Laboratory Certification and Proficiency Testing Services
Certification of Forensic Drug Testing Laboratories
Since 1987, RTI has been a contractor to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for the National Laboratory Certification Program (NLCP). We developed and conduct activities through which forensic drug testing laboratories may be HHS-certified to analyze specimens from federal employees for the presence of abused drugs. We inspect approximately 60 certified laboratories twice a year, administer a quarterly performance testing program, and oversee the remediation of deficiencies in certified laboratories. For more information about our NLCP activities, e-mail nlcp@rti.org, fax 919-541-7042, or call 919-541-7242.
Contact: Michael Baylor, John Mitchell
Proficiency Testing for Asbestos Analysis
We offer independent, third-party, proficiency testing for asbestos analysis laboratories through the collective work of our geologists, microscopists, database specialists, and quality assurance officers. Since 1980, we have conducted several prominent polarized light microscopy (PLM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) asbestos proficiency testing programs, including those administered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, American Industrial Hygiene Association, and U.S. Navy. We develop, characterize, and distribute test samples on a quarterly or semi-annual basis, receives and evaluates the results of analysis of laboratory participants, and issues final reports to the client and the laboratories.
We are accredited (certificate number 2671.01) by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) as a "proficiency testing provider" for both asbestos-in-bulk and asbestos-in-air test samples.
Contact: Lisa Greene
Proficiency Testing for Environmental Lead Analysis
On behalf of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), we operate the Environmental Lead Proficiency Analytical Testing (ELPAT) Program. ELPAT is part of AIHA's Environmental Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program, one of only two national lead laboratory accreditation programs currently recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For ELPAT, we prepare environmental lead-in-paint, lead-in-soil, and lead-in-dust proficiency testing materials and send them to more than 250 laboratories around the world on a quarterly basis. These laboratories analyze the samples as part of their accreditation program.
Contact: David Binstock
Asbestos Reference Materials and Calibration Standards
Asbestos Reference Materials
Our repository of reference materials includes nearly 300 asbestos-containing building materials and asbestos substitutes and allows us to provide quality control and reference samples of almost any material type, asbestos type or percentage, and binder/matrix type, in practically any quantity desired. With each order, we provide a detailed polarized light microscopy characterization report.
Calibration Standards
By using mine-grade asbestos and a variety of common binder and matrix components available from our bulk materials repository, we have developed a set of 20 bulk standards. The set contains
- Low-percentage, friable asbestos samples
- Uncommon asbestos types
- Common asbestos look-alike fibers
- Samples with difficult sample matrices and binders
- Nonfriable samples
- Joint compounds
Resources
A sample information sheet and order form for our asbestos calibration standards are available, as well as custom formulations to meet specific client needs. Please follow the payment instructions in the order form to successfully order our asbestos calibration standards
Contact: J. Todd Ennis, Lisa Greene
Proficiency Testing of Drug Testing Laboratories
We offer samples of various biological matrices (urine, oral fluid, hair, sweat, serum) prepared with relevant drug analytes at appropriate concentrations for the analysis of drugs in human specimens. We have long been a reliable source of proficiency testing (PT) samples for forensic and research laboratories. We have prepared drug-fortified samples for government and private-sector clients in the U.S. and other countries for over 20 years. Our services include PT sample design, manufacture, shipment, scoring, and result reporting.
Contact: Francis M. Esposito
Toxicologic Quality Assurance/Quality Control Samples
Our toxicology experts in RTI's Center for Forensic Sciences can work with you to develop QA/QC samples to satisfy regulatory requirements and customer needs in all areas of your forensic, occupational, or clinical testing programs. We design, manufacture, and distribute samples containing drugs, specimen validity test measurands, and other chemicals in various biological matrices (urine, oral fluid, hair, sweat, serum). Applications include external or internal blinds, assay validation samples, analyst training samples, collector and analyst performance monitoring samples, or QA and QC samples for onsite devices or laboratory testing.
- Blind QC Samples for Forensic Urine Testing Programs
- Analytical Hair Reference Materials for Forensic Testing Laboratories
Contact: Francis M. Esposito, Jeri Ropero-Miller (hair reference materials)