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What is the relationship between real-time measurements systems used by the Triad and SW-846 protocols?
 
Answer

EPA’s SW-846 methods manual contains methods and protocols for solid and hazardous waste analyses recognized by the EPA RCRA program. For methods to be included in SW-846, they must be supported by a defined validation program, typically involving precision, accuracy, ruggedness and other defined method parameter studies. Inclusion of methods in SW-846 implies that there has been sufficient experience with the method and that its results will have a relatively predictable level of analytical quality. While most of the SW-846 methods describe fixed-laboratory techniques, some of the real-time measurement systems commonly used by the Triad (e.g., XRF and immunoassay kits for a variety of analytes) have been included in SW-846 for years.

Two important points must be kept in mind. First, just because a particular method is contained in SW-846 does not mean that it is applicable without modification, or even most appropriate, for the analytical needs of a particular site. Second, just because a method is not contained in SW-846 does not necessarily mean that it is inferior to SW-846 methods in the context of the needs of a particular site. SW-846 methods, particularly those with real-time capabilities, are a useful point of departure when initially reviewing analytical methods for a site since they have already attained a certain level of acceptability and recognition within the regulatory community, and are likely to be readily available from analytical service providers.