United States Office of Administration
Environmental Protection Cincinnati OH 45268
Agency
SEPA Proposed Standard
Format for Electronic
Transmission of
Analytical Chemical
Measurements for
Environmental
Monitoring Programs
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PROPOSED STANDARD FORMAT
FOR
ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF ANALYTICAL CHEMICAL MEASUREMENTS
FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMS
BY
Bruce Almich, Frances Fallen, Margie Edwards
Computer Services and Systems Division
Office of Administration
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Cincinnati, OH 45268
and
William J. Budde
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Cincinnati, OH 45268
June, 1984
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
CINCINNATI, OH 45268
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NOTICE
This document has been reviewed in accordance with U.S. Environmental Pro-
tection Agency policy and approved for publication. Mention of names of
vendors, trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorse-
ment or reccrmendation for use.
-------
CONTENTS
Page
Preface v
Acknowledgement vl
Background and Overview v11
Introduction
Tape Format
o
Record Formats
Analysis Types 3
Production Runs 3
Record Sequence 4
File/Record Integrity 5
Dates and Times 6
Eriiibits:
1. Format of the Run Results Header Record 7
(Type 1)
2A. Format of the Run Results Data Record 9
(Type 2)
2B. Format of the Run Results Deleted Data Record 11
(Type 5)
2C. Format of the Run Results Sample Header Data 12
Record (Type 6)
3. Format of the Run Results Runtime Data Record 14
(Type 3)
4. Format of the Run Results QC Limit Record 15
(Type 4)
5. Format of the Run Results Special Requirements 16
Record (Type 7)
6. Format of the Sample-Independent Method 17
Detection Limits Record (Type 8)
iii
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CONTENTS (oont.)
Appendix A. Examples of Definitions for Type 7 Records 18
Appendix B. Definitions of Various Codes 42
Appendix C. Suggested Barmeth Codes for Dioxin and 56
General Organics CLP Programs
Appendix D. Data Paths 60
Appendix E. Tabular List for CLP Dioxin IFB 63
Appendix F. Data Elements for Which a Standard List of 76
Values is to be Used
IV
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PREFACE
The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for receiving and
analyzing an enormous quantity of environmental monitoring data each
year. Much of this data is delivered in the form of analytical laboratory
results arising from the measurement of pollutants contained in samples
taken from the environment. The sheer volume and diversity of this data
has resulted in the need for EPA to utilize Automatic Data Processing
(ADP) technologies to assist in the data gathering and analysis process.
In order to fully realize the benefits of modem ADP technology, it has
become necessary to develop a standard approach for the delivery of
monitoring data to the Agency. This document describes the philosophy and
technical details of this information standard.
EPA plans to implement and make available the appropriate computer
software programs for the generation, receipt, validation, and subsequent
processing of information conforming to this standard and its successors,
as updates are needed. At the present time, several tasks are underway
to develop and install ADP systems in laboratories to generate the data
formats conforming to the standard. Work is also underway at the Agency's
data center, for developing a means of automated input of data conforming
to the standard into Agency databases. It is anticipated that this
standard automated approach will be extended to virtually all of the
Agency's monitoring efforts within the next few years.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors gratefully acknowledge the contributions of the following in-
dividuals to this project and the preparation of this document:
Hiyllis Mattio of Conputer Sciences Corporation, Who assisted in the sys-
tems analysis of the material.
Maridah Ahmad of Conputer Sciences Corporation, who tirelessly typed re-
peated drafts.
Dr. Randall Shobe of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Headquar-
ters, Who supplied agency perspective and management guidance.
VI
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Background and Overview
Since its creation, the Environmental Protection Agency has been
directly and indirectly involved in the collection, storage, and analysis
of enviromental measurements data, under virtually all of the enabling
legislation. This prograrmatic area, broadly referred to as "monitoring",
has been conducted inhouse and managed under contract widely throughout
the Agency, across all environmental media, analytical techniques, and
parameters of measurement. Direct monitoring involvement is carried out
by various inhouse sampling and analysis activities, assisted by Agency
service laboratories, in Regional, Research, and Program offices. Direct
activity is also managed under a number of large contract laboratory
programs whose annual costs to the agency total over $30 million. Indirect
activities are conducted under the permits and compliance monitoring pro-
grams which require industries, states, and municipalities to provide
environmental measurements data. Throughout all of these activities, the
Automatic Data Processing (ADP) resources of the Agency have been utili-
zed to assist in the storage and analysis of environmental monitoring
data.
Before the mid 1970's, the EPA monitoring program consisted mostly of
inhouse sampling and analysis activities involving only a few hundred
different parameters of measurement, principally taken from air and water
media. The limited number of measurement parameters and organizations
involved in the monitoring effort during this era contributed to a
straightforward, if not simplistic, approach to data collection, storage,
and quality control. Although the Agency initiated a few ADP projects
aimed at automating laboratory data collection, the majority of the
related ADP effort was concentrated on the development and maintenance of
large-scale finished data repositories such as STORET, and SARQAD. The
vast majority of monitoring data was hand-copied from inhouse service
laboratory notebooks to reporting sheets which were subsequently sent to
laboratory service requestors for further analysis and storage. A portion
of the monitoring data was sent from service laboratories to Regional ADP
units which managed its keypunching and batch transmission to the large-
scale finished data repositories. Permits and compliance monitoring data
was similarly collected from the states, industries, and municipalities,
with subsequent keypunching for batch transmission to appropriate large-
scale databases. For a small portion of the data, machine-readable
formats were available as an option, such as for states furnishing air
quality monitoring data to the national air database, SARQAD. Throughout
this timeframe, however, the characteristics of environmental data hand-
ling included many opportunities for errors and long delay times as the
data was re-copied and passed in hand written form among the several
individuals and groups involved. Many of the organizations responsible
for handling the data were considerably removed from the field sampling and
laboratory analytical processes, thus increasing the chance for error in
data entry and processing.
Since the mid-1970's, the environmental monitoring requirements im-
posed upon EPA have greatly increased. This has been due to new enabling
VII
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legislation and regulatory responsibilites involving vastly increased
numbers of measurement parameters, sampling sites, and media types from
which samples are to be taken. The enabling legislation has provided for
a number of different sources of approval of environmental sampling and
analytical laboratory methodology within the Agency, with no requirement
to develop commonality or avoid duplication. New data reporting require-
ments were introduced as a result of the mandatory Quality Assurance
order of 1979. The typical environmental sample is now analyzed for
hundreds of organic compounds at a cost of over ?700, compared to the
previous decade when samples were quickly analyzed for a few parameters
at one tenth the cost. In order to meet the vastly increased requirement
for analytical laboratory processing, resources have been shifted to
contract laboratory programs which account for over 90% of the current
EPA total analytical service laboratory program in monitoring activities.
Automatic Data Processing (ADP) systems have not been successfully
adapted to meet the greater information demands indicated above. There
has been no noticable improvement in the manner in which handwritten
finished data is supplied to the Agency for review, validation, and input
to the national data systems. Current requirements for delivery of data
from the Superfund Office of Emergency and Remedial Response Contract
laboratory Program general organics and dioxin projects alone will result
in the delivery of a 2 1/4 - inch stack of hand-copied paper reports (3
copies of a 3/4-inch stack) for each of the 40,000 estimated samples to
be analyzed in the next year. The result will be a stack of 1 1/2 miles
of paper to be reviewed by the Agency in the next year alone 1 Without
ADP assistance, this will be a very difficult task to carry out. Although
a number of "one-time" ADP systems have been built for entry and analysis
of monitoring data from specific projects (e.g. the temporary systems
built for the Office of Research and Development Love Canal monitoring
project), there is presently no Agency standard system or approach for
this function.
In 1983, an ADP project was initiated to standardize EPA's monitoring
data elements and to capture the information in machine-readable form for
input to Agency data systems. Hie Superfund Contract Laboratory Program
was identified as the initial client office for the production implementa-
tion of this project. As a part of the initial phase of the project, it
was decided to establish a long term Agency commitment to obtain monitoring
data for processing in standard machine-readable form(s) at the earliest
possible point in the finished data processing cycle, for electronic
transmission and entry into the appropriate mainframe databases. It is
necessary that this effort have a minimal impact on changes to the design
and the operation of the existing Agency mainframe data systems. Through
a "standard transmission format" approach, it is possible to realize the
benefits of automation without the need to modify mainframe database
software systems. To assure these and other project goals, Computer
Services and Systems Division, Cincinnati, was charged with the long term
responsibility of maintaining the standard and assisting Agency mainframe
monitoring database ADP support personnel in its installation, testing,
and maintenance. In addition, the Office of Research and Development,
viii
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OMSQA. - EMSL - Cincinnati was assigned a lead role in the implementation
efforts for software in laboratory instruments to produce datasets that
meet the standard transmission format. Throughout the project, the
overall philosophy and goals have been the following:
1. Provide a single, flexible information standard and efficient
software that will optimally meet Agency monitoring needs, with
minimal changes to existing mainframe data systems.
2. Capture the data in the field or laboratory in machine-readable
form at the earliest possible point, preferably without having
to be manually re-entered or re-copied if it is already in
machine-readable form (e.g. on disc in a laboratory data system).
3. Capture data that must be manually entered only once, without
repetitive entry. Enter this data at the location and by the
person most knowledgeable as to its correctness.
4. Conduct software development necessary to meet the goals of the
project, starting with the most cost-beneficial data paths. All
software is to be developed in the public domain and maintained
by EPA to not be vendor specific. It can therefore be implemented
by all institutions and instrument vendors that supply environ-
mental analytical results to EPA. Laboratories and other insti-
tutions who will be required to meet the standard data deliver-
able format can either use EPA-developed software for this
purpose, or develop their own.
5. The information standard and related software will be flexible
in that they can be adapted to future needs, with the addition
of new record and data types as these needs arise. We expect
that annual updates will be required, although table entries can
be changed at anytime to meet individual program needs.
6. Avoid the transmission of redundant data, i.e. data that can be
reported by a specific calculation or formula involving other
data elements in the standard.
7. The standard is to be capable of handling any environmental para-
meter, in any media, for any method of analysis. It is also to
handle the necessary delineation for analytical quality control
determinations based on standard statistical control charts as
well as other program-specific AQC requirements and methods.
8. The initial software to meet the standard will support data
transfer on industry standard 9-track magnetic tape. The standard
is, however, data media independent, and the Agency nay subsequen-
tly allow delivery via other vendor-independent means, such as
floppy disc, or direct telecommunications.
IX
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The material in this document ccnprises the proposed initial EPA
standard for environmental monitoring data transmission in the following
hierarchy of levels:
1. An industry-wide standard for medium of delivery: Magnetic Tape.
A checksum and record sequence numbering scheme allows for
future use of direct (e.g. telecommunications) transmission
through a "noisy" medium with full error recognition and control.
2. An EPA-wide standard for file formats and physical data record-
ing methods on the standard medium, to allow the tape to be read
by almost all Agency mini and mainframe computer systems.
