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Curtis & Tompkins is a full service analytical laboratory that can provide organic, inorganic and wet chemistry analyses on a wide range of sample matrices. Curtis & Tompkins will continually evaluate customer needs and grow to meet those needs. The following chart summarizes some of the unique capabilities of Curtis & Tompkins. You may click on any linked item to view or download the associated product fact sheet. The above list is a summary and not all analyses are listed. If a particular analyses you require is not within the chart above, please feel free to contact the laboratory. |
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Automated data collection, processing and data management is a vital component to delivering legally and technically defensible data on time in a competitive market for lab services. C&T has been continually developing and refining the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) since 1989. We take great pride in the features and capabilities of our data system; we feel that it is unsurpassed in the environmental lab industry. C&T's LIMS is a complex network of interconnected servers, instruments, data systems and PC's. At the core is a system of Oracle databases that collect data related to the samples we process. Automated instruments send data directly to the LIMS for the majority of tests in the lab. Our data system allows us to automatically evaluate the accuracy and precision of our testing procedures against both in-house and client-specified acceptance limits by performing all necessary calculations, verifying the resulting results against quality control specifications, storing them in the appropriate tables, and producing both hardcopy and electronic deliverables. C&T's proprietary "EDD-Engine" software allows for the automated production of even the most complicated of formats and is designed to facilitate easy creation of additional formats based on customer requests. Data can be output in a single file or multiple related files. The automated production of EDD's from the same data tables from which hardcopy reports are produced, containing data directly downloaded from the instruments, insures that your electronic data will always match the hardcopy data. We have produced EDDs in scores of formats, including: ERPIMS & Enhanced ERPIMS EDF ADR NEDTS SEDD IGIS EQWIN GIS/Key § ADAPT/CCS Curtis & Tompkins can also produce Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) copies of reports that can be delivered by email or on CD. |
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Questions often arise as to the whether or not there are any differences between the acceptance criteria applied to "Level 2" vs "Level 3" or "Level 4" projects. At Curtis & Tompkins, there is no difference. C&T analyzes samples with the understanding that projects may suddenly come under greater scrutiny or be subpoenaed; all data is treated as potential litigation support and all reports are legally and technically defensible. The only question is "how much paper do you want?" Level 2 reports are the most commonly requested type. These contain the sample results and chain-of-custody forms along with basic QC results including surrogate recoveries, method blank results, and precision and accuracy data for the sample preparation batch. If any analytical problems were encountered, the report will also include a case narrative describing the problem and any potential impact on data quality. Level 3 reports include everything in the Level 2 report plus initial calibration and calibration verification summarries for each instrument and analytical sequence, copies of instrument run logs, and sample preparation benchbook entries. Level 4 reports are typically required for projects contracted through the Department of Defence (Navy, US Army Corp of Engineers) or for projects requiring 3rd party validation. These reports contain everything in the Level 3 report plus all associated raw data for samples, batch QC samples, and instrument calibration and calibration verification standards. An additional cost will often be assessed due to the time required for data-package assembly. Level 2 Reports Sample results Fuel Chromatograms (TEH/ TVH) for samples that have hits Method Blank results Blank Spike/ Blank Spike Duplicate or Laboratory Control Sample results Matrix Spike/ Matrix Spike Duplicate or Sample Spike/ Sample Duplicate results Level 3 Reports include all of the above plus: Tune reports for GC-MS methods Initial Calibration summary Continuing Calibration Verification (CCV) summary Interference Check Standard (ICS) reports for ICP and ICP-MS methods Internal Standard recovery & retention time summary for GC-MS methods Instrument Run Logs Sample Preparation logs Level 4 Reports include all of the above plus: Sample raw data (chromatograms, quantitation reports, spectra, instrument printouts) Method Blank raw data LCS, BS/BSD raw data MS/ MSD, SDUP/ SSPIKE raw data Initial Calibration Standards raw data Continuing Calibration Verification (CCV) Standards raw data Interference Check Standard (ICS) reports for ICP and ICP-MS methods |
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Sample Receipt, Control & ManagementSample shipments are received through a designated entrance at the laboratory. Sample Control Technicians verify the sample condition (temperature, breakage), and number of shipping containers being received against the number listed on the chain-of-custody before signing the chain-of-custody. Any damage to the shipping container(s) or other discrepancy is noted, either on the chain-of-custody or on a Cooler Receipt Form and a copy of this document is kept with the project file. Sample control technicians review the sample labels against the chain-of-custody then log the samples into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). LIMS then assigns a unique C&T laboratory number to each sample group and a sequential sample number is assigned to each sample container within that group. The client's name, account number, location, telephone and facsimile numbers, analytical request, date received, and report due date are entered into LIMS. A printout of this information is immediately generated and attached to the client job jacket. The Project Manager then reviews the login summary and stores the job jacket in data management's active file until all analyses are completed. All analysts and chemists