develop consensus standards for use by TNI's programs. This group has a support role in assisting other programs with activities such as guidance and standards interpretation.
fosters the generation of data of known and documented quality is through the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program, or NELAP. The purpose of this program is to establish and implement a program for the accreditation of environmental laboratories.
is to establish and maintain a national PT program to support TNI’s National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program, and other activities.
Field Activities Program (NEFAP) Executive Committee is to establish and implement an accreditation program for field sampling and measurement organizations (FSMOs).
on a variety of topics of interest to the environmental measurement community. TNI also hosts two regularly scheduled meetings per year, typically in January and August. Both are a week long and involve open meetings of TNI committees as well as training courses and other special sessions.Standard Interpretation
Standard: 2009 TNI
Section: V1M2, Section 5.5.13.1
REQUEST:
This section requires verification of volumes of volumetric dispensing devices (except Class A Glassware) if quantitative results are dependant on their accuracy. Historically, this section has been interpreted to include disposable pipettes and plastic tubes used for measuring sample volumes or final volumes after digestion. Section 5.5.13.1.d [editor's note - this is actually 5.5.13.1 e] appears to require quarterly checks of these devices. Quarterly checks seem excessive when the items are one use items. Once per lot number seems more reasonable and would be similar to receiving a certificate from the manufacturer about the accuracy of a particular lot number.
Since these are disposable, one use items. would verification of the volume once per lot number be acceptable?
TNI FINAL RESPONSE:
A verification of one pipette or tube per lot would meet the requirements stated in Sections 4.6.2 and 5.5.2.