3. An EPA-wide standard for record formats of records contained
within the files.
4. An EPA-wide standard for data elements contained within the re-
cords. The standard includes data element definitions which
will be used as edit and validation criteria by the input soft-
ware.
It is proposed that this standard be adopted and programmed for use
during the next eighteen months of alpha and beta testing on an Agency-
wide basis. Alpha testing will be performed under the upcoming Dioxin
IFB, with a limited number of participating contract laboratories. Beta
testing is planned to be performed under a larger set of Dioxin ZFB labs
as well as under the upcoming General Qrganics IFB and perhaps the up-
coming Inorganics IFB. Changes and refinements can be incorporated for
future releases of the standard and the supporting computer software, on a
regular basis after the first system is proven and running. Please
direct comments on this project to Dr. William Budde, ORD-EMSL - Cincin-
nati, at FTS 684-7309, or Bruce Almich, OA-Computer Services - Cincinnati,
at FTS 684-7769.
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Format for Analytical Results Reports on Magnetic Tape
Introduction
This paper proposes an EPA standard for media (magnetic tape) 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 processing systems will convert the input records into
forms more convenient for storage and processing.
2. Record types 1 through 6 are currently being used in existing
major Agency applications. Therefore, these formats are not
subject to revision. Record type 7 provides flexibility for
varying needs of different applications. Record type 8 is a
tentative addition to the standard.
3. 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.).
4. Record formats are consistent with requirements for a future er-
ror-free telecommunications format.
Tape Format
1. Tapes shall be industry - standard 9-track, 800 (NRZI) or 1600
(PE) bits per inch, with no internal labels.
2. Records shall be fixed-length 80-byte records consisting of ASCII
characters. If the operating system producing the record re-
quires an end-of-record code (such as carriage return or line
feed), this code shall occupy record position 80. Otherwise,
position 80 shall be blank.
3. Records may optionally be combined into fixed-length blocks, with
a blocksize not exceeding 4000 bytes. If the block includes a
prefix or postfix 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. Records shall be in the formats specified in Exhibits 1 through 6.
5. Tapes shall consist of one or more files. Each file shall end
with a tapenark. The last file on the tape shall end with two
tapenarks.
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6. Each tape reel shall bear one or more external labels, collec-
tively supplying the following information: volume ID, density,
blocksize, recordsize, decimal value of character in record
position 80, number of files, creation date, and name, address
and phone number of submitter. 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").
Record Formats
There are eight record types in the standard, with the formats shown in
Exhibits 1 to 6:
Type
1
Name
Run Header
Finished Results
Runtime Data
6
7
8
Quality Control
Limits
Deleted
Sample Header
Comments/Special
Method Detection
Limit
Contents Exhibit
Contains information pertinent 1
to the whole run (group, batch,
etc.). See run definition -
next page.
Contains a final result on an 2a
unknown or QC sample and identi-
fying information; calibration
data is not reported on type 2.
Contains instrument readings for 3
samples of known concentration,
used in establishing the state
of the instrument; mainly used
for the continuous flow analyzer.
Contains QC limits for spikes, 4
duplicates, blanks, control
standards and surrogate spikes.
Signals a deleted record; record 2b
contents are undefined except for
the record type code.
Contains sample-related information 2c
for "multiple analyte" run only.
Contents defined specifically for 5
each application. See also Appen-
dix A.
Contains Sample - Independent 6
Method Detection Limit (MDL)
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Analysis Types
The standard divides all analytical procedures into two types:
1. Singles - one aliquot of a sample produces one analytical result.
Record types 1 and 2 are mandatory; other types are
optional. Analytes are identified by parneth codes.
Examples: Single - channel continuous flow analyzer
and single analyte atomic absorption methods.
2. Multiples - one aliquot of a sample produces more than one ana-
lytical result. Record types 1, 2 and 6 are manda-
tory; other types are optional. Record type 6,
representing the sample, contains a parmeth code
which acts as an identifying label for the list of
compounds analyzed. Record type 2, representing an
individual analyte, contains either a parmeth code
or a CAS code (organ!cs) and an indicator ("P" or
"C") as to which code was used. The two codes may
not be mixed in one run. Examples: Multi-channel
continuous flow analyzer, QC/MS, and ICAP methods.
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,
Effluent Guidelines Program).
Production Runs
Since, under the proposed standard, a file contains the results for one
production run, it is necessary to define a .run in terms applicable
across a wide variety of analysis types. In general, a run should re-
present a "group" or "batch" of samples that are processed in a continuous
sequence under relatively stable conditions. Specific points character-
izing a run are:
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 calibration information is
contained in each sample.)
0 Instrument conditions - are typically constant throughout a run.
Results obtained on different instruments
cannot be combined in one run.
0 Parmeth code - (see Appendix Bl). XXX will be constant. Y, Z and
MN will often be constants, but are not required to
be. The amount of variation allowed here differs
with the nature of the analytical procedure.
The time span of a run varies with the type of analysis. Many runs for
inorganic analyses take a fraction of a day. Some organic analyses, such
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as GC and GC/MS, take a long tine for each sanple, so that the run may
contain data from several work shifts.
The first record in each tape file must be record type 1, the Run Header.
Positions 3-22 form an identifier for the run. After removal of blanks,
this would read 8404011521GC/MS for a GC/Ms run started at 3:21p.m. on
April 1, 1984. The measurement type is general, and will be assigned by
EPA. Similarly, the parmeth code in record type 1 is a generic represen-
tation of the parmeth codes in the run, and will have zeros in any of Y,
Z and MN if there are variations. 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 consis-
tency of the entire run.
Record Sequence
1. A Run Header (type 1) record must be present as the first record
in the file. Further occurrences of the type 1 record in the
file are not allowed.
2. In "singles" runs each type 2 record represents a sample. Record
types 2 (and 3 if present) should occur in the order in which
analytical results were obtained. The type 2 records for quality
control items have further rules (see Appendix B, Exhibit B2,
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. LCK must occur before the corresponding LD2 record and LSF/
LSA record pair, but the records need not be adjacent.
c. LSO must occur before the LSF/LSA record pair, but the re-
cords need not be adjacent. (Similar rule for FSO and
FSF/FSA)
d. LSD must occur before the LF1/LSA record pair, which must
occur before the LF2/LSA record pair, but the records need
not be adjacent.
e. In all cases, a record pair must be adjacent. In each case,
the first record of the pair represents an actual measure-
ment, while the second holds a known concentration value
supplied by the analyst:
LSF laboratory spike - final
LSA amount added
LCM laboratory control standard
LCT theoretical concentration of standard
4
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LSI surrogate spike - final concentration
LS2 amount added
LFM laboratory fortified blank
LET theoretical concentration of fortified blank
LF1 laboratory spike-final - first member
LSA amount added
LF2 laboratory spike-final - second member
ISA amount added
FSF field spike-final
FSA amount added
PCM field control standard
FCT theoretical concentration of standard
FRM field reference standard-measured
FRC field reference standard-certified
FFM field fortified blank
FFT theoretical concentration of fortified blank
3. In "multiple results" runs, each unknown or quality control sam-
ple is represented by a group composed of a type 6 record, which
holds samplelevel information, followed by one type 2 record for
each analyte. The QCC field of the type 6 record holds a count
for the number of analytes being determined. Record pairs for
surrogate spikes (LS1/LS2) may occur anywhere within the group
after the type 6 record, but are not included in the analyte
count for the sample. The placement rules shown for singles
apply, except that each sample is now represented by a group of
records, instead of one record.
4. Type 4 records, holding quality control limits which were in ef-
fect during the run, may follow the type 2 QC record (or record
pair), or may be grouped at the end of the run results file.
The latter is preferable.
5. Type 7 records may be defined to occupy any position except be-
fore the type 1 (header) record or between the two records of
the pairs listed above in 2e.
6. Type 8 records, holding method detection limits for compounds,
may be inserted after the type 2 record to which they relate, or
nay be grouped at the end of the run results file, following the
grouped type 4 records. The latter is preferable.
File/Record Integrity
All record types shall contain the following check fields to ensure file
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and record integrity:
Record Field Field
Position Length Contents Remarks
74-75 2 Record sequence 00-99, repeated as
number within file necessary
76-79 4 Record checksum Four hexadecimal
digits; calcula-
tion algorithm to
be supplied
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. Since some computers
generating the date and time sequence may have difficulty producing
leading zeros, these will not be required on the tape. The program
reading the tape will convert leading blanks to leading zeros in all date
and time fields.
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Exhibit 1
Format of the Run Results Header Record (Type 1}
Record length: 80 bytes
Record
Position
1
2
3-4
5
6-7
8
9-10
11
12-13
14
15-16
17
18-22
23
24-30
31
32-34
35
36
Field
Length
1
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
5
1
7
1
3
1
1
Field
Contents
Record type
blank
Date/time o:
Year
blank
Month
blank
Day
blank
Hour of Ins'
blank
Minute of Ii
blank
Measurement
blank
Parameter/m
Identifier
blank
Person resp
blank
Lab Compute:
Remarks
"I1
Positions 3 through
22 Hold the run I.D.
Date/time of run is
beginning of instru-
mental analysis.
general; e.g. GC/MS
Often a generic code
3 initials
All samples from backlog
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Exhibit 1 (cent.)
Record Field Field
Position Length Contents Remarks
37 1 Lab Gonputer edit flag Analyst examined and
approved results on lab
computer*
38-80 43 Reserved
8
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Exhibit 2A
Format of the Run Results Data Record (Type 2)
Record length: 80 bytes
Record Field Field
Position Length Contents
1
2
3-10
11
12-14
15
16
17
18-26
27
28-33
34
35-37
38
39-46
47
48-50
1
1
8
1
3
1
1
1
9
1
6
1
3
1
8
1
3
Record type
blank
EPA Sample I.D.
blank
QC code
blank
Parameter I.D. type
blank
Parameter/Method Identifier
Specific parameter code
blank
Numeric analytical
blank or 'E'
Exponent
blank
Units of measure
blank
Non-numeric result
result
Remarks
"2"
Alphanumeric
left justified
Alphanumeric; see
Exhibit B2
"P" = parmeth
"C" = CAS
Right justified
Right justified; fixed
point
or scientific notation
Blank field will be
interpreted as "400"
(Left justified)
Established per pro-
ject by Quality
Assurance Officer
See Exhibit B5; also
called a result qua-
lifier
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Exhibit 2A (cant.)
Record Field Field
Position Length Contents Remarks
51 1 blank
52-59 8 LCM RECNO Copied from backlog
Used only in EPA
standard in-house
LCM system
60 1 blank
61-65 5 Lab Computer backlog number Used only in EPA
standard in-house
LDM system
66-73 8 Parameter mnemonic " "
74-80 Reserved
10
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Erfiibit 2B
Format of the Run Results Deleted Data Record
(•type 5)
Record length: 80 bytes
Record Field Field
Position Length Contents Remarks
1 1 Record type "5"
2-73 72 Contents undefined
74-80 Reserved
Note: Any record type nay be logically deleted by changing Record Type field
to "5". Remaining contents of record are unchanged and should be ignored
by all processing software.
