Standardized Checklists for QA Manager and AB Manager Users

The AQS Checklist Library provides a growing collection of standardized checklists designed for environmental laboratory quality systems and accreditation assessments.

Available within QA Manager and AB Manager, these checklists help laboratories and accrediting bodies work from consistent, structured evaluation tools aligned with real-world requirements.

Built for Real Assessments and Quality Activities

The library currently focuses on high-value, practical checklists, including:

  • TNI-based assessment checklists
  • Method-specific checklists
  • Evaluation tools used during laboratory assessments
  • Structured review templates for quality activities

These checklists are designed to reflect how assessments and evaluations are actually performed—supporting both internal laboratory use and external accreditation reviews.

Why Checklists Matter

Checklists are one of the most effective tools for ensuring consistency, completeness, and defensibility.

Without standardized checklists, organizations often rely on:

  • informal notes or inconsistent evaluation approaches
  • individual assessor or staff preferences
  • duplicated effort creating similar tools across programs
  • gaps in documentation during audits or assessments

The AQS Checklist Library provides structured, reusable checklists that help ensure evaluations are performed consistently and documented clearly.

Designed for QA Manager and AB Manager

The Checklist Library is fully integrated into QA Manager and AB Manager.

  • In QA Manager, laboratories can use checklists to support internal audits, training, and ongoing quality activities
  • In AB Manager, accrediting bodies can use checklists during assessments and technical reviews

This shared approach helps align expectations between laboratories and accrediting bodies—supporting more consistent and defensible outcomes.

Built by the Community (and Growing)

The Checklist Library is designed to grow over time through contributions from users.

Future expansion may include:

  • additional method-specific checklists
  • program-specific or agency-specific checklists
  • supporting templates and evaluation tools

All resources are reviewed before being added to maintain consistency and quality.

Included with Your System

The AQS Checklist Library is available to active users within QA Manager and AB Manager.

Checklists can be accessed, assigned, and used directly within the platform—ensuring they are part of your workflow, not just standalone documents.

A Foundation for Shared Standards

The Checklist Library supports a broader goal: helping laboratories and accrediting bodies work from more consistent evaluation tools.

By starting with shared checklist structures, organizations can:

  • reduce duplication of effort
  • improve consistency across assessments
  • support clearer documentation and defensible decisions

See It in Action

The Checklist Library is available within QA Manager and AB Manager.

Contact AQS to learn more about how standardized checklists can support your laboratory or accreditation program.

Checklist Examples

Checklists are organized by category to support both technical evaluation and day-to-day laboratory operations.

🔷 Quality Systems

Checklists aligned with TNI standards and core quality system requirements.

  • TNI V1M2 – Quality Systems (Management) Checklist
  • TNI V1M2 – Technical Requirements Checklist
  • TNI V1M4 – Chemistry Checklist
  • TNI V1M5 – Microbiology Checklist

These checklists support internal audits, management reviews, and accreditation assessments.

🔷 Laboratory Operations & Quality Management

Checklists supporting routine laboratory quality system activities and oversight.

  • Annual Management Review Checklist
  • Internal Audit Checklist
  • Quality System Self-Assessment Checklist
  • Corrective Action Tracking Checklist
  • Document Control & SOP Review Checklist
  • Generic Method Compliance Checklist

These tools help laboratories maintain consistency and prepare for audits and inspections.

🔷 Sample Receiving & Handling

Checklists focused on sample login, custody, and handling procedures.

  • Sample Receiving & Login Checklist
  • Chain-of-Custody Review Checklist
  • Sample Preservation & Holding Time Checklist
  • Sample Storage & Disposal Checklist

These checklists help ensure proper handling and documentation from receipt through analysis.

🔷 Analytical Methods & Technologies

The AQS Checklist Library includes a large and growing collection of method- and technology-based checklists.
To support usability, methods are organized by category.

Analytical – Organics

  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
  • Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs)
  • Pesticides & PCBs
  • Herbicides
  • PFAS (emerging methods)

Analytical – Metals

  • ICP/MS Metals (e.g., EPA 200.8)
  • ICP-OES Metals (e.g., EPA 200.7)
  • Mercury Methods

Analytical – Inorganics (General Chemistry)

  • Nutrients (Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonia, Phosphorus)
  • Anions (Chloride, Sulfate, Fluoride)
  • General Chemistry (Alkalinity, Hardness, TDS, TSS)
  • Oxygen Demand (BOD, COD)

Analytical – Microbiology

  • Total Coliform / E. coli
  • Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC)
  • Drinking Water Microbiology
  • Wastewater Microbiology

Analytical – Radiological

  • Gross Alpha / Beta
  • Radium
  • Uranium

Analytical – Technology-Based Checklists

  • GC/MS
  • LC/MS/MS
  • ICP/MS
  • ICP-OES

🔷 Proficiency Testing (PT) & Technical Review

Checklists supporting PT evaluation and technical review processes.

  • PT Evaluation Checklist
  • PT Failure Investigation Checklist
  • Technical Review Checklist

These checklists help ensure consistent and defensible evaluation of laboratory performance.

🔷 Safety

Checklists supporting laboratory safety programs and inspections.

  • Laboratory Safety Inspection Checklist
  • Chemical Hygiene Checklist
  • OSHA Laboratory Inspection Checklist
  • Emergency Equipment & Preparedness Checklist

These tools help support safe laboratory operations and regulatory readiness.

🔷 Environmental Compliance

Checklists supporting environmental and regulatory compliance activities.

  • RCRA Compliance Checklist
  • 90-Day Hazardous Waste Site Checklist
  • Waste Management & Disposal Checklist

These checklists are useful for facilities managing regulated materials and environmental responsibilities.

🔷 Training & Personnel

Checklists supporting employee training, competency, and qualification tracking.

  • Training Program Review Checklist
  • Data Integrity Training Checklist
  • Demonstration of Capability (DOC) Checklist
  • Method Detection Limit (MDL) Verification Checklist

These checklists help ensure staff are properly trained and qualified to perform assigned work.