follow internal chain of custody procedures to further ensure the validity of all data. All samples are signed out in the Sample Custody Log when they are removed from the refrigerator for analysis. The sample number, date, and analyst initials are recorded in this log. When samples are returned, the date, time, and analyst's initials are again recorded. Chain-of-custody is maintained for sample extracts and digests through signatures in the extraction and digestion records. Laboratory Project Management Each client is assigned to a Project Manager when a proposal is accepted or when samples are received. This individual is selected based on the scope of work, familiarity with a particular client's requirements, laboratory workload, or, in some cases, upon the client's specific needs or requests. If a project-specific Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPP's) is submitted with a Request-For-Proposal (RFP), the QAPP is reviewed by the assigned Project Manager and, if there are any discrepancies between the project specifications and laboratory capabilities, a variance letter will be written and submitted to the client for approval. Upon award of the project and assignment of a project number, the Project Manager can then enter project-specific compound lists, reporting limits, and QC acceptance limits into LIMS that will then be used to generate final hardcopy and electronic deliverable reports for all samples associated with that project number. Project-specific lists may also be entered into LIMS on a client-specific or report-specific basis. Project Managers are responsible for reviewing the LIMS-generated login summary against the chain-of-custody and against known project requirements. They track the progress of the analysis from receipt, through analysis and reporting, and communicate any analytical difficulties or questions to the client. Once an analytical report is complete, the Project Manager reviews the final report against the following criteria: Are the results internally consistent across analyses and across samples within the same project. If results are inconsistent between analyses, with the client's descriptive sample ID, or project history, the Project Manager will ask the laboratory staff to try to discover the source of a discrepancy. If the discrepancy cannot be resolved, the client is informed.
The Project Manager verifies that the QC data are within acceptance limits and that appropriate QC data are included in the final report. If a QC parameter is outside acceptance limits, the Project Manager ensures that an appropriate Corrective Action was taken and/ or and explanation is included in the report.
The Project Manager and the Operations Manager (or a designee) then signs the final report. Questions about final reports should be directed to the Project Manager, or to the Operations Manager. |
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Technical presentations have been developed to educate our clients regarding specific analytical techniques, methods, and new regulations such as EPA 5035 (Encore preservation) and Natural Attenuation Parameter analyses. Other topics focus on client-specific requests such as cleanups used in hydrocarbon analysis, QA/QC and new low-level techniques; see the list below for current presentations. These 45 minute to 1 hour sessions are presented at the client's location during the lunch hour and can be scheduled by contacting Mike Pearl.
Quality Systems in the Environmental LaboratoryWhat are legally defensible data? What are technically defensible data? What are the differences between the two? Have you ever had a problem with false negatives, false positives, or misquantitations from you laboratory? This seminar provides a basic understanding of how laboratories minimize these problems and ensure defensible data.
Petroleum Hydrocarbons - Methods and Interpretation This presentation is an overview of the available methods for measuring hydrocarbons in the lab. The discussion will improve your understanding of how chromatographic petroleum fuel data are interpreted, the variables in the process, and the significance of product identification, the strengths and limitations of the methods, interlab variability, available methods for the detection of MTBE, and range of acceptable solutions to hydrocarbon fuels measurement problems. Find out how you can eliminate the potential of false positives from biogenic material by choosing using silica gel cleanup, and what methods the laboratory is using for Oil & Grease, now that the Freon methods are no longer accepted.
Hazardous Waste Characterization - TCLP/ STLC/ SPLPImprove your understanding of the different extraction procedures required by the State of California and the Federal EPA for determining potential leachability of selected compounds from a landfill. Analytical Methods that will be discussed are EPA 1311 (TCLP), EPA 1312 (SPLP), and California's Waste Extraction Test (STLC).
EPA 5035 using "Encore" Devices (Sample Collection and Preparation for VOC Analysis): Method 5035 details techniques for the collection, storage and preparation of solid samples for volatile organic analysis using "Encore" devices. Changes in sample collection and preparation techniques impact field samplers and the laboratory. Discover how these procedural changes affect project costs, efficiency and data quality.
Volatile Organic Compounds - EPA 8021 (8010) vs. EPA 8260Many project plans written in the 1980's and early 1990's required analysis of samples for low-level halogenated volatile organics by method EPA 8010. Find out how improvements in analytical technologies allow low-level detection limits with improved compound identification.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB's) - Aroclors vs. CongenersNew investigations directed toward better understanding of PCB toxicity are increasingly focussing on "PCB congeners". This seminar defines these terms and discusses the similarities and differences between the methods historically used for quantitating PCB's and those required for this this new interest.
Metals Analysis by ICP-MSNew instrumentation allows significantly lower detection limits while minimizing sample interferences. This overview discusses the similarities and differences between the methods historically used for metals analysis (Graphite Furnace AA, ICP-AES) and the new method that couples ICP with Mass Spectrometry. |
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