11
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Exhibit 2C
Format of the Run Results Sample Header Data Record
(Type 6)
Record length: 80 bytes
Record Field Field
Position Length Contents
1
2
3-10
11
12-14
15
16
17-19
20-26
27-38
39-46
47-51
52-59
60
61-65
1
1
8
1
3
1
1
3
7
12
8
5
8
1
5
Record type
blank
EPA Sample I.D.
blank
Analyte count
blank
Parameter I.D. type
blanks
Parameter/Method Identifier
Specific parameter code
blank
Units of measure
blank
"NOT RBQD" or blank
blank
Lab Computer backlo
g
Remarks
"6"
Alphanumeric,
left justified
Numeric ,• 1-3
decimal digits;
right justified;
see text
Right justified;
must be a parmeth
code
Not used
(Left justified)
Established per
project by Quality
Assurance Officer
Not used
number
Used only in EPA
standard in-house
LEM system
12
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Exhibit 2C (oont.)
Record Field Field
Position Length Contents Remarks
66-73 8 Parameter mnemonic Used only in EPA
standard in-house
LCM system
74-80 Reserved
13
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Erfiibit 3
Format of the Run Results Runtime Data Record (Type 3)
Record length: 80 bytes
Field
Remarks
Record
Position
1
2-4
5-14
15
16
17
18-26
27
28-37
38
39-40
Field
Length
1
3
10
1
1
1
9
1
10
1
2
Field
Contents
Record type
blank
Known value (IF)
blank
Code type
blank
Parameter/method identifier
blank
Instrument signal
blank
Inst. sample code
41-80
40
Reserved
+X.XXXE+XX
"P", "C1
Right justified
Lowest form available
e.g. absorbance
+X.XXXE+XX
B, S, CS, T for instr.
blank, standard, check
standard and timing
set standard
Note: Not used for CLP
14
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Exhibit 4
Format of the Run Results QC Limit Record (Type 4)
Record length: 80 bytes
>ield
Remarks
Record
Position
1
2
3-10
11
12-14
15
16
17
18-26
27
28-37
38
39-46
47
48
Field
Length
1
1
8
1
3
1
1
1
9
1
10
1
8
1
1
Field
Contents
Record Type
blank
QC chart type
blank
Limit type
blank
Code type
blank
Parameter/method Identifier
blank
Limit value
blank
Date conputed
blank
Method for calculating
49-80
34
limit
Reserved
LSPK, LSSP, LRBL,
LDUP, LCST
(left justified)
MIN, MAX, A, B, LWL,
LCL, AVE, UCL, UWL
llpll
Right justified
+X.XXXE+XX
MM/DD/YY
M = manual
C = computer
Note: Not used for CLP
15
-------
Exhibit 5
Format of the Run Results Special Requirements Record (Type 7)
Record length: 80 bytes
leld
Remarks
Record
Position
1
2
3-5
6
7 to (54+n)
Field
Length
1
1
3
1
Field
Contents
Record Type
Blank
Record Descriptor
Blank
Specific formats <
(55+n) to 80
defined for each application
Reserved
3 Alphanumeric chars.
Note 1: If Record Descriptor is '000', positions 7-56 contain a free-field com-
ment.
Note 2: "n" equals the number of between-field blanks.
16
-------
Exhibit 6
Format of the Sample-Independent Method Detection Limits Record Cfype 8)
Record Length: 80 bytes
Record
Position
1
2-6
7-13
14
15-23
24
25-28
29
30-35
36
37-39
40
41-48
49
50-55
56
57-59
Field
Length
1
5
7
1
9
1
4
1
6
1
3
1
8
1
6
1
3
Field
Contents
Record type
blanks
Parameter/Method Identifier
blank
CAS No.
blank
Method Detection Limit
Method
blank
Detection Limit
blank or 'E1
Exponent
blank
Units of measure
blank
Contract-required
detection limit
blank or 'E1
Exponent
Remarks
"8"
Right justified
EMSL or EST
Right justified,
fixed point or
scientific notation
Blank field will be
interpreted as "+00"
For blanks in CLP
program; right
justified, fixed
point or scientific
notation
Blank field will be
60-80
Reserved
interpreted as "400"
17
-------
Appendix A
of Definitions for Type 7 Records
The following 16 formats have been proposed to provide additional information to
meet the needs of specific Agency programs.
The relative positions of these records in the file nay be summarized as follows:
Follows Type Record Descriptors Information On
1 001, 005, 006, 007, 010, Run (group, batch, etc.)
Oil, 012, 013, 014, 015
2 (singles) or 003, 004, 008, 009, Sample
6 (multiples) 016
2 002, 008, 010 Analyte
1, 2 or 6 000 Run, sample, analyte
(comments)
No relative positioning is specified where multiple type 7 records follow, for
example, one type 2 record in a singles run. This should be dictated by the
logic of the program which prepares the tape records.
Type 7 records may be regarded as "trailer" records, supplying additional
information for the type 1, 2 or 6 record they follow. All type 7 records
encountered refer to the closest preceding type 1, 2 or 6 record, until another
type 2 or 6 record is encountered. (In the case of record pairs, type 7's follow
the second member of the pair, but will normally refer to the first member, which
represents an actual measurement.)
18
-------
Exhibit A-l
Type 7-001
Use: To provide additional information about the vrtiole run (group, batch, etc.),
Position: Follows type 1
Leld
Remarks
"7"
"001
Fran EPA standard
list
YY MM DD
e.g., CLP program
codes
e.g., CLP codes
Record
Position
1
2
3-5
6
7-12
13
14-21
22
23-30
31
32-41
42
43
44
45-47
Field
Length
1
1
3
1
6
1
8
1
8
1
10
1
1
1
3
Field
Contents
Record type
blank
Record Descriptor
blank
Lab ID
blank
Date Report Prepared
blank
IFB Number
blank
Contract Number
blank
Security code
blank
Counter for the
number of performance
checks in run
"S" = secure
"U" = unsecure
1-3 decimal digits;
right justified
19
-------
Eriiibit A-2
Type 7-002
Use: To carry a compound name - used in one local GC/MS system.
Position: Follows type 2
.eld
Remarks
Record
Position
1
2
3-5
6
7-14
15
16-24
25
26-58
Field
Length
1
1
3
1
8
1
9
1
33
Field
Content
Record Type
blank
Record descriptor
blank
EPA Sample ID
blank
CAS no.
blank
Name of compound
"002"
justified
20
-------
Erfiibit A-3
Type 7-003
Use: To provide additional information about a specific
Position: Follows type 6 (multiples) or 2 (singles).
sample.
Record
Positions
1
2
3-5
6
7-14
15
16-17
18
19-26
27
28-30
31
32-34
35
36-45
Field
Length
1
1
3
1
8
1
2
1
8
1
3
1
3
1
10
Field
Contents
Record type
blank
Record Descriptor
blank
EPA Sample ID
blank
Region or other client
blank
Case number
blank
Batch/shipment number
blank
Clean-up option
blank
File Name
Remarks
"7"
space
"003 "
Alphanumeric ;
justified
left
CLP program format
Alphanumeric;
justified
"A" or "AB";
justified
File name in
left
left
instru
ment data system
46
47-52
53
54-56
1
6
1
3
blank
QC report number
blank
Initials of instrument
Alphanumeric ;
justified
left
operator
21
-------
Exhibit A-4
Type 7-004
Use: To describe various dates in connection with a specific sanple.
Position:
Record
Position
1
2
3-5
6
7-14
15
16-23
24
25-32
33
34-41
42
43-47
48
49
50
51
Follows type
Field
Length
1
1
3
1
8
1
8
1
8
1
8
1
5
1
1
1
1
6 (multiples) or 2 (singles)
Field
Contents Remarks
Record type "7"
blank
Record descriptor "004"
blank
EPA Sample ID
blank
Date Sanple Received at Lab YY MM DD
blank
Date of Beginning of YY MM DD
Sample Prep - Extraction
prior to analysis
blank
Date of Instrumental analysis YY MM DD
blank
Hour, Min. of analysis HH MM
blank
Work shift for sample prep "G". "D" or
"S" for:
graveyard, day,
swing
blank
Work shift for sanple analysis "G", "D" or "S"
22
-------
Exhibit A-5
Type 7-005
Use: To describe Gas Chroma tograph conditions. Covers a group of samples.
Position: Follows type 1
Field
Remarks
Record
Position
1
2
3-5
6
7-14
15
16-19
20
21-24
25
26-28
29
30-33
34
35-44
Field
Length
1
1
3
1
8
1
4
1
4
1
3
1
4
1
10
Field
Contents
Record type
blank
Record Descriptor
blank
Commercial Column name
blank
Column Length in meters
blank
Column inside diameter in
ntn
blank
Initial Column Temp, in
degrees C.
blank
Initial Temp. Holding Time
in Min.
blank
First (or only) Column
Temperature Program in
degrees C with @ between
45
46-48
1
3
range and degrees C/min
blank
Second* Column Temp in de-
"005"
left justified
e.g. SP2330
e.g., 100 or 99.5 or
3.5 (right justified)
e.g., 2 or .3
(right justified)
e.g., 50 or 300
(right justified)
XX.Y
e.g., 45-250 @ 8
grees C
e.g., 250 or 350
23
-------
Exhibit A-5 (cont.)
Record
Position
49
50-53
54
55
56
57-58
59
60-62
63
64-65
66
67-68
Field Field
Length Contents
1 blank
4 Second* Temp. Holding
Time in Min.
1 blank
1 Type of Injector
1 blank
2 Carrier Gas
1
3
1
2
1
2
blank
Carrier Gas flow rate
in iriL/min or Cm/sec
blank
Units code
blank
Number of Column
Temperature Programs
Remarks
XX.Y
S = split
L = splitless
N = on column
standard chemical
Symbol e.g. He
or Ar
nnn
"ML" or "CM"
Right justified
*Note: When Number of Column Tenperature Programs is "1", positions 46-48 and
50-53 will hold the final column temperature and holding time, and no
type 7-006 record will follow.
24
-------
Exhibit A-6
Type 7-006
Usei Continuation of 7-005. Used only if multiple ramp column temperature
programs are employed.
Position: Follows the type 7-005 to which it applies.
Remarks
Record
Position
1
2
3-5
6
7-16
17
18-20
21
22-25
26
27-36
37
38-40
41
42-45
Field
Length
1
1
3
1
10
1
3
1
4
1
10
1
3
1
4
Field
Content
Record type
blank
Record Descriptor
blank
Second Column Temperature
Program in degrees C with
@ between range and degrees
C/min
blank
Third Column Temperature
in degrees C
blank
Third Temperature
Holding Time in min.
blank
Third Column Temperature
Program
blank
Fourth Column Temperature
in degrees C
blank
Fourth Temperature
46
Holding Time in min.
blank
"006"
e.g., 45-250 @ 8
XX.Y
Like positions 7-16
Like positions 18-20
Like positions 22-25
25
-------
Exhibit A-6 (cont.)
