IH 101 Part 4: Lab Analysis – Uncovering Hidden Gems of Efficiency

Posted on April 12, 2021 | in Health

In Part 3 of our IH 101 blog series “Sampling Plans – Moving Beyond Compliance” we learned how to use data obtained during our qualitative exposure assessment (QEA) to help define sampling priorities when establishing your sampling plan. In Part 4, we’ll focus on best practices when working with your IH analytical laboratory to increase your efficiency when conducting your sampling in the field.

Recommended Readings

Before you read on, we recommend reviewing the previous installments of our IH 101 Introduction to Industrial Hygiene Program Management series:

We also highly recommend downloading our IH Program Cycle Infographic and IH Program Guide on the 7 steps to effective industrial hygiene (IH) program management to help understand how each of these parts fit into the overall IH program management structure.

Now…Let’s Talk About Labs

Before jumping into our discussion on how to increase efficiency when working with your IH lab, it’s important to make sure you are working with right one.

Which Laboratory Should I Use?

IH labs come in all shapes and sizes. Some are large and provide a lot of additional services, while some are smaller local labs that specialize in certain analytical methods. To help determine the best fit for you and your company, consider the following key factors:

Analysis performed: Reach out to prospective IH labs with a list of the physical and chemical stressors you may be asking them to analyze samples for to ensure they offer the analytical capabilities needed to process those samples. Make sure you ask if they outsource the analysis, and if so, make sure you are comfortable with that. There’s no sense selecting a lab that only does a small fraction of the analysis methods you need.

One or multiple labs?: Based on analytical requirements, you may ultimately need to use multiple labs. Using the methodology prescribed below, you will ensure you address the highest priorities with respect to your annual budget for monitoring.

Price: Sampling effort should be focused on the items that need additional data and investigation. For example, those annual noise surveys you conduct every year that show noise levels are consistently above 95 dBA can be removed or greatly reduced. Remember, the overall number of samples you collect should be minimized over time; saving you money and giving you back time to focus on more important projects.

On-staff CIH: Several of the larger labs offer free or low-cost consultation with their on-staff CIHs. This comes in handy if you need additional support determining the best sampling methods or just want an IH expert to review your work.

Equipment Loan & Rental: Several labs offer air sampling pumps for free and will often rent noise dosimeters and other direct reading equipment. This provides a great cost-saving option if you’re not taking enough samples to justify purchasing your own equipment. Air sampling pumps should come with their own recently calibrated rotometer for field calibrations. Other direct reading equipment should come with their field calibration gases or noise source for dosimeters.

Location: For most, lab location is not an issue. Sample media can easily be shipped next day air to-and-from most places. However, location becomes important if you need to swing by their office to pick up media on short notice, or when analyzing a highly volatile agent and you don’t want to deal with packing it in dry ice or some cooled packaging.

Accreditation: Most IH laboratories are AIHA LAP accredited. We recommend this level of accreditation for analysis of most stressors. Additional accreditations are available for specific stressors including lead (ELLAP), mold and other microbiological samples (EMLAP). If you are a global corporation, you should consider looking for laboratories that are also ISO/IEC 17025 accredited.

Depending on the state(s) you operate in, you may also need to consider state accreditations. Some states that have their own accreditations include Louisiana, New York, New Jersey and Texas.

Streamline Your Process

One of the most intensive administrative tasks when working with IH labs is creating your chain of custody (COC) form. It can be a time-consuming task – one that most of us don’t look forward to at the end of a long day of sampling. However, several IH laboratories are now offering online services to complete your COCs online, and SGS Galson even has a convenient web portal to help you easily complete and submit your COCs.

Several labs also offer direct access to their sampling and analysis guides (SAGs). Your lab’s SAG provides access to their analytical services catalog including information such as analysis methods, limits of detection, flow rates and required sample volumes. Having this information readily available helps ensure your planned sampling is performed according to proper procedures, and helps minimize questions or the need to resample.