3-5 – Data Management – Automated Data Verification

Automated Data Verification
Environmental Standards’ Data Verification Module (DVM) allows for the qualification of laboratory analytical data based on pre-determined quality control criteria and limits. In the context of environmental data evaluation conducted under the US EPA National Functional Guidelines (NFGs), a partially automated system offers a powerful balance between computational efficiency and expert scientific judgment.

Our data management staff saw an opportunity to automate the manual verification process performed by Chemists to provide clients with a means to evaluate laboratory and field data-collection performance at a lower cost. The system was developed in conjunction with our chemistry department to provide an automated step in the data evaluation process between 100% data validation and 100% laboratory reporting acceptance only.

When combined with having a Chemist perform validation on a percentage of the data, DVM allows clients to make quick and informed decisions about their environmental program, while also enjoying  the cost savings produced by this automated application.
By automating routine, rules-based checks, such as completeness verification, method compliance screening, and preliminary flagging of anomalies, Chemists are able to focus their time and expertise on higher-order interpretation to identify any other factors that may have impacted data quality. This hybrid approach enhances consistency, traceability, and throughput while preserving the critical role of professional judgment required by the NFGs.

Program-specific Customization
DVM rules and limits are fully customizable and are established at the onset of projects to satisfy client requirements. A comprehensive list of data qualifications and codes for their individual justification are stored within the data management system, alongside any laboratory-derived qualifications. This allows clients and chemistry professionals to compare laboratory qualifiers, results, and reporting limits to the verified qualifiers, results, and reporting limits with ease. DVM, provided by Environmental Standards, allows clients to have a more encompassing  understanding of laboratory-reported data, without exceeding their budgetary constraints in today’s cost-conscious regulatory environment.