Record Field Field
Position Length Content Remarks
47-56 10 Fourth Column Tenperature Like positions 7-16
Program
57 1 blank
58-60 3 Fifth Column Temperature Like positions 18-20
in degrees C
61 1 blank
62-65 4 Fifth Temperature Like positions 22-25
Holding Tine in min.
26
-------
Exhibit A-7
Type 7-007
Usei To describe Mass Spectrometer conditions. Covers a group of samples.
Position: Follows type 1
Leld
Remarks
Record
Position
1
2
3-5
6
7-12
13
14-19
20
21-23
24
25-33
34
35-37
38
39-44
45
46-47
Field
Length
1
1
3
1
6
1
6
1
3
1
9
1
3
1
6
1
2
Field
Contents
Record type
blank
Record Descriptor
blank
Instrument model
blank
Instrument ID
blank
Scan cycle time in sec.
blank
Mass Range Scanned
blank
Pos or Neg ions
blank
Mass Spectrometer Resolution
blank
lonization Mode
"007"
See Appendix F;
left justified
e.g. GC8312; pro-
vided by contract
lab; left justified;
must be unique and
permanent within
lab
1.3
e.g. 50-500
"POS" or "NEG"
e.g. 500, 60000
(defined as
M/delta M)
FA, El, TS, CI, AP
27
-------
Exhibit A-7 (cont.)
Record Field Field
Position Length Contents Remarks
48 1 blank
49-55 7 Reagent gas HE or Methane or
none
28
-------
Ertiibit A-8
Type 7-008
Use: To describe a specific ion and specific peak area or height (raw data),
for a specific sanple.
Position: Follows type 2 for surrogate and analyte, linked by Sample number &
CAS No. Follows type 6 for internal standard. (If calibration raw
data is required, could follow type 7-012, replacing 7-013.)
Remarks
•7"
"008"
Record
Position
1
2
3-5
6
7-14
15
16-24
25
26-33
34
35-44
45
46
47
48
Field
Length
1
1
3
1
8
1
9
1
8
1
10
1
1
1
1
Field
Contents
Record type
blank
Record Descriptor
blank
EPA Sample I.D.
blank
CAS No.
blank
Ion
blank
area/height
blank
Specifier for area or
height
blank
Height Measurement Mei
Right justified
e.g. 320 or 320.0736
(right justified)
up to 10 decimal
digits, right jus-
tified
"A" or "H"
"C" or "M" for
height; blank for
area
29
-------
Etfiibit A-9
Type 7-009
Use: To describe information on dilution fact<
results or check contractor calculations.
Position:
Record
Position
1
2
3-5
6
7-14
15
16-20
21
22-24
25
26
27
28-32
33
34-35
36
37-39
Follows type
Field
Length
1
1
3
1
8
1
5
1
3
1
1
1
5
1
2
1
3
6
Field
Contents
Record type
blank
Record Descriptor
blank
EPA Sample I.D.
blank
Extract Volume in ml
blank
Injection Volume in uL
blank
Sample Units Code
blank
Sample Size
blank
Percent moisture
blank
EGD codes for quantitat
Remarks
"009"
report type
e.g. 1.0 or 0.050
right justified;
e.g. 50 or 0.5
"L" = liters
"C" = cubic meters
"K" = kilograms
(wet wt.)
right justified;
see note 1
right justified
CAL, EPA, PAR, STD,
VER, ELK, APS
30
-------
Exhibit A-9 (cont.)
Record
Position
40
41
42
43
Field
Length
1
1
1
1
Field
Contents
blank
Extraction code
blank
Concentration li
Record
CLP: "J" = Jar
"L" = Liquid
"L" = low
"M" = medium
"H" = high
(See note 2)
Note 1: Sanple Size is the volume in liters for liquids, the volume in cubic me-
ters for air, and the wet weight in kilograms for solids. The Sample
Units Code indicates which units are in use for the current sample.
Note 2: The Concentration level is an estimate of overall level for all analytes
together.
31
-------
Exhibit A-10
Type 7-010
Use: To describe retention tine data for calibration or analytes in sanples,
for QC and GS/MS analyses.
Position: When Use Specifier (position 60) = "A", this record follows type 2;
when Use Specifier = "C", this record follows type 7-013.
Remarks
Record
Position
1
2
3-5
6
7-14
15
16-24
25
26-30
31
32-36
37
38-46
47
48-52
53
54-58
Field
Length
1
1
3
1
8
1
9
1
5
1
5
1
9
1
5
1
5
Field
Contents
Record type
blank
Record Descriptor
blank
EPA Sample I.D.
blank
Gas No., analyte
blank
Scan number, analyte
blank
Retention time, analyte
blank
CAS No. , internal std.
blank
Scan number, internal
std.
blank
Retention time, internal
"010"
Blank for ca-
libration
right justified
1-99999 integer
MM:SS
Far retention time
internal standard
(right justified).
1-99999 integer
MM:SS
std.
32
-------
Etfiitait A-10 (oont.)
Record
Position
59
Field
Length
Field
Contents
blank
Remarks
60
61
62-63
64
65
1
2
1
1
Use specifier
blank
Score
blank
Score Specifier
"A" = analyte
"C" = calibration
00 to 99%; used for
tentatively identi-
fied ccrpounds
How score was obtain-
ed; one alphabetic
char; from EPA sup-
plied list
33
-------
Exhibit A-ll
Type 7-011
Use: To act as a subhead for calibration data for GC and GC/MS analyses. One
required for each point of a multipoint calibration.
Position: Follows type 1.
Record
Position
1
2
3-5
6
7-14
15
16-20
21
22
23
24-30
31
32-41
Field
Length
1
1
3
1
8
1
5
1
1
1
7
1
10
Field
Content
Record 1
blank
Record I
blank
Date of
blank
Time of
blank
Type of
blank
Parmeth
blank
Calibrat
Remarks
•7"
"Oil"
YY MM DD
HH MM
I = initial single
point
M = single point of
multipoint initial
calibration
n(numeral) = average
of n points of multi-
point initial cali-
bration
C = continuing single
point check
generic code
(Z = 0)
Used in GC/MS or GC
data system
42
blank
34
-------
Exhibit A-ll (cont.)
Record Field Field
Position Length Content Remarks
43-45 3 Counter for the nuntoer 1-3 deciiral
of analytes to follow digits; right
justified
46 1 blank
3 Injection volume in ul right justified;
e.g. 0.5 or 2
35
-------
Exhibit A-12
Type 7-012
Use: To describe calibration data for GC and GC/MS analyses.
Position:
Record
Position
1
2
3-5
6
7-15
16
17-25
26
27-31
32
33-36
37
38-41
42
43-44
Applies to a group of sanples on a given day or shift - follows the
appropriate type 7-011. There is at least one type 7-012 for each
unique parmeth-CAS combination in the run.
Field
Length
1
1
3
1
9
1
9
1
5
1
4
1
4
1
2
Field
Contents
Record type
blank
Record Descriptor
blank
CAS No. - Internal
Standard
blank
CAS No. - Analyte or
Surrogate
blank
Response Factor
blank
Amt of Internal Std
Injected in nanograms
(AmtIS)
blank
Amt. of analyte Injected
in nanograms (AmtA)
blank
Number of ion pairs
Remarks
"7"
"012"
XX.YY
RF = Areaa Arnt-rs
AreaIS AmtA
A = analyte
IS = Int. Std.
e.g., 10 or 9999
e.g. 10 or 9999
Right justified
following (on Type
7-013)
36
-------
Erfiibit A-13
Type 7-013
Use: Continuation of 7-012
Position: Same as 7-012. follows the 7-012 record to vAiich it applies. More
than one type 7-013 may follow one type 7-012.
Remarks
Record
Position
1
2
3-5
6
7-14
15
16-23
24
25-32
33
34-41
42
43-50
51
52-59
Field
Length
1
1
3
1
8
1
8
1
8
1
8
1
8
1
8
Field
Contents
Record type
Blank
Record descriptor
Blank
First* ion used for
internal standard area
Blank
First* ion used for
analyte area
Blank
Second* ion used for
internal standard area
Blank
Second* ion used for
analyte area
Blank
Third* ion used for
internal standard area
Blank
Third* ion used for
"013"
e.g. 322 or 331.9875
(right justified)
analyte area
*If two 7-013 records are used after one 7-012, these fields become the fourth.
fifth and sixth ions on the second record.
37
-------
Ertiibit A-14
Type 7-014
Use: To describe performance check (P/C) evali
Position:
Record
Position
1
2
3-5
6
7-14
15
16-20
21
22-29
30
31-37
38
39-47
48
49
Applies to
7-001.
Field
Length
1
1
3
1
8
1
5
1
8
1
7
1
9
1
1
a group of samples on a <
Field
Content
Record type
blank
Record Descriptor
blank
Date of P/C
blank
Time of P/C
blank
Case Number
blank
Parameter method
identifier
blank
CAS No. - P/C
blank
Type of check
compound
Remarks
"014"
YY MM DD
HH tvl
CLP program format
Generic (Z = 0)
1 alphabetic char.
"R" = Chromatography
Resolution
"M" = Mass spec.
calibration
of mass and
abundance
50
blank
38
-------
Exhibit A-14 (cont.)
Record Field Field
Position Length Content Remarks
51-54 4 Oiranatographic re- XX.Y; X/Y*100; used,
solution for example, for CLP
dioxin program
55 1 blank
56-57 2 Number of ion - % rel. 1-2 decimal digits
abundance pairs following (right justified)
(on type 7-015)
39
-------
Exhibit A-15
Type 7-015
Use: Continuation of 7-014. There nay be more than one type 7-015 following
one 7-014 record.
Position: Follows the type 7-014 record to which it applies.
Remarks
Record
Position
1
2
3-5
6
7-9
10
11-15
Field
Length
1
1
3
1
3
1
5
Field
Content
Record type
blank
Record descriptor
blank
First ion
blank
Relative abundance
"0151
1-3 decimal digits,
right justified
f XXX.Y
first ion
16-25 10 Second ion Same fontat as
positions 6-15
26-35 10 Third ion
36-45 10 Fourth ion
46-55 10 Fifth ion
56-65 10 Sixth ion
Note: Second type 7-015 for same 7-014 would describe seventh to twelfth ions,
etc.
40
-------
Exhibit A-16
Type 7-016
Format of the Sample-Dependent Method Detection Limits Record
Use: To provide the detection limit required for the
Position:
Record
Position
1
2
3-5
6
7-13
14
15-23
24
25-28
29
30-35
36
37-39
40
41-48
Follow type
Field
Length
1
1
3
1
7
1
9
1
4
1
6
1
3
1
8
6.
