7 oktober 2022
Members regularly ask to correct wrong results in Minerva, the database that assesses the analysis results of samples. The term ‘reanalysis’ is then often used, while it actually concerns a different kind of reassessment. What about those reassessments? 5 tips from RHP.
“A reassessment is always a procedure that is used to correct results that are presumably wrong. There are four levels of reassessment:
· Re-measurement by the lab (RML), re-measurement (reanalysis) of the original sample by the laboratory.
· Re-sampling and measurement (RSM), resampling of a new sample of the same consignment.
· Re-sampling on counter sample (RSC), resampling on the counter sample of the same consignment.
· Recipe verification and measurement (RVM), measurement of a new sample of a new consignment that has been produced according to the recipe of the original consignment (recipe verification).
The names of these reassessments show how much the analysed sample resembles the formerly analysed sample. In the list above the resemblance of the samples decreases from the top down. The name also indicates the kind of mistake that was probably made.”
“Our goal is to improve the transparency and traceability of reassessments. By letting this process run in a more structured way and partly computerized with the introduction of the database Minerva 2.0. Then the right and clear-cut coding of samples by members and laboratories is important. The results of a second measurement are recognisable by the following codes (always without the hyphens):
· RML-space-test number
· RSM-space-assessment number
· RSC-space-assessment number
· RVM-space-assessment number
The assessment number of the last three is always the same as the one of the assessment of the first result by Minerva.”
“RHP cannot cancel results in Minerva just like that, even if they appear to be wrong later on. Permission of the certifying body (ECAS or KIWA) is necessary to cancel them. In order to have an assessment cancelled, the member can file a request to their certifying body. Provided with an adequate foundation. The certifying body then determines whether the first assessment may be deleted and will inform RHP. Note, a sample can and may be rejected only once.”
“If a sample lacks specifications, then the results can not be approved by Minerva. So rejection will follow. Minerva can approve of the results as soon as the certifying body allows assessment of the results once again, this time with the specifications. So it is better and quicker to directly take care of right specifications on the application form.”
“Prevention is better than cure. So take care of right sampling, labelling and a properly completed application form to minimise the chance of mistakes. In this way we keep the number of reanalyses as low as possible together.”
