QUALITY CONTROL IN PETROLEUM ENGINEERING LABORATORY

An Overview

Definitions (1)
Quality Control - QC refers to the measures that must be included

during each assay run to verify that the test is working properly.
Quality Assurance - QA is defined as the overall program that ensures

that the final results reported by the laboratory are correct.

ensure that the results generated by the test are correct. However, quality assurance is concerned with much more: that the right test is carried out on the right specimen, and that the right result and right interpretation is delivered to the right person at the right time

Definitions (2)
Quality Assessment - quality assessment (also known as

proficiency testing) is a means to determine the quality of the results generated by the laboratory. Quality assessment is a challenge to the effectiveness of the QA and QC programs.

Variables that affect the quality of results

The educational background and training of the laboratory personnel The condition of the specimens The controls used in the test runs Reagents Equipment The interpretation of the results The transcription of results The reporting of results

Errors in measurement
True value - this is an ideal concept which cannot be

achieved.
Accepted true value - the value approximating the true

value, the difference between the two values is negligible.

measurement and the true (or accepted true value).

Sources of error

Input data required - such as standards used, calibration values, and values of physical constants. Inherent characteristics of the quantity being measured Instruments used - accuracy, repeatability. Observer fallibility - reading errors, blunders, equipment selection, analysis and computation errors. Environment - any external influences affecting the measurement. Theory assumed - validity of mathematical methods and approximations.

Random Error

An error which varies in an unpredictable manner, in magnitude and sign, when a large number of measurements of the same quantity are made under effectively identical conditions. Random errors create a characteristic spread of results for any test method and cannot be accounted for by applying corrections. Random errors are difficult to eliminate but repetition reduces the influences of random errors. Examples of random errors include errors in pipetting and changes in incubation period. Random errors can be minimized by training, supervision and adherence to standard operating procedures.

Random Errors
x x x True Value x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Systematic Error

An error which, in the course of a number of measurements of the same value of a given quantity, remains constant when measurements are made under the same conditions, or varies according to a definite law when conditions change. Systematic errors create a characteristic bias in the test results and can be accounted for by applying a correction. Systematic errors may be induced by factors such as variations in incubation temperature, blockage of plate washer, change in the reagent batch or modifications in testing method.

Systematic Errors
x x True Value x x x x x x x

Internal Quality Control Program

Westgard rules

The formulation of Westgard rules were based on statistical methods. Westgard rules are commonly used to analyse data in Shewhart control charts. Westgard rules are used to define specific performance limits for a particular assay and can be use to detect both random and systematic errors. There are six commonly used Westgard rules of which three are warning rules and the other three mandatory rules. The violation of warning rules should trigger a review of test procedures, reagent performance and equipment calibration. The violation of mandatory rules should result in the rejection of the results obtained with patients serum samples in that assay.

Shewhart Chart
100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Assay Run VZV IgG ELISA: Target Value = 49 U/ml

Antibody Units

+3 sd +2 sd +1 sd

Target value
-1 sd -2 sd -3 sd

16

Warning rules

Warning 12SD : It is violated if the IQC value exceeds the mean by 2SD. It is an event likely to occur normally in less than 5% of cases. Warning 22SD : It detects systematic errors and is violated when two consecutive IQC values exceed the mean on the same side of the mean by 2SD.

Warning 41SD : It is violated if four consecutive IQC values exceed the same limit (mean 1SD) and this may indicate the need to perform instrument maintenance or reagent calibration.

Mandatory rules

Mandatory 13SD : It is violated when the IQC value exceeds the mean by 3SD. The assay run is regarded as out of control. Mandatory R4SD : It is only applied when the IQC is tested in duplicate. This rule is violated when the difference in SD between the duplicates exceeds 4SD. Mandatory 10x : This rule is violated when the last 10 consecutive IQC values are on the same side of the mean or target value.

Westgard Rules: 1 3SD

Antibody Units

+3 sd +2 sd +1 sd

Target value
-1 sd -2 sd -3 sd

16

Westgard Rules: 10X

Antibody Units

+3 sd +2 sd +1 sd

Target value
-1 sd -2 sd -3 sd

16

Follow-up action in the event of a violation

Accept the test run in its entirety - this usually applies when only a warning rule is violated. Reject the whole test run - this applies only when a mandatory rule is violated. Enlarge the greyzone and thus re-test range for that particular assay run - this option can be considered in the event of a violation of either a warning or mandatory rule.

DISCUSSION
The end result of an experimental program is often

a quantitative measure of yields and qualities of the products or the effect of some variable on these properties . To interpret intelligently any difference resulting from an experiment, it is necessary to know the precision of the experimental operation.

RECOMMENDATION
In order to make quality control program most effective we recommend as follows: All technical personnel should be given short course in the basic fundamentals of laboratory statistics Personnel in petroleum laboratory should be given training on safety.

 The laboratory should be free of accident prone

objects Personnel technical -know -how should be updated regularly. Calibration of instrument should be accurate at all times

CONCLUSION
It is recognized that final data resulting from any program reflects the quality of two equally important and equally indispensable phase of the work- namely, the experiment itself and the analysis of the feed and products involved. To be in position to guarantee the over-all results, it is necessary to know the precision of the ove-rall operation. Also, in order to direct a precision it is necessary to know the distribution of the total variance- that is , how much of the total error is born in the pilot plant building and how much in the analytical and testing laboratory. Lack of accuracy is usually due to some bias, such as calibration drift, which often can and should, be corrected before reporting data.