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Scenario · Analytical Chemistry

Investigate the copper spike recovery failure

You are a senior technician in Analytical Chemistry acting as the nonconformance investigator.

Advanced3 to 4 hours8 tasks
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The situation

What has happened

Nonconformance NCR-26-071 records a copper matrix spike recovery of 68 percent in metals batch M-2609-03 against a limit of 80 to 120 percent. Fourteen client samples are on hold and none have been reported. Priya Venkatesan wants a proper root cause investigation rather than a rerun, because a similar copper result was seen in July and dismissed as a one-off. The batch data, the spike solution preparation record, the certified reference material certificates, the instrument maintenance log and the analyst's worksheet are all available. The quality meeting is on Thursday and the client is asking for results.

Your brief. Investigate the failure using the nonconformance procedure, establish the root cause with evidence, decide the fate of the fourteen samples, define corrective actions with owners and dates, update the register and prepare a one page summary for the section manager.
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Tasks

Deliverables

  • Root cause analysis with evidence
  • Decision record for the fourteen samples
  • Updated nonconformance register entry
  • Sample register updates
  • One page summary for the section manager

Documents to use

Systems to use

Nonconformance and Corrective Action Register

Records every nonconformance, out of control result, deviation, complaint and audit finding with its evaluation, root cause, corrective action and closure.

Sample Register

The laboratory information register of every sample received, its matrix, tests, storage, holding time and progress from receipt to reported.

Equipment and Calibration Register

Lists every item of measuring and testing equipment with its calibration interval, last and next calibration, verification checks and service status.

For trainers and assessors

Units of competency

Current on training.gov.au for the Laboratory Operations as at 10 September 2026.

MSL935008Monitor the quality of test results and data
MSL934009Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes
MSL977011Troubleshoot equipment and/or production processes
MSL924005Process and interpret data

Qualifications

MSL50122Diploma of Laboratory Technology
Assessor notes

What to look for

Evidence guide

The investigation must be evidence based: records examined are named, the root cause follows from the data, alternatives are considered and ruled out, and the decision on the samples is justified against the method criteria. Corrective actions address the cause, have owners and dates and state how effectiveness will be verified. The summary is clear enough for a manager to act on.

The student's evidence summary lists every record they created or changed in the systems named above, their notes and the tasks they ticked. Verify it against the deliverables and your own assessment tool.