Chapter 2.5.2 : General Quality Control

Abstract:

A common assumption for conducting microbiological testing is that the laboratory environment and its equipment are properly operated, cleaned, calibrated, and maintained, that the laboratory is a safe working environment, and that the laboratory has a quality assurance plan that it maintains and adheres to. In order to assure that these requirements are met, a QA program needs to be in place.A goal of the QA program is to give management the opportunity to provide input and take responsibility in the planning, implementation, and assessment stages of the environmental microbiology project. The QA Plan should have sections devoted to laboratory facilities, personnel, and equipment; sampling procedures and handling; and deviations, record keeping and audits.