Field
Contents
Record type
blank
Record descriptor
blank
Parameter/Method Identifier
blank
CAS No.
blank
Method Detection Limit
Method
blank
Detection Limit
blank or 'E1
Exponent
blank
Units of measure
CLP Dioxin program.
Remarks
II Til
"016"
Right justified
e.g. EMSL, EST,
VII
Right justified,
fixed point or
scientific notation
Blank field will be
interpreted as "-K>0"
41
-------
Appendix B
Definitions of Various Codes
Exhibit Bl. Structure of the Parameter/Method (Parmeth) Code
Exhibit B2. Definitions of Quality Control Items and Codes (QCC) in Type 2
Records
Exhibit B3. Definitions of Quality Control Codes in Type 4 Records
Exhibit B4. Codes for Sanple Medium (Matrix, Source)
Exhibit B5. List of Result Qualifiers
42
-------
Exhibit Bl
STRUCTURE OF THE PARAMETER/METHOD (PARMETH) CODE
The Parmeth Code
The parameter/method (parmeth) code is a seven character alphanumeric code that is
utilized in the Agency laboratory Data Management System. The purpose of the
parmeth code is to define concisely the target analytes, the details of the method
of analysis, and the sample medium which was the subject of the analysis. The
parmeth code has the form:
XXXYZMN
Where:
XXXN 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 (1) and the Federal Register (2) for water
methods. If N is not specified, the default value is one. The XXXN
part of the code is always numeric.
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 XXXN, 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 filtra-
tion. Another example is the use of Y to distinguish the acid and
base/neutral fractions in method 625. If Y is not defined in a
method, the default value is one.
Z is a code to define the environmental medium to which the analysis
was applied, for example, drinking water or ambient air. The Z part
of the code is alphanumeric.
M is a numeric code to allow variations in the method that may be ne-
cessary for local needs. The M may be used, for example, to distin-
guish data from two similar or identical instruments running the
same method in a high production laboratory. One instrument may be
M = 1 and the other M = 2. This digit nay also be used to define
analytes in addition to those defined by XXXN. local users are re-
quested to use M = 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 when M is defined in connection
with an officially promulgated XXXN method. Purely local methods
are M = 5-8, and M = 9 is reserved for other future uses.
The parmeth code is validated as numeric for XXX and MN and as alphanumeric for Y
and Z. It is stored right justified in the 9 digit specific parameter code field.
43
-------
Exhibit B2
Quality Control Items in Type 2 Records
Note: These QCC values appear in the QC code fields of type 2 records. See Ex-
hibit 2A.
QCC
LD1
Name
LABORATORY DUPLICATE
FIRST MEMBER
LD2
IABORATORY DUPLICATE
SECOND MEMBER
Definition
Identification of the concentration value
measured from the first of two aliquots of
same environmental sample. Each sample or
aliquot is carried through all the same
sample preanalysis processing in the lab-
boratory that is used for unknown samples
Each aliquot is treated exactly the same
throughout the laboratory analytical me-
thod. This aliquot is identified as the
first member of up to nine individual
aliquots. LD1 is also treated as the
result for an unknown (non-^AQC) sample.
Identification of the concentration value
measured from the second of two aliquots
of the same environmental sample. Each
sample or aliquot is carried through all
the same sample preanalysis processing in
the laboratory that is used for unknown
samples. Each aliquot is treated exactly
the same throughout the laboratory analy-
tical method. This aliquot is identified
as the second member of up to nine indivi-
dual aliquots.
LRB
LABORATORY REAGENT
BLANK
Identification of a measured concentration
value from a blank solution prepared from
inert substances (e.g., distilled vater)
in the laboratory and treated exactly as a
laboratory sample for the parameter being
measured including all preparations, hold-
ing times, and other preanalysis treat-
ments.
LCT LABORATORY CONTROL
STANDARD - THEORETICAL
Identification of a theoretical value ob-
tained from mathematical calculations that
represents an expected concentration un-
biased by real-world factors. It is cal-
culated for a sample prepared in the lab-
44
-------
LCM LABORATORY CONTROL
STANDARD - MEASURED
oratory by dissolving a known amount of a
pure conpound in a known amount of clean
water.
Identification of the measured concentra-
tion value for a sample prepared in the
laboratory by dissolving a known amount of
a pure compound in a known amount of clean
water. Each sample or aliquot is carried
through all the same sample pre^analysis
processing in the laboratory that is used
for unknown samples.
LSO LABORATORY SPIKED
SAMPLE - ORIGINAL
LSA LABORATORY SPIKED
SAMPLE - SPIKE ADDED
LSF LABORATORY SPIKED
SAMPLE - FINAL
Identification of the measured concentra-
tion value of the conpound in the original
environmental sample. LSO is also treated
as the unknown (non-AQC) sample result.
Identification of the amount by which the
concentration of the original environmen-
tal sample will increase due to the addi-
tion of the pure compound in the labora-
tory.
Identification of the measured concentra-
tion value of the combined environmental
sample and the pure compound.
% Recovery = LSF - LSO
LSA x 100
LDX LABORATORY MULTIPLE AQC
Identification of the measured concentra-
tion value where the same root sample is
used for both LD1 (1st member of duplicate)
and LSO (original concentration of LAB
spike), as well as an unknown (non-AQC)
sample result.
LSD
LABORATORY SPIKE
DUPLICATE
LF1
lABORATORY SPIKED
SAMPLE - FINAL -
FIRST MEMBER
Identification of the measured concentration
value where the same root sample is used
for independent duplicate spikes and LSO
(original concentration of LAB spike) as
well as an unknown (non-AQC) sample result.
Identification of the measured concentration
value of the combined environmental sample
and the pure compound.
% Recovery = LF1 - LSD x 100
LSA
45
-------
LF2
LSI
LABORATORY SPIKED
SAMPLE - FINAL -
SECOND MEMBER
LABORATORY SURROGATE
SPIKE - MEASURED
LS2
LABORATORY SURROGATE
SPIKE - ADDED
Identification of the measured concentration
value of the combined environmental sample
and the pure compound.
% Recovery = LF2 - LSD x 100
LSA
Identification of the measured concentra-
tion value of a compound added to the ori-
ginal environmental sample in the labora-
tory which is not one of the materials
found in the sample.
Identification of the expected or calcula-
ted concentration value of the pure com-
pound added to the original environmental
sample in the laboratory, which is not one
of the materials found in the sample.
LFM
LABORATORY FORTIFIED
BLANK - MEASURED
LFT
LABORATORY FORTIFIED
BLANK - THEORETICAL
Identification of the measured concentra-
tion value for a sample prepared in the
laboratory by adding a known amount of a
pure compound to a blank fortified with a
matrix. The matrix may possibly be a
man-made simulation of a naturally - oc-
curring matrix.
Identification of a theoretical value ob-
tained from mathematical calculations that
represents an expected concentration unbi-
ased by real-world factors. It is calcu-
lated for a sample prepared in the labo-
ratory by adding a known amount of a pure
compound to a blank fortified with a ma-
trix. The matrix may possibly be a man-
made simulation of a naturally - occur-
ring matrix.
LPS
Identification of a set of mass and abun-
dance data used to confirm the presence of
an analyte (mass spectroscopy only).
blank
Unknown sample, not associated with qua-
lity control item.
FD1 FIELD DUPLICATE
FIRST MEMBER
Identification of the concentration value
measured from the first of two samples
46
-------
FD2 FIELD DUPLICATE -
SECOND MEMBER
taken at the same time and placed under
identical circumstances. Each sanple is
treated exactly the same throughout the
field and laboratory analytical methods.
This audit measures scatter in the analy-
sis step and in sample collection, preser-
vation and holding time. This sanple is
identified as the first member of a dupli-
cate pair.
Identification of the concentration value
measured from the second of two samples
taken at the same time and place under
identical circumstances. Each sanple is
treated exactly the same throughout the
field and laboratory analytical methods.
This audit measures scatter in the analy-
sis step and in sample collection, preser-
vation and holding time. This sanple is
identified as the second member of a
duplicate pair.
FRB
FIELD BLANK
Identification of a measured concentra-
tion value for a blank matrix that has
been prepared from inert substances (e.g.,
distilled water) and treated as a field
sample in all aspects, including exposure
to the sanple bottle, holding time, preser-
vatives and other preanalysis treatments.
FCT
FIELD CONTROL STANDARD
THEORETICAL
FCM
FIELD CONTROL STANDARD
MEASURED
Identification of a theoretical value ob-
tained from mathematical calculations that
represents an expected concentration un-
biased by real-world factors. It is calcu-
lated for a sample prepared by the reques-
tor by dissolving a known amount of a pure
compound in a known amount of clean water.
Identification of the measured concentra-
tion value for a sanple prepared by the
requestor by dissolving a known amount of
a pure compound in a known amount of clean
water.
47
-------
FRC
FIELD REFERENCE STANDARD
CERTIFIED
FRM
FIELD REFERENCE STANDARD
MEASURED
Identification of the certified concentra-
tion value for a sanple (submitted by the
requestor) from a certification source.
These samples are usually obtained from
the MBS, EMSL Cincinnati, EMSL RTF, etc.
Certification FRC is the "true" value.
Identification of the measured concentra-
tion value obtained from a sample (submit-
ted by the requestor) having a certified
value. These samples are usually obtained
from the MBS, EMSL Cincinnati, EMSL RTF,
etc. FRM is the laboratory "measured"
value.
FSO FIELD SPIKED SAMPLE
ORIGINAL
FSA FIELD SPIKED SAMPLE
SPIKE ADDED
FSF FIELD SPIKED SAMPLE
FINAL
Identification of the measured concentra-
tion value of the compound in the original
environmental sanple. FSO is also treated
as the unknown (non-AQC) sanple result.
Identification of the amount by which the
concentration of the original environmental
sanple will increase due to the addition
of the pure compound.
Identification of the measured concentra-
tion value of the combined environmental
sample and the pure compound.
% Recovery = FSF - FSO
—PSA—
FFM
FIELD FORTIFIED BLANK
MEASURED
FFT
FIELD FORTIFIED BLANK
THEORETICAL
Identification of the measured concentra-
tion value for a sample prepared in the
field by adding a known amount of a pure
compound to a blank fortified with a ma-
trix. The matrix nay possibly be a nan-
made simulation of a naturally - occur-
ring matrix.
Identification of a theoretical value ob-
tained from mathematical calculations that
represents an expected concentration un-
biased by real-world factors. It is calcu-
lated for a sanple prepared in the field
by adding a known amount of a pure compound
to a blank fortified with a matrix. The
matrix may possibly be man-made simulation
of a naturally - occurring matrix.
48
-------
Exhibit B3
Quality Control Codes in Type 4 Records
Note: Type 4 records are used to record the limit values Which were in force
during the run. They will not be used for CLP programs.
