In the realm of scientific analysis, particularly within the burgeoning cannabis industry, the use of Technical Specifications Manuals (TSM) plays a crucial role in ensuring accurate and reliable data. Shannon Swantek, a seasoned senior quality chemist at Environmental Standards/Vitale Scientific Associates, emphasizes the importance of a TSM in delineating client expectations to facilitate the laboratory’s comprehension of the requisite sensitivity, precision, and accuracy for each test type.
The tailored nature of a TSM is paramount, as it should encompass specific project requirements and outline key operational aspects. Swantek elucidates that a comprehensive TSM should encompass a spectrum of details including analytical method options, detection limits, quality control sample recoveries, validation procedures, data reporting formats, and turnaround times. The meticulous crafting of a TSM reflects a proactive approach towards ensuring data accuracy and quality within the cannabis industry.
One primary objective of utilizing a TSM is to empower clients with the ability to assess whether contracted labs are delivering on agreed services without necessitating specialized laboratory expertise. By combining TSMs with third-party laboratory audits and data validation processes, companies can fortify their quality assurance mechanisms and optimize analytical outcomes. Swantek advocates for leveraging these advanced methodologies to enhance testing proficiency and foster trust in data integrity within the cannabis sector.
Drawing from her extensive experience as the former director of the cannabis program at the Oregon Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program, Swantek underscores the importance of implementing robust quality control measures such as duplicate assessments and blank contamination evaluations. These practices are indispensable in evaluating data usability following validation procedures and are pivotal in engendering confidence in analytical results.
As the cannabis industry continues to evolve and align with stringent regulatory standards prevalent in other sectors, the adoption of tools like TSMs will be instrumental in upholding analytical rigor and promoting transparency in data reporting practices. By embracing these innovative approaches to testing protocols, companies can elevate their analytical capabilities and bolster credibility within an increasingly competitive landscape.
