Q-Check

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NWT Q-Check Program

NWT introduced the Q-Check program in 1994 to provide utilities with a technique to validate their analytical procedures and to assess their laboratory capabilities relative to those of other utilities by analysis of blind samples. This program is an expansion of PWR/Q-Chem and is supportive of the objectives outlined for spike samples in INPO Good Practices CY-702, “Verification of Analytical Performance,” INPO 83-107 (Rev. 1), November 1985 and the laboratory performance guidelines in “Guidelines for Chemistry at Nuclear Power Stations,” INPO 88-021, December 1988.

The five Q-Check sample matrices are shown below. Samples include pure water, primary matrix and acidified matrix metals solutions. The chemical species stay the same each quarter with the exception of those in the primary matrix cation solution. Sample concentrations change quarterly.

Each sample set consists of three 250 ml bottles of each of the five sample types. Additional bottles can be purchased. The subscription form details pricing and delivery schedule.

After sample analysis, each site reports its results to NWT. Results can be submitted to NWT using the report form. Results are presented and reviewed by NWT in a quarterly report. Q-Check participants are identified by letter in the report; the letter designation for each laboratory is given in the report transmittal letter.

Since all PWR/Q-Chem analytes are included in the concurrent Q-Check sample set, Q-Check participants have the opportunity to participate in PWR/Q-CHEM and can receive the corresponding report.

NWT also has developed custom programs for several utilities. If the standard Q-Chem program does not fulfill all of your needs, we will work with you to establish a more responsive program. Please see the Custom Q-Chem Samples page.

Questions regarding the Q-Chem program should be directed to Mike Miller or Mary Hyde at (408) 281-1100 or lab@nwtcorp.com.

Subscription Form

Q-Check Subscription Form

Print out and fax or mail to Mike Miller at NWT Corporation (choose the Adobe^® version or the web page version)

Adobe^® Version

Web Page Version

Adobe^® Reader^® is required to view and print the Q-Check Subscription Form. Click here to download Adobe^® Reader^® if you do not already have it installed on your computer.

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Report Form

Q-Check Report Forms

Web reporting is not available at this time.

Please fax (408-578-0790) or e-mail your results.

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Q-Check Sample Descriptions

Sample ID	Size	Analyte	Range
A	250 ml	Fluoride Chloride Sulfate Silica Pure Water Matrix	1 - 100 ppb 1 - 100 ppb 1 - 100 ppb 1 - 500 ppb
B	250 ml	Sodium Ammonia Pure Water Matrix	1 - 100 ppb 50 - 5000 ppb

C	250 ml	Copper Iron 0.15% Nitric Acid Matrix	1 - 100 ppb 5 - 100 ppb

D	250 ml	Boron Lithium Fluoride Chloride Sulfate Silica Primary Matrix	10 - 2000 ppm 0.1 - 5 ppm 1 - 200 ppb 1 - 200 ppb 1 - 200 ppb 10 - 1000 ppb

E	250 ml	Boron Lithium Sodium* Ammonia* Magnesium* Calcium* Aluminum* Primary Matrix	10 - 2000 ppm 0.1 - 5 ppm 10 - 200 ppb 10 -1000 ppb 20 - 50 ppb 20 - 500 ppb 20 - 500 ppb

*Not included every quarter

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