The EDF Format is a method for transferring environmental laboratory data from one organization to the next, delivering fully defined data of known quality. EDF provides the actual quality data, rather than someone's interpretation of quality data. EDF data includes:
Chain-of-Custody (COC) Information
- − sample collection information
- − administrative information
- − preservatives added to the samples
- − conditions of transport
Laboratory Results Information
- − tests performed
- − parameters tested
- − analytical results
Quality Assurance (QA) Information (key to data verification)
- − detection limits
- − blank data (trip blanks, field blanks, method blanks, calibration blanks, etc.)
- − accuracy data (surrogates, matrix spikes, laboratory control samples, etc.)
- − precision data (field duplicates, laboratory replicates, matrix spikes duplicates, laboratory control samples duplicates, etc.)
- − control limits for precision and accuracy
- − validation flags
- − narrative report explaining non-conformances
EDF may be used for electronic data review, data quality summaries, or the production of hard copy reports. EDF is the electronic reflection of the legally defensible hard copy laboratory report.