Record Field
QC Chart Type
Limit Type
Code
LSPK
LSSP
LRBL
LDUP
LCST
A
B
MEN
MAX
LCL
LWL
AVE
UWL
UCL
Meaning
Statistical data from Laboratory Spikes
Statistical data from Laboratory Sur-
rogate Spikes
Statistical data from Laboratory Reagent
Blanks
Statistical data from Laboratory Dupli-
cates
Statistical data from Laboratory Control
Standards
Critical Range (R^,) Slope
Critical Range (Rj,) Intercept
Note: Upper limit for duplicates is
expressed by the critical range
linear equation: RC = AX + B
Minimum concentration for which dupli-
cates limit is applicable
Maximum concentration for which dupli-
cates 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
49
-------
Exhibit B4
Codes For Sample Medium (Matrix, Source)
Medium Oode
All Media, Don't Know, Or Don't Care 0
Wetter, Type Unknown Or Not Specified 1
Drinking Water 2
Anfoient Surface Water 3
Raw Wastewater 4
Primary Effluent Wastewater 5
Effluent Wastewater (Secondary - Tertiary) 6
Industrial Wastewater 7
Salt, Ocean, Or Brackish Water 8
Ground Water 9
Leachate A
Air, Type Unknown Or Not Specified B
Ambient Air C
Source Or Effluent Air D
Industrial Workroom Air E
Solids, Type Unknown Or Not Specified F
Bottom Sediment Or Deposit G
Soil H
Sludge I
Hazardous Wastes, Dumps J
Fish, Shellfish Tissue K
Plants, Algae Tissue L
Connercial Product Formulation M
50
-------
Erfiibit B4 (cont.)
Gasoline N
Waste Oils p
Field Sanpling Equipment Solvent Washings Q
Atmospheric Deposition (Direct only) R
51
-------
Exhibit B5
Definition:
LIST OF RESULT QUALIFIERS
A result qualifier (also called a non-numeric result-see Exhibit 2A)
consists of 3 alphanumeric characters which act as an indicator of
the fact and the reason that the subject analysis (a) did not produce
a numerical result, (b) produced a numeric result taut it is qualified
in seme respect relating to the 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.
Qualifier
BDL
Full Name
BELOW DETECTABLE LIMITS
FPS
FAILED PRELIMINARY SCREENING
NSQ
NOT SUFFICIENT QUANTITY
LAC
LABORATORY ACCIDENT
FAC
FIELD ACCIDENT
ISP
IMPROPER SAMPLE PRESERVATION
Definition
There was not a sufficient concen-
tration of the parameter in the
sample to exceed the lower detec-
tion limit in force at the time
the analysis was performed. (No
result; STORET "W" remark)
A preliminary screening of the sam-
ple 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 analy-
sis to determine the concentration
of the subject parameter. (No re-
sult; no STORET remark)
There was an accident in the labora-
tory that either destroyed the sam-
ple or rendered it not suitable for
analysis. (No result; STORET "O"
remark)
There was an accident in the field
that either destroyed the sample
or rendered it not suitable 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)
52
-------
Qualifier
Full Name
Definition
PNQ
PRESENT BUT NOT QUANTIFIED
CMP
NAI
NAR
PRE
UND
FQC
RNA
AVG
CNT
CAL
FLD
USED AS PART OF A COMPOSITE
NOT ANALYZED DUE TO
INTERFERENCE
NO ANALYSIS RESULT
PRESUMPTIVE PRESENCE
ANALYZED BUT UNDETECTED
FAILED QUALITY CONTROL
RELEASE/REPORT NOT
AUTHORIZED
AVERAGE VALUE
NON-ACCEPTABLE COLONY
COUNTS
CALCULATED RESULT
FIELD MEASUREMENT
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)
Because of uncontrollable interfe-
rence the analysis for the subject
parameter was not conducted. (No
result; no STORET remark)
There is no analysis result. The
reason is unspecified. (No result;
no STORET remark)
Presumptive evidence of presence of
material. (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 limits were
exceeded when the analysis was con-
ducted. (Result; no STORET remark;
non-reportable)
The analysis result is not authorized
(by laboratory management) for either
forwarding to a National Database or
presentation in Engineering tabula-
tions (No STORET remark)
Average value - used to report a range
of values (STORET "A" remark)
Results based on colony counts cut-
side the acceptable range. (STORET
"B" remark)
Calculated result. (STORET "C" re-
nark)
Field measurement. (STORET "D" re-
nark)
53
-------
Qualifier
Full Name
Definition
FEM
KIT
EST
FEMALE SEX
FIELD KIT DETEMINATION
ESTIMATED VALUE
CAN
LTL
GTL
LTC
MAL
UNK
RET
CANCELLED
LESS THAN LOWER DETECTION
LIMIT
GREATER THAN UPPER DETECTION
LESS THAN CRITERIA OF
DETECTION
MALE SEX
UNDETERMINED SEX
RETURN(ED) FOR RE-ANALYSIS
EER
ENTRY ERROR
REQ
REQUEUE FOR REANALYSIS
In the case of species, indicates
female sex. (STORET "F" remark)
Value based on field kit deter-
mination - results may not be ac-
curate. (STORET "H" remark)
Present above detection limit but
not quantified within expected
limits of precision. (STORET "J"
remark)
The analysis of this parameter was
cancelled and not performed. (No
result; no STORET remark)
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
male sex. (STORET "M" remark)
In the case of species, indicates
undetermined sex. (STORET "U"
remark)
The analysis result is not approved
by laboratory management and re-
analysis is required by the bench
analyst with no change in the para-
meter/method code. (No STORET re-
mark)
The recorded value is known to be
incorrect but a correct value can-
not be determined to enter a cor-
rection. (No STORET remark)
The analysis is not approved and
must be re-analyzed using a dif-
ferent parameter/method. (No
STORET remark)
54
-------
Qualifier Full Name Definition
RES RESET This code is used to re-set a
flag in the LDM Result Record
after Which it is discarded.
(No STORET remark)
CBC CANNOT BE CALCULATED The calculated analysis result
cannot be calculated because
an operand value is qualified.
LLS LESS THAN LOWER STANDARD The analysis value is less than
the lower quality control stan-
dard.
MPR MIDPOINT OF RANGE The analysis value is the mid-
point value of a range of con-
centrations.
55
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Appendix C
Suggested Parmeth Codes for Dioxin and General Qrganics
The parmeth codes in Table C-l are suggested for use with the CLP and BCD programs
for dioxin and general organics. In all of these, the Z position should be inter-
preted with the aid of Exhibit B4. The generic value of 1, which represents
"water, type unknown or not specified", is used for water analysis. Each of these
generic parmeth codes represents a group of specific codes, with Z values of 2
through 9, A or 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 ).
The methods used by EGD are shown for water only. The list can be expanded to
other matrix values if appropriate.
Each parmeth code shewn occurs in a type 6 record and acts as the header for the
appropriate list of organic compounds, as given in the Federal Register for the
method shown in the definition column. If an additional list of tentatively
identified compounds is to be reported for a given sample, a second type 6 record
is used, with a different parmeth code. This record represents a different
analysis on the sample, and is followed by type 2 records for each of the tenta-
tively identified compounds.
56
-------
Table C-l
Suggested Parmeth Codes for Dioxin and General Organics
Note: CD = Contract-defined list of compounds for the method
Tl = Tentatively identified conpounds (in addition to CD list)
XXX Y Z MN Definition
608 11 01 Method 608 - Pesticides and PCBs - water
608 1 G 02 Method 608 - Pesticides and PCBs - sediment, low level
608 1 H 02 Method 608 - Pesticides and PCBs - soil, lew level
608 1 G 03 Method 608 - Pesticides and PCBs - sediment medium
level
608 1 H 03 Method 608 - Pesticides and PCBs - soil, medium level
613 11 01 Method 613 - 2,3,7,8^etrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin -
water
613 1 G 01 Method 613 - 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin -
sediment
613 1 H 01 Method 613 - 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin -
soil
613 1 Q 01 Method 613 - 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin -
rinsate
613 11 02 Method 613 - 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin -
water - partial scan
613 1 G 02 Method 613 - 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin -
sediment - partial scan
613 1 H 02 Method 613 - 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin -
soil - partial scan
613 1 Q 02 Method 613 - 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin -
rinsate - partial scan
613 11 03 Method 613 - 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin -
water - high resolution scan
613 1 G 03 Method 613 - 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin -
sediment - high resolution scan
613 1 H 03 Method 613 - 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin -
soil - high resolution scan
613 1 Q 03 Method 613 - 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin -
rinsate - high resolution scan
624 11 01 Method 624 - GC/MS - Purgeables - water, internal/
external standard, CD
624 1 G 02 Method 624 - GC/MS - Purgeables - sediment, low
level, CD
624 1 H 02 Method 624 - GC/iMS - Purgeables - soil, low level,
CD
624 1 G 03 Method 624 - GC/MS - Purgeables - sediment, medium
level, CD
57
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624 1 H 03 Method 624 - GC/MS - Purgeables - soil, medium level,
CD
624 11 04 Method 624 - QC/MS - Purgeables - isotope dilution -
water, CD
624 11 21 Method 624 - GC/MS - Purgeables - water, internal/
external standard, TI
624 1 G 22 Method 624 - GC/MS - Purgeables - sediment, low le-
vel, TI
624 1 H 22 Method 624 - GC/MS - Purgeables - soil, low level,
TI
624 1 G 23 Method 624 - GC/MS - Purgeables - sediment, medium
level, TI
624 1 H 23 Method 624 - GC/MS - Purgeables - soil, medium le-
vel, TI
624 11 24 Method 624 - GC/MS - Purgeables - isotope dilution -
water, TI
625 A 1 01 Method 625 - GC/MS - Acid Fraction - water, inter-
nal/external standard, CD
625 B 1 01 Method 625 - GC/MS - Base/Neutral Fraction - water,
internal/external standard, CD
625 C 1 01 Method 625 - GC/MS - combined acid and base/neutral
fractions - water, internal/external
standard, CD
625 C G 02 Method 625 - GC/MS - combined fractions - sediment,
low level, CD
625 C H 02 Method 625 - GC/MS - combined fractions - soil, low
level, CD
625 C G 03 Method 625 - GC/MS - contained fractions - sediment,
medium level, CD
625 C H 03 Method 625 - GC/MS - combined fractions - soil,
medium level, CD
625 A 1 04 Method 625 - GC/MS - Acid Fraction - water, isotope
dilution, CD
625 B 1 04 Method 625 - GC/MS - Base/Neutral Fraction - water,
isotope dilution, CD
625 A 1 21 Method 625 - GC/MS - Acid Fraction - water, inter-
nal/external standard, TI
625 B 1 21 Method 625 - GC/MS - Base/Neutral Fraction - water,
internal/external standard, TI
625 C 1 21 Method 625 - GC/MS - combined acid and base/neutral
fractions - water, internal/external
standard, TI
625 C G 22 Method 625 - GC/MS combined fractions - sediment,
low level, TI
625 C H 22 Method 625 - GC/MS - combined fractions - soil, low
level, TI
625 C G 23 Method 625 - GC/MS - combined fractions - sediment,
medium level, TI
58
-------
625 C H 23 Method 625 - GC/MS - combined fractions - soil, med-
ium level, TI
625 A 1 24 Method 625 - GC/MS - Acid Fraction - water, isotope
dilution, TI
625 B 1 24 Method 625 - GC/MS - Base/Neutral Fraction - water,
isotope dilution, TI
Notes:
1. For each water sample, the appropriate value of Z should replace the
generic value of 1.
