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e applied to samples (filtration etc), what analyses are to be performed and by whom, and
who has had custody of the samples. This information is to be completely documented on
the form, and the forms must accompany the sample container(s).
Chain-of-custody must be documented by everyone having responsibility for a set of
samples. This should also include couriers, but should that not be possible, the courier’s
signature on the waybill is sufficient.
The person sending the samples should retain a copy of the form for his or her own records.
When the samples reach their destination, the person receiving them must complete the
form(s), keep the copy for their records and return the original with the results.
7.1.5. Sample Blanks
Sample blanks may be used to estimate the levels of contamination that are incurred during
any stage of field sampling activities. Field blanks may be used to estimate the
contamination caused by sample collection, filtering, containers, equipment and transport.
When used, blanks can be particularly useful in identifying problems with specific components
of the monitoring procedure, which can then be quickly rectified. The reliability of the
sampling procedure (and field officer) may also be ascertained by incorporating field blanks
into the monitoring programme. Further explanations on the use of different field blanks are
provided by ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000b).
7.1.6. Duplicates and Replicates
Duplicate samples are obtained by dividing a collected sample into two or more subsamples.
Duplicates can be useful for revealing the size of errors from contamination that is occurring
between sampling and sample analysis. Ideally, one duplicate should be obtained for about
every 10 samples.
Replicate samples are two or more samples that are collected simultaneously to establish the
reproducibility of sampling. Ideally, three samples are required to enable testing of interand
intra-laboratory accuracy and precision.
Duplicate and replicate samples may be used as back-up samples to confirm whether a
trigger has been exceeded and are particularly useful in situations when field collection is a
difficult or costly exercise.
7.2. Quality Assurance and Quality Control in Laboratory Procedures
Only laboratories accredited with the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) shall
be utilised to undertake sample analyses.
7.2.1. Traceability of Results
Apart from its chain of custody details for each sample, the laboratory must include the
following information for each analysis:
• Identity of sample analysed;
• Identity of analyst;
• Name of equipment used;
• Original data and calculations;
• Identification of manual data transfers;
• Documentation of standard preparation; and,
• Use of certified calibration solutions.
3.4.2 Laboratory Data Reporting
Laboratory reports shall be provided as part of the monitoring programme, including:
• The laboratory name and address;
• Tabulation of samples and analysis data;
• Identification of the analytical methods used;
• Limit of Reporting (LOR);
• Confidence intervals of the analytical results;
Oceanica: Fremantle Ports: Inner Harbour and Channel Deepening - Water Quality Monitoring Program 33