TestAmerica Expert Speaks on Indentifying False Positives in Environmental Analysis at the 2009 NWEC

Dr. Richard Burrows, Director of Technical Services for TestAmerica and recognized industry expert, will explore the identification of false positives in environmental analysis. The presentation will be given on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at the annual Northwest Environmental Conference (NWEC) in Portland, Oregon.

The presentation will demonstrate some of the fundamentals of detection in environmental chemistry, and will examine the quality and reliability of data in-between the Method Detection Limit (MDL) and the Quantitation Limit (QL). The evaluation is based on a data set of over 300,000 results from 19 laboratories. Recommendations regarding the appropriate use of low level data and suggestions for improved practices will be provided.

Dr. Burrows is a member of the U.S. EPA Laboratory Advisory Board, and is actively involved with environmental methods and technique development through the U.S. EPA and American Council of Independent Laboratories (ACIL). Dr. Burrows’ method development work has involved bringing new perspectives to method detection limits (MDLs), quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), environmental reference materials, volatile and semivolatile organic compound methods and HPLC/MS. To submit an inquiry to Dr. Burrows, please go to TestAmerica’s Ask the Expert webpage at www.testamericainc.com.


About TestAmerica

TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing firm in the United States, including 37 laboratories and 29 service centers. TestAmerica provides innovative technical expertise and comprehensive analytical testing services. Specialty analyses include source and ambient air, aquatic toxicity, explosives, specialty organics, dioxins, drinking water, sediments and tissues, emerging contaminants, radiochemistry and mixed waste testing.

TestAmerica affiliate companies include EMLab P&K, the leader in analytical microscopy and indoor air quality; QED Environmental Systems, Inc., the leading supplier of groundwater sampling equipment and remediation pumping systems; TestAmerica Drilling Corp., provider of innovative environmental and geotechnical drilling; and TestAmerica Air Emissions Corp. (METCO Environmental), specializing in air emissions testing. TestAmerica currently employs nearly 2,800 professionals dedicated to exceptional service and solutions for our clients’ environmental testing needs.

Contact Information

James H. Miller

Vice President

TestAmerica

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