LAC 48:V.8031. Proficiency Testing

A. At the time each laboratory applies for certification, it shall notify the department which field(s) of testing it chooses to become certified for and shall participate in the appropriate proficiency test (PT) studies. Except when determined by the department that an appropriate PT is not readily available, all certified laboratories or laboratories seeking certification shall participate in an approved proficiency testing program covering all tests, analytes and analytical methods as made available within the category and categories in which the laboratory is certified or seeks certification. The laboratory shall purchase PT studies for the parameters for which certification is requested. A laboratory seeking state of Louisiana drinking water laboratory certification only shall participate in proficiency studies at the frequency that meet the requirements of federal Safe Drinking Water Act regulations (40 CFR 141 and 40 CFR 143). B. All PT records shall be retained for a minimum of 10 years and available for assessment by the department. C. To be certified initially and to maintain certification the laboratory shall participate in one PT study, where available, per year for each PT field of testing for which it seeks or wants to maintain certification. For a laboratory seeking to obtain certification, the most recent three rounds attempted shall have occurred within 18 months of the laboratory's application date for certification with the analysis date of the most recent PT sample having been no more than six months prior to the application date for certification. The department will complete the assessment of the final evaluation report for PT studies within 60 days of receipt of each study report. The department shall suspend the certification of a laboratory for a field of proficiency testing pursuant to the conditions specified in Chapter III of the USEPA Manual for the Certification of Laboratories Analyzing Drinking Water.