BLIND SAMPLE SUBMISSION AS A TOOL FOR MEASUREMENT CONTROL

A Blind Sample Submission Program is an effective management tool in an overall Measurement Control Program. Data from such a program is used to (1) test the entire analytical system from sample receipt through cutting, weighing, dissolving, chemical processing and analysis, and (2) assure that standards are handled in a manner that is representative of the production analyses being monitored. If the blind standards data show significantly poorer results than the internal laboratory control standards, the control of the analytical system is in doubt and corrective action is required before a meaningful error limit can be assigned. This program includes both monthly and quarterly reports to analysts and management. For noted deviations to established criteria, a Quality Control Deviation/Corrective Action Report is sent to the responsible management for the purpose of documenting out of control measurements and corrective action taken to bring the analytical method back into control. The program described in this paper is an internal program at Rocky Flats unassociated with existing inter-laboratory measurement control programs within the DOE complex.