Manuals & procedures for accredited labs

We offer one-stop-shopping for manuals and procedures for accredited laboratories. Our goal is for labs to have access to the most current quality-control tools and to receive rule updates to help Washington's labs maintain high-quality analyses.

Gain access to procedural guides, refer to the Laboratory Accreditation rule, look up analytical methods and method codes, and learn about proficiency testing and sample providers for environmental laboratories.

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Download the Laboratory Accreditation Procedure Manual

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Access procedures and fees

The Procedure Manual offers guidance for laboratories participating in the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation program and to users of data produced in these laboratories.
Accreditation of Environmental Laboratories is at Chapter 173-50 of the Washington Administrative Code.
Lab Accreditation Fee Schedule is outlined in WAC 173-50-190.

Look up methods

Identification of Test Procedures for analysis of pollutants in non-potable water is in the Federal Regulations in Title 40, Part 136.3.
Clean Water Act methods updates describes revisions to CWA analytical methods from the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Technical Guidance for Laboratories Accredited for EPA Method 200.7 is a publication that provides technical clarification to laboratories performing trace metals analysis by EPA Method 200.7.

Learn about lab method codes

Lab Search database will give you the Method Codes for the methods for which your lab is accredited. Search by the name of your lab and filter for the Method Code column.
TNI LAMS is the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Management System test methods database at The NELAC Institute. Find other method codes for methods for which your lab is not accredited, but for which you would like to apply for accreditation.

Proficiency testing is a key element of accreditation

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Proficiency testing sample providers is a page that lists those who meet Washington state standards for proficiency testing samples.
Procedure Manual section on Proficiency Testing provides more detail.
Requirements of proficiency testing providers describes the need for electronic data delivery and other requirements.

Receive your lab code

An EPA lab identification code is necessary for accreditation and for proficiency test reporting. If your lab is located in Washington, please call our office at 360-871-8800 for instructions on how to receive your lab code. If your lab is not located in Washington, please call the EPA Region office for the state in which your lab is located.

Lab quality assurance manuals are required

The Quality Assurance Manual section of the Procedure Manual gives tips and details for creating a Quality Assurance manual.
Model of a Quality Assurance Manual for a Small Wastewater Treatment Plant Laboratory gives an example QA Manual.
Writing Standard Operating Procedures, A Guide for Small Waste Water Treatment Plant Operators gives guidance on creating an SOP.
The laboratory quality assurance manual review checklist is offered to assist labs in creating their Quality Assurance manual.

Download quality-control tools

Bench sheets and control charts for labs offers downloadable spreadsheet tools and guidance for labs.

Contact information

Rebecca Wood
Supervisor, Laboratory Accreditation Unit
rebecca.wood@ecy.wa.gov
360-742-7022

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