The PJLA Podcast

AOAC Hemp & Cannabis Proficiency Testing – A Solution to a Critical Need

Hemp and cannabis testing laboratories are evolving swiftly. New and diverse analytical methodologies are continuously being developed to address the needs of the rapidly growing cannabis and hemp industry, and the changing regulatory landscape surrounding these materials. Whether the focus is on ensuring products are free of dangerous pesticides, heavy metals, or microbials, or on characterizing potency and terpene content of hemp and cannabis related products, it is more imperative than ever for labs to prove to themselves, their customers, state and federal regulators, and the public that the results they deliver are defensible and accurate. This is why selecting the appropriate Proficiency Testing Program is extremely important, and to address this need, AOAC INTERNATIONAL (AOAC) and Signature Science, LLC (SigSci) have developed the AOAC Cannabis and Hemp Proficiency Testing (PT) Programs. These programs offer uniquely representative PT samples in both hemp and cannabis matrices and are the only accredited PT programs with these analytes capable of shipping greater than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC cannabis across state lines. Join PJLA and AOAC INTERNATIONAL to learn more on the significances of proficiency testing, different types of PT programs and their approaches to scoring and evaluations, and risks associated with using matrices that may not be fit for purpose. Learn how proficiency testing can be made easier and used as a tool for continuous improvement, and what sets the AOAC programs apart. Presented by: Shane Flynn, Senior Director, Laboratory Proficiency Testing, AOAC INTERNATIONAL

FDA Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Food (LAAF) Program -Lessons Learned

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the expectations set forth by the FDA LAAF program and learn practical techniques for effectively navigating the accreditation process. Elevate your knowledge and readiness for accreditation by joining us for this essential session. Presented by Leeza Akimenko, PJLA Lead Assessor/ Food Testing Program Advisor

A Look at ISO/IEC 17025:2017 - Requirements Concerning Impartiality and Confidentiality

Impartiality can be defined as “the presence of objectivity.” Confidentiality can be defined as “the state of keeping or being kept secret or private." The first two sections of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 takes into the requirements of both impartiality and confidentiality. This webinar will look at these requirements and will clarify what they are and how an organization can comply with meeting these requirements within their ISO/IEC 17025:2017 compliant quality management system. Presented by Michael Kramer, PJLA Calibration/Inspection Program Manager

A Look at the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 - Requirements Concerning Document Control and Control of Records

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requires all laboratories to control all documents which include both internal and external documents. The realm of what is considered a document will be discussed. This webinar will look at these requirements and provide detail as to what they mean. Control of records are broken into technical and quality related records. The webinar will look at what constitutes a record and will go into the requirements specified in Sections 7.5 and 8.4 as presented in the 2017 Standard. Presented by Michael Kramer, PJLA Calibration/Inspection Program Manager

Measurement Uncertainty and Decision Rules with Dr. Susan Audino

No measurements are without error or uncertainty and each answers a different question. This session will focus on measurement uncertainty and its critical role in decision rules when making statements of conformity to predefined specifications or criteria. We will disentangle measurement bias from measurement uncertainty, discuss how and when to determine uncertainty, and finally understand its role on a certificate of analysis. Presented by Dr. Susan Audino

Common Findings in Assessments to the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Standard in 2023

We have looked back at assessment done by PJLA during the 2023 calendar year and have compiled data from these assessments. This webinar will look at the area’s which were identified as the top list of nonconformance’s which PJLA assessors wrote during the year. We have identified some reoccurring issues found during PJLA assessments during 2023. This webinar will look at some common findings found within our ISO/IEC 17025:2017 assessments and shed some light on the requirements and how compliance can be achieved. This webinar will break down the top ten areas we have identified as having the most nonconformance’s written. Presented by Michael Kramer, PJLA Calibration/Inspection Program Manager

Adding DOECAP-AP Accreditation to a DoD ELAP Accredited Laboratory

Did you know that almost one-half of the DOE Consolidated Audit Program - Accreditation Program (DOECAP-AP) laboratories perform routine and project specific non-radiological analysis? There are opportunities for non-radiochemistry laboratories to support projects involving routine compliance monitoring, site characterization, process control testing, and remediation for various environmental matrices for the DOE. It is also anticipated PFAS analysis will exceed current non-radiological laboratory capacity in the near future. This webinar will review the anticipated differences between DOECAP-AP and DoD ELAP to the combined DoD/DOE Quality Systems Manual (QSM 6.0). The transition is not as difficult as it seems! We will identify less than twenty clauses of the QSM requiring laboratory consider or update. Our review will give laboratories the necessary Information to evaluate the opportunities to seek accreditation for DOECAP-AP for either the entire, or partial scope of DoD-ELAP accreditation in order to provide non-radiological analysis to the DOE. Presented by Matthew Sica, PJLA Technical Program Manager

A Look at ISO/IEC 17025:2017 - Section 6.6 - Externally Provided Products and Services

When you are selecting a potential vendor, you are selecting a partner in your business which you will trust to work with you in a professional and profitable manner. It is important that you choose a company that can supply your current and future needs. Section 6.6 combines both purchasing and subcontracting. This webinar will take a look at requirements for retaining records and having procedural information in regard to your critical suppliers. This includes the basis for qualifications which are needed along with the expanded requirement of monitoring of the performance and re-evaluation of your critical suppliers. Communicating your needs to your supplier will be reviewed along with informing your customer if you will subcontract their tests or calibrations. Presented by Michael Kramer, PJLA Calibration Program Manager

Understanding the PJLA Flexible Scope Policy for Testing Labs, RMPS, and PTPs

With the new PL-4, PJLA is improving upon how flexible scopes are communicated to the testing labs, RMP and PTP CABs, and their customers. This session explores how these CABs can manage a flexible scope of accreditation. Beginning November 1st, CABs receiving updated scopes during reaccreditation assessments or scope expansions will be able to leverage either a fixed or flexible scope to communicate to their customers. Takeaways: 1. The difference between a fixed scope and a flexible scope of accreditation. 2. The advantages and disadvantages of a flexible scope of accreditation. 3. The flexibility approved for flexible scopes and the changes which cannot be made to scope methods. 4. The requirements and considerations on the CABs for managing flexible scopes. 5. The impact of flexible scopes on the assessment process. Presented by Matthew Sica, PJLA Technical Program Manager

A Look at ISO/IEC 17025:2017 - Overview of the Requirements Specified for Equipment in Section 6.4

This webinar will review the requirements specified in Section 6.4 specific to equipment. It is specified, however, that this also includes, but is not limited to, measuring instruments, software, measurement standards, reference materials, reference data, reagents, consumables, or auxiliary apparatus. These requirements are in place to aid in the assurance that the equipment utilized in laboratory activities will promote the correct performance that can influence the results. We will explore the requirements detailing verification vs calibration of equipment. Also, correction factors and requirements concerning equipment records are detailed in this section. Presented by: Michael Kramer, PJLA Calibration Program Manager