2. If pesticides are determined by method 625, XXXY = 625P.
59
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Appendix D
Data Paths
Exhibit Dl. Management Overview of Sample and Data Flow
Exhibit D2. Manual Entry of Instrument Control Data and Instrument
Generated Data
The following exhibits demonstrate the managerial activities and data
flow during the life cycle of a sample. Exhibit Dl is a broad overview
beginning with the sample taken in the field, through analysis, computer
processing and delivery of final reports. Exhibit D2 provides listing of
all data elements needed to produce the magnetic tape standard. This
includes manually entered as well as machine produced data.
60
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EXHIBIT Dl MANAGEMEN1 OVERVIEW OF SAMF'LE AND DATA FLOW
AIR
WATER
SOIL
OTHER MEDIA
FROM THE REGIONS
CONTRACT
AWARDED
TO
LABORATORY
i
r
TAPE
SUBMITT
FORM
REDUCE
DATA
MAG. TAPE STD.
* Deliverable; will vary per contract.
** See Exhibit D.2 for list of elements.
61
-------
EXHIBIT D2i MANUAL ENTRY OF INSTRUMENT CONTROL DATA AND INSTRUMENT GENERATED DATA
FOR AUTOMATED LAB WITH AUTOMATED INSTRUMENTS
INSTRUMENT RUN
FIXED SEUXM CHANGED
^
, 1 [~ MANUAL INITIAL
/ ELEMENTS / | ENTRY BY OPERATOR
I AT 1 / MACHINE /
\ START-UP \ / SUPPLIED 1
1 STABLE ELEMFCTl
\ USED FOR RUHS\
•CO/TRACT (0 'CALIBRATION CAS NO -
•IFB NUMBER ANALYTE
•LAB ID 'CALIBRATION CAS NO -
•MEASUREMECT INSTR ID INTERNAL STANDARD
•PARAMETER METHOD CODES •CONTRACT REQUIRED METHOD
•PARAMETER METHX ID TYPES DETECTION LIMIT
•PARAMETER METHOD NAMES 'OC CARRIER GAS
•UNITS OF MEASURE 'OC CARRIER CAS FLCH RATE AND
UNITS CODE
•OCCOUin LENGTH
•GC CBLUMH INSIDE DIAMETER
•OC FIRST (OR ONLY) COLUMN
-------
Appendix E
Tabular List of Data Elements for CLP Dioxin IFB
This chart presents the relationship of data elements from reports required in
the nioxin IFB (WA 84-AD02) and data elements in the current EMSL Las Vegas Dioxin
system as compared to the items in the EPA magnetic tape standards.
All references are to version 5 of the "U.S.E.P.A. Format for Electronic Trans-
mission of Laboratory Analytical Chemical Measurements and Related Information".
The Raw Spectra currently delivered on magnetic tape to EMSL in Las Vegas will
continue to tie delivered in addition to the EPA standard magnetic tape.
The column labels in this chart are further identified as:
Data Element Name
Report #
Standard Record Type
Name In Standard
data element name as found in required reports in
the dioxin IFB (WA 84-AQ02) or in the current Las
Vegas Dioxin System.
the form number for the reports in the IFB. Either
B-l, B-2, B-3, or B-4. Las Vegas Dioxin database
fields are referenced as L.V.
the record type as found in the EPA magnetic tape
standard. The numerics in parenthesis represent
record positions or range of positions.
field contents as described in version 5 of the
USEPA Magnetic Tape Standard.
63
-------
Data Element
Name
ABSOLUTE ION
ABUNDANCE
AREA/HEIGHT
Report f
B-l
B-4
L.V.
Standard
Record Type
7-008
(35-44)
Name In
Standard
AREA/HEIGHT
7-008
(46)
7-008
(26-33)
AREA/HEIGHT
SPECIFIER
ION
Remarks
(1) Up to 10 decimal
digits, right jus-
tified.
(2) Value represents the
area or height under
the curve generated by
the instrument signal
for the specified ion.
(3) Refer to the following
related data fields:
'A1 - AREA
'H1 - HEIGHT
MASS Number specifying
the ion measured.
The following ions are
required by both the IFB
and Las Vegas:
Unlabeled Analyte Ions
320, 322
Surrogate Ion - 328
Internal Standard Ions
332, 334
The following ions are
required by only the IFB:
Unlabeled Analyte Ions
160, 161, 194, 196, 259
324
The type 7-007 records
placement in the mag.
tape standard is as
follows:
B-l TCDD Data Report from Dioxin IFB
B-2 Initial Calibration Summary from Dioxin IFB
B-3 Continuing Calibration Summary from Dioxin IFB
B-4 TCDD Data Report - Partial Scan Confirmation from Dioxin IFB
L.V. Las Vegas Dioxin Database fields
64
-------
Data Element Standard Name In
Name Report # Record Type Standard
Remarks
(1) Unlabeled analyte
ions follow type 2
record for TCDD.
(2) Surrogate 328 ion
follows type 2 re-
cord for surrogate.
BATCH/SHIPMENT B-l
NUMBER
CASE NUMBER B-l
COMMENTS B-l
7-003
(28-30)
7-003
(19-26)
7-014
(22-29)
7-000
(7- 56)
(3) Internal std 322,
334 ions follow
type 6 record.
BATCH/SHIPMENT 3 alphanumeric; assigned
NUMBER by SMO.
CASE NUMBER SMO or Regional office
designation of a sample
set from one site.
8 alphanumeric
COMMENT Free-field comment. Can
follow any record type.
50 alphanumeric
ENTRY DATE
L.V.
Calculate as date
(MM/DD/YY) mag. tape
standard was processed
at RTF.
EXTRA CLEANUP B-l
CLEAN UP L.V.
7-003
(32-34)
CLEAN-UP
OPTION
CLP Program Format in-
cluding code for extra
cleanup which is needed
for IFB. 3 alphanumeric
COLUMN B-l
GC COLUMN L.V.
7-005
(7- 14)
COMMERCIAL
COLUMN NAME
Name of GC Column used
for physically sepa-
rating the analyte based
on its chemical proper-
ties.
8 alphanumeric; left
justified
B-l TCDD Data Report from Dioxin IFB
B-2 Initial Calibration Summary from Dioxin IFB
B-3 Continuing Calibration Summary from Dioxin IFB
B-4 TCDD Data Report - Partial Scan Confirmation from Dioxin IFB
L.V. Las Vegas Dioxin Database fields
65
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Data Element
Name
DATE
REPORT DATE
Standard
Report # Record Type
L.V.
B-l
7-001
(14-21)
Name In
Standard
DATE REPORT
PREPARED
Remarks
Date report is prepared.
YY MM DD
DATE
B-2
B-3
7-011
(7- 14)
7-011
(22)
7-014
(7- 14)
DATE OF
CALIBRATION
TYPE OF
CALIBRATION
DATE OF
P/C
Date GC or GC/MS instru-
ment was calibrated.
YY MM DD
Related item. Identifies
the calibration point of
a multipoint calibration.
1 alphanumeric
I = initial single point
M = single point of multi-
point initial calibra-
tion
n(numeral) = average of
n points of a multipoint
initial calibration
C = continuing single
point check
Date of performance check.
YY MM DD
EXTRACTION
L.V.
7-009
(40)
EXTRACTION Code to specify the
CODE extraction procedure used.
1 alphabetic
'J1 = Jar
'L1 = Liquid
GC/MS DATE OF B-l 7-004
SAMPLE ANALYSIS B-2 (34-41)
B-3
ANALYTICAL DATE L.V.
DATE OF IN-
STRUMENT
ANALYSIS
YY MM DD Date of GC/MS
analysis for each sample.
GC/MS INSTRU-
MENT ID
B-l
B-2
B-3
7-007
(14-19)
INSTRUMENT ID
6 alphanumeric, assigned
by Contract lab.
Left justified
B-l TCDD Data Report from Dioxin IFB
B-2 Initial Calibration Surmary from Dioxin IFB
B-3 Continuing Calibration Summary from Dioxin IFB
B-4 TCDD Data Report - Partial Scan Confirmation from Dioxin IFB
L.V. Las Vegas Dioxin Database fields
66
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Data Element
Name
Report #
GC/MS TIME OF B-l
SAMPLE ANALYSIS
ANALYTICAL TIME L.V.
Standard
Record Type
7-004
(43-47)
Name In
Standard
HOUR, MINUTE
OF ANALYSIS
Remarks
HH MM
Time for GC/MS analysis
for each sample.
IFB
IAB
L.V.
B-l
L.V.
7-001
(23-30)
7-001
(7-12)
IFB NUMBER
LAB
ID
IFB solicitation number.
8 alphanumeric
Code name of contracting
laboratory.
6 alphanumeric
B-2
MEAN RESPONSE
FACTORS -
INITIAL CALIBRATION
(NATIVE, SURROGATE)
Calculate the mean of each
solution ID and the grand
mean (mean of all solution
ID's) for the analyte and
for the surrogate.
For each of the five solu-
tion ID's for the analyte,
there are three measured
response factors.
For each of the three solu-
tion ID's (CC1,CC2,CC3) for
the surrogate, there are
three measured response
factors.
B-3
MEAN RESPONSE
FACTOR(S) -
CONTINUING
CALIBRATION
(NATIVE, SURROGATE)
Calculate.
A response factor gene-
ated every 8 hours (one
for the analyte and one
for the surrogate) is
averaged into their re-
spective grand mean.
MEASURED RE- B-2 7-012
SPONSE FACTOR(S) B-3 (27-31)
RESPONSE
FACTOR
Decimal field of format
of NN.NN. Calculation has
already been done and nay
be checked by:
RF = Areay AmtTS
AreaIS Amtx
B-l TCDD Data Report from Dioxin IFB
B-2 Initial Calibration Summary from Dioxin IFB
B-3 Continuing Calibration Summary from Dioxin IFB
B-4 TCDD Data Report - Partial Scan Confirmation from Dioxin IFB
L.V. Las Vegas Dioxin Database fields
67
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Data Element Standard
Name Report # Record Type
Name In
Standard
7-012
(33-36)
7-012
(38-41)
7-008
(35-40)
AMT. OF IS
INJECTED IN
NANOGRAMS
(AMTIS)
AMT. OF ANAL-
YTE INJECTED
IN NANOGRAMS
(AMTX)
AREA/HEIGHT
Remarks
X = analyte or surrogate
IS = Internal Standard
Related field, AMT1S
Related field, AMTX
Related field.
