Biological Sampling

1. Training
   1. Professional technician at training
   2. Standardized training program with same instructor
   3. Regular checks of technicians
2. Field Procedure
   1. Two teams taking duplicate samples
   2. Periodic duplicate sampling by professional
   3. Document variation in protocol
   4. Replicate samples
   5. Assurance of comparable habitats
   6. Uniformity of method/effort (100 organisms counts)
   7. Minimize chance of error in data sheet
   8. Verification of results by comparing with results using other methods
3. Habitat Assessment
   1. Clear understanding of terms by each team
   2. Thorough training
4. Lab Procedures
   1. Instrument documentation and identification for sample analyzed
   2. Reference specimens with cross-check by professional
   3. Minimize chance of error in data sheets/tables
5. Data Analysis
   1. Plot and check for outliers

Back to Quality Assurance and Quality Control

QAPP OUTLINE

SAMPLE OF QUALITY CONTROL PROTOCOLS - BIOLOGICAL SAMPLING:
Macroinvertebrates | Fecal Coliform | Aquatic Vegetation | Intertidal Organisms