View Actual EPA Method 332 (PDF File) - Columbia Analytical ...

or other interferences in the LRB must be < 1/3 the MRL. If this criterion is not
met, then all data must be considered invalid for all samples in the Analysis
Batch.
NOTE: If samples are collected using devices that have not been previously
evaluated by the laboratory, duplicates of the sample collection devices must be
sent with the samples so an LRB (and an LFB) may be processed in the
laboratory.
NOTE: Although quantitative data below the MRL may not be reliably accurate
enough for data reporting, such data is useful in determining the magnitude of a
background interference. Therefore, blank contamination levels may be
estimated by extrapolation when the concentration is below the lowest
calibration standard
9.3.2 CONTINUING CALIBRATION CHECK (CCC) - CCCs are analyzed at the
beginning of each Analysis Batch, after every ten field samples, and at the end of
the Analysis Batch. See Section 10.4 for concentration requirements and
acceptance criteria.
9.3.3 LABORATORY FORTIFIED BLANK (LFB) - An LFB is required with each
Analysis Batch. The fortified concentration of the LFB must be rotated between
low, medium, and high concentrations from batch to batch. The low
concentration LFB must be as near as practical to the MRL. Similarly, the high
concentration LFB should be near the high end of the calibration range
established during the Initial Calibration (Sect. 10.3). Results of LFBs fortified
at concentrations < the MRL must be recovered within 50-150% of the true
value. Results from the analysis at any other concentration must be recovered
within 80-120% of the true value. If the LFB results do not meet these criteria,
then all data must be considered invalid for all field samples in the Analysis
Batch.
NOTE: LFBs must be processed in the same manner as field samples including
all sample preservation and pretreatment requirements (i.e., sterile filtration) as
described in Section 8.1.4.1.
LFB Fortified Concentration Range
LFB Recovery Limits
< MRL 50 - 150%
>MRL to highest calibration standard 80 - 120%
9.3.4 INTERNAL STANDARD (IS) – The analyst must monitor the peak area of the
internal standard in all injections during each Analysis Batch. The IS response
(as indicated by peak area) for any chromatographic run must not deviate by
332.0-20