectrophotometric means.
335 1 2 G Analysis of total cyanide in sediment by titrimetric, manual
spectrophotometric, or semi-automated spectrophotometric means.
335 1 2 H Analysis of total cyanide in soil by titrimetric, manual
spectrophotometric, or semi-automated spectrophotometric means.
C-4
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Appendix C
12/10/87
Table 3
Example of the Sequence of Record Types in a Production Run
10 Contains the Run Header information
11 Contains Additional Run-Wide Information as Required.
12
13
20 Occurs once for each sample, calibration, mean response factors,
instrument detection limits, etc. - Acts as a header.
21 Will usually be present
22 Contains additional information for samples.
30 Occurs once for each final analytical result. Will give
whatever value is being determined as defined by the type 20.
31 Reports any instrumental data necessary.
32 Reports any auxilliary data necessary.
33 .Reports component names if necessary.
34 Reports QC Limit information if necessary.
35 Reports Corrections to results if necessary.
30 Values for the next analyte or parameter being measured.
31 Additional data may vary for each parameter, and records
32 may occur in any order. Multiple occurrences of the
32 same record type, however, must be consecutive.
33
30 Continues for as many as are necessary.
31
32
33
30
31
32
33
20 Next Sample Header record - the following applies to the next
21 sample or other group of data.
22
30
31
32
33
30
31
32
33
etc.
20
21
30
31
32
33
etc.
C-5
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