Results Review, Authorisation and Reporting Procedure

Purpose. Defines the review steps that every result passes through before it is authorised and issued to the client on a test report.

1.Analyst review

The analyst who performs the test must review the batch before submitting results: check that the calibration met the method criteria, that all quality control samples are within limits, that calculations and units are correct, that dilutions and moisture corrections are applied, and that sample identities match the worksheet. The analyst records the batch as reviewed in the laboratory information system.

2.Technical review

A second authorised person, usually a senior technician or the section manager, reviews the batch for technical validity, compares results with historical data for the same site or product where available, checks anomalies such as a result above the guideline value or a duplicate outside limits, and confirms that any nonconformance has been recorded and evaluated.

• Calibration and quality control acceptance
• Historical comparison and anomaly check
• Detection limits and reporting units
• Nonconformances recorded and resolved

3.Authorisation

Only staff listed as authorised signatories for the method group in the training and authorisation register may authorise a report. The signatory must confirm that the report states the method, the sample identity, sampling and receipt dates, the results with units and limits of reporting, any qualifications, and whether the test is covered by accreditation. Reports covered by accreditation carry the accreditation body's endorsement; reports that include non-accredited tests identify those tests clearly.

4.Interpretation and opinions

Where a client requests comparison against guideline values or an opinion, the comparison must be presented separately from the results and the basis for the comparison stated. Opinions and interpretations are only given by staff authorised to do so and are marked as such on the report.

5.Amended reports

If a report must be corrected after issue, a new report is issued with a new version number, marked as amended, stating what has changed and why. The original report is retained and marked superseded. The client is informed in writing and the amendment is recorded as a nonconformance.

6.Urgent verbal results

Results may be given verbally for urgent public health or product release decisions only by an authorised signatory, only after technical review, and only with a record of who was told, when and what was said. The written report must follow within one working day.