Provide PDF Format
AWWA JAW34264
- Journal AWWA - Getting the Most From a Contract Laboratory
- Journal Article by American Water Works Association, 09/01/1993
- Publisher: AWWA
$15.00$30.00
More and more water utilities are considering the use of an outside contract laboratory for all or part of their analytical needs. This article offers guidelines for utilities in selecting a contract laboratory. Utilities should look for a laboratory that has current certification, a familiarity with drinking water analysis, and an established quality control program. Cost is an important but not primary consideration, because costs can be contained without a loss of efficiency. A request for proposals and subsequent bids help to eliminate unsuitable laboratories. The authors explain the importance of building a partnership with the selected laboratory. In addition to advice, the article offers checklists, important questions to ask, a sample request for proposal to solicit contract laboratories, and a sample response. Includes tables.