Elements and Performance Criteria
- Verify the accuracy of data and technical records
- Access relevant job instructions, data and technical records in laboratory information management system (LIMS)
- Confirm that technical records provide sufficient information to ensure traceability for the tests involved
- Compare data with expected values and identify any outliers
- Inspect data records to check the integrity of data entry, alterations, transfers and calculations
- Correct and initial any incorrect data records
- Sign off data records as correct
- Determine if results are acceptable and within expectation
- Compare results with expected values and identify any significant differences
- Check the reliability of results by examining data, statistical analysis of data and results from repeat tests or duplicate samples
- Assess the significance of any documented observations of atypical test conditions or environment and/or sample appearance
- Check that all calculations are free from error
- Check that estimates of uncertainty are reasonable and consistent with the test method, client and/or product specification requirements
- Authorise the issue of results that meet the organisation's quality standards and are consistent with expectations
- Investigate unexpected or unacceptable results
- Examine records of pre-use checks and calibration performance to ensure that the equipment and/or instruments used meet test specifications and workplace requirements
- Establish whether human and/or environmental factors could have affected the reliability of results
- Check for obvious sources of interferences that may have occurred during measurements
- Retrieve stored samples (if available) and assess whether they are atypical or contaminated
- Perform control tests using the same, or new, samples to check unexpected results
- Authorise the issue of unexpected results that meet the organisation's quality standards
- Identify possible root causes of unacceptable results and appropriate preventative/corrective actions
- Report investigation outcomes and recommendations for improvements in accordance with workplace procedures
- Liaise with clients about results