Area of surrogate is the
absolute abundance for ion
328.
Area of analyte is the sum
of the absolute abundance
for ions 320 and 322.
Area of internal standard
is the sum of the abso-
lute abundance for ions
332 and 334.
METHOD DETECT- B-l 7-016
ION LIMIT (30-35)
D.L. L.V.
DETECTION Sample-Dependent Method
LIMIT Detection Limit for TCDD.
Fixed point or scientific
notation; right justified
PPB TCDD B-l
MEASUREMENT
7-016
(36)
(37-39)
2
(28-37)
EXPONENT
NUMERIC
ANALYTICAL
RESULT
Exponent field.
'E1
+NN; Blank interpreted
as '+00'
The concentration of
2,3,7,8-TCDD or the
surrogate.
PPB SURROGATE
MEASUREMENT
B-l
B-l TCDD Data Report from Dioxin IFB
B-2 Initial Calibration Summary from Dioxin IFB
B-3 Continuing Calibration Summary from Dioxin IFB
B-4 TCDD Data Report - Partial Scan Confirmation from Dioxin IFB
L.V. Las Vegas Dioxin Database fields
68
-------
Data Element
Name
PPB TCDD
Report #
L.V.
Standard
Record Type
Name In
Standard
Remarks
2
(34)
(35-37)
2
(48-50)
EXPONENT
NON-NUMERIC
RESULT
(RESULT
QUALIFIER)
Exponent field.
•E1
4NN; Blank interpreted
as '400'
Related field.
Qualifier explaining the
lack of a numeric value or
qualifies the analytical
result present. Std Ex-
hibit B5.
ND is derived from 'BDL1.
PERCENT RELA-
TIVE ABUN-
DANCE(S) -
PARTIAL SCAN
B-4
Calculate. Percent
Relative Abundances are
calculated for ions 160,
161, 194, 196, 257, 259,
320, 322, and 324 by
dividing the specific
absolute ion abundance
by the abundance of ion
322, then multiplying the
ratio by 100.
QUALITY CONTROL B-2
SUMMARY ITEMS: B-3
MEAN ACCURACY, B-2
SURROGATE B-3
MEASUREMENTS
# OF DATA B-2
POINTS B-3
ACCURACY, B-2
FORTIFIED/SPIKE B-3
FIELD BLANK
All items are to be cal-
culated.
Average of % accuracy for
all surrogate measurements.
i.e. %ai + %a? + ...+ %an
n
Number of surrogate %
accuracies (n)
FSF *
FSA
100
B-l TCDD Data Report from Dioxin IFB
B-2 Initial Calibration Summary from Dioxin IFB
B-3 Continuing Calibration Summary from Dioxin IFB
B-4 TCDD Data Report - Partial Scan Confirmation from Dioxin IFB
L.V. Las Vegas Dioxin Database field
69
-------
Data Element
Name
Report #
Standard
Record Type
Name In
Standard
RELATIVE DIF-
FERENCE (%),
DUPLICATE
ANALYSIS
B-2
B-3
Remarks
(See definitions in Ex-
hibit B2)
Note: Only 1 such
sample is provided per
batch for accuracy.
Therefore, Sample # is
the sample's ID.
JLDl - LD2| *
LD1 - LD2
100
(See definitions in Ex-
hibit B2)
Note: Only 1 sample per
batch is analyzed in du-
plicate. Therefore, Sample
# is the sample's ID.
RELATIVE ION B-l
ABUNDANCE(S) L.V.
Calculate.
Ratio of the absolute
abundance of specific
ions are calculated:
for analyte:
abs. abundance of 320
abs. abundance of 322
for internal standard:
abs. abundance of 332
abs. abundance of 334
RESPONSE RATIOS
PARTIAL SCAN
B-4
Calculate.
Response Ratios are cal-
culated for the following
pairs by dividing the
specified absolute ion
abundances.
B-l TCDD Data Report from Dioxin IFB
B-2 Initial Calibration Surmary from Dioxin IFB
B-3 Continuing Calibration Summary from Dioxin IFB
B-4 TCDD Data Report - Partial Scan Confirmation from Dioxin IFB
L.V. Las Vegas Dioxin Database fields
70
-------
Data Element Standard Name In
Name Report # Record Type Standard
Remarks
320/322 320/324
257/322 257/259
194/196
SAMPLE NUMBER
SAMPLE #
B-l
B-4
L.V.
B-2
B-3
2
(3-10)
6
(3-10)
EPA SAMPLE ID
Unique identifier for
each sample; 8 alpha-
numeric
7-003
(7-14)
7-004
(7-14)
7-008
(7-14)
7-009
(7-14)
2
(12-14)
QC CODE
Related field; 3 al-
phanumeric; (STD Ex-
hibit B2)
For IFB and Las Vegas:
(1) Method blank (MB) -
derived from QC code
of LRB.
(2) Partial Scan (P) -
derived if parameter
method code (type 6
record) represents a
partial scan.
B-l TCDD Data Report from Dioxin IFB
B-2 Initial Calibration Summary from Dioxin IFB
B-3 Continuing Calibration Summary from Dioxin IFB
B-4 TCDD Data Report - Partial Scan Confirmation from Dioxin IFB
L.V. Las Vegas Dioxin Database fields
71
-------
Data Element
Name
Report #
Standard
Record Type
frame In
Standard
Remarks
(3) Native TCDD Spike (N)-
derived if QC code is
LDX, LSO, LSA, LSF,
LSD, LF1, or LF2.
(4) Duplicate (D)-
derived if QC code is
LDX, LD1, LD2, LD3,...
or LD9.
(5) Field Blank (FB) -
derived from QC code
FRB.
For Las Vegas only:
(1) High Resolution (H)-
derived from ion on
record type 7-008.
ALIQUOT WET B-l
WT. (g)
7-009
(28-32)
SAMPLE SIZE Sample wet weight.
Needs
to be converted from ki-
lograms to grams.
GRAMS WET WT. L.V.
7-009
(26)
SAMPLE UNITS
CODE
5 decimal digits; right
justified
Related field.
Indicates the units used
for the current sample.
1 alphanumeric
'L1 = liters
'C' = cubic meters
•K' = kilograms (wet wt.)
SOLUTION ID
B-2
B-3
The following solution ids
are derived as
PC = Performance check
solution
CC1 = Cone, calibration
solution #1 = 0.2
ug/ml
B-l TCDD Data Report from Dioxin IFB
B-2 Initial Calibration Summary from Dioxin IFB
B-3 Continuing Calibration Summary from Dioxin IFB
B-4 TCDD Data Report - Partial Scan Confirmation from Dioxin IFB
L.V. Las Vegas Dioxin Database fields
72
-------
Data Element Standard Name In
Name Report # Record Type Standard Remarks
CC2 = Cone, calibration
sol. #2 = 1.0 ug/ml
CC3 = Cone, calibration
sol. #3 = 5.0 ug/ml
CC4 = Cone, calibration
sol. #4 = 20.0 ug/ml
CCS = Cone, calibration
#5 = 40.0 ug/ml
The derivation for PC is
indicated by presence of
a 7-014 record. The re-
maining solution ID's
are derived from the
amount and volume injected.
7-011 INJECTION Related field.
(47-49) VOLUME Volume injected in units ul.
SURROGATE PER- B-l Calculate.
CENT ACCURACY B-2
(RECOVERY) B-3 LSI * 100
LS2
RECOVERY L.V. where LSI = Analytical
Result Value
for measured
surrogate (LSI
on type 2 re-
cord)
LS2 = Theoretical
Value for sur-
rogate (LS2 on
type 2 record)
TCDD ISOMER B-2 7-014 CHRCMATO- Decimal value NN.N.
RESOLUTION - B-3 (51-54) GRAPHIC Already calculated by
PERCENT VALLEY RESOLUTION the formula:
CR = X * 100
Y
B-l TCDD Data Report from Dioxin IFB
B-2 Initial Calibration Summary from Dioxin IFB
B-3 Continuing Calibration Summary from Dioxin IFB
B-4 TCDD Data Report - Partial Scan Confirmation from Dioxin IFB
L.V. Las Vegas Dioxin Database fields
73
-------
Data Element
Name
Report #
Standard
Record Type
Name In
Standard
Remarks
where Y = peak height
X = valley height
of highest val-
ISY.
Items required by processing but not reported in IFB or Las Vegas:
PPB B-l
2
(39-46)
6
(39-46)
7-016
(41-48)
UNITS OF MEA-
SURE
Units of concentration for
analyte or surrogate, us-
ually 'PPB" for Dioxin.
Default units of concen-
tration for the method,
usually 'PPB1 for Dioxin.
Units of concentration for
the method detection limits,
usually 'PPB' for Dioxin.
2
(18-26)
7-008
(16-24)
7-012
(7-15)
7-012
(17-25)
7-014
(39-47)
7-016
(15-23)
CAS NO.
Chemical Abstracts Services
Registry Number
Right justified
9 numeric
CAS NO. -
INTERNAL STD
CAS NO. -
ANALYTE OR
SURROGATE
CAS NO. -
P/C COMPOUND
6
(20-26)
Bl and C
PARAMETER/
METHOD
IDENTIFIER -
SPECIFIC CODE
FOR GROUP
B-l TCDD Data Report from Dioxin IFB
B-2 Initial Calibration Sumnary from Dioxin IFB
B-3 Continuing Calibration Summary from Dioxin IFB
B-4 TCDD Data Report - Partial Scan Confirmation from Dioxin IFB
L.V. Las Vegas Dioxin Database fields
See Appendices
74
-------
Data Element Standard Name In
Name Report # Record Type Standard Remarks
7-011
(24-30)
7-014
(31-37)
B-l TCDD Data Report
B-2 Initial Calibration Surmary
B-3 Continuing Calibration Summary
B-4 TCDD Data Report - Partial Scan Confirmation
L.V. Las Vegas
75
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Appendix F
Data Elements for Which a Standard List of Values is to be Used
Record
Type
2, 6, 8
8
Record
Descriptor
7
7
003
007
007
010
016
016
Data Item
Units of measure
Method Detection
Limit Method
(Sample - Independent)
Clean-up option
Instrument model
lonization mode
Score specifier
Method Detection
Limit Method
(Sample - Dependent)
Units of measure
Value
"PPB" for dioxin; other
values to be added
"EMSL", "EST"
"A" = standard cleanup
"AB"= standard plus
optional cleanup
First letter for manu-
facturer; 1-5 characters
for model
"F" = Finnegan
"H" = Hewlett-Packard
"K" = Kratos
"V" = Varian
Examples: F3100D,F3200,
F3300,F3600,F4021,F4023,
F4510,FTSQ,F10200,F5100,
F4000,F4023T,F3200F,F4500,
H5983,H5993,H5985A,H5985B,
H5995A,V312MA
"FA", "El", "TS", "CI",
"AP"
Unit llnll "nil
r , K , f
"EMSL", "EST", "VII"
"PPB" for dioxin; other
values to be added
76
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