Repeat proficiency tests

1. A laboratory with primary certification may repeat proficiency tests after obtaining unacceptable results as follows: a. If the first proficiency test result is unacceptable, the laboratory shall resolve the suspected cause, document the corrective action, and complete a second proficiency test within thirty days of receiving the unacceptable result; b. If the second proficiency test result is unacceptable, the laboratory shall: (1) Resolve the suspected cause and submit a corrective action report to the department within thirty days of receiving the second unacceptable result; and (2) Order and complete a third proficiency test within thirty days of receiving the unacceptable result of the second proficiency test; c. If the third proficiency test result is unacceptable, the laboratory may not provide analytical results for compliance reporting or any department program for the field of testing for which the laboratory failed to demonstrate acceptable proficiency test results. The laboratory may resume providing analytical results when the laboratory passes two consecutive proficiency tests conducted at least fifteen days apart. The laboratory shall submit a corrective action report to the department within thirty days of passing the second of the two proficiency tests. 2. The "North Dakota Environmental Laboratory Certification Program Manual" governs when a portion of a multiple analyte group proficiency test is unacceptable. 3. The department may request additional information necessary to validate sample results generated during the testing period covered under this section. 4. A laboratory with reciprocal certification must follow the repeat proficiency test guidelines established by its primary certification agency.