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In addition to standard analytical reports, electronic data deliverable (EDD) files are becoming an increasingly common way for

laboratories to provide analytical results. An EDD is an electronic version of the written report in a format that looks similar to an Excel spreadsheet or text file. It contains all of the sample information and results, as well as the associated quality control data. Although EDD files typically provide the same (or more) information as the standard analytical reports, the main purpose for using EDD files is to provide clients with a convenient way to view data in a spreadsheet or text file format. Using an EDD file also allows us to upload the laboratory’s analytical data directly into the client’s data management systems. A useful feature of many EDD formats is the ability to cross-reference from the laboratory’s nomenclature to that of the client. For example, this can be used to translate analyte and reference method names to match the valid naming conventions required by our client’s data management systems.

Therefore, by supplying EDD files in the proper client-specified formats, our laboratory can provide clients with real benefits such as reducing data entry time, eliminating transcription errors, and possibly avoiding the need to determine the correct synonyms of the analyte names. EDD files also integrate well with another document management system called Braun Interport™. This web-based,

secure client portal has the capability to sort and organize the files, stored in a PDF format, as well as search for key fields and words in a document. Your EDD files can be searchable and retrievable from Braun Interport™ as well.

The Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) used at Braun Intertec includes an EDD library of various standardized formats. Some current LIMS EDD library options at Braun Intertec include:

For our clients who require different specifications beyond the standardized formats, Braun Intertec offers a customized format.

The wide range of capabilities of our LIMS combined with the EDD development experience of our quality assurance and programming staff allows for many EDD possibilities to meet most any client’s electronic delivery requirements. Please contact your Braun Intertec laboratory project manager if you are interested in learning more about the available EDD options or the use of Braun Interport™ for your analytical data.

EDDs: What they are and what they can do for youBy Craig Foxhoven, Quality Assurance Director of the Analytical Laboratory cfoxhoven@braunintertec.com

V O L 8 , I S S U E 1 S P R I N G 2 0 1 2A B R A U N I N T E R T E C P U B L I C A T I O N

• Simple Excel• Standard Excel• Standard Access• Standard DBASE• Standard FoxPro• Standard Lotus• Standard Text/

CSV

• Standard Text/FXW

• Standard Text/TAB

• Standard XML• Analyte Pivot• EPA Scribe R3• EQuIS 3.x

• EQuIS 5.x• ERIMS• EZ EDD• GIS\Key• Sample Analyte

Pivot• SAP QM-IDI 4.6

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Braun Intertec Analyst Profile:Meet Coresa Leighty, Lab Analyst IICoresa routinely works with a gas chromatograph (GC), used to determine the concentration of halogenated compounds. Each day, she analyzes wipe, soil, water, and oil samples for PCBs and organochlorine pesticides.

“I’m always surprised when analyzing caulk samples,” Coresa says. These samples typically come from the sealant used around the windows of older buildings, which are now required to have PCBs measured to determine appropriate disposal. “Some samples will have such high concentrations of PCBs; higher than anything I’ve encountered while analyzing soil, water, oil, and wipe samples.”

Preparation for such tests usually takes half a day and then 25 minutes to run each sample on the instrument. The next day, Coresa will analyze the data samples and look for PCBs or pesticides. Checking the samples for these chemicals of concern help the client with determining clean up and disposal requirements.

Coresa has been processing more samples than usual this year due to the unusually warm winter. When she is not busy processing samples, and when weather prevents soil and water samples from taking place, Coresa performs method optimization in the lab.

“Method optimization is when we check procedures to make sure they are running as efficiently as possible,” Coresa says. For example, instead of using one column for analyzing samples, method optimization made it possible to use two columns simultaneously. Performing method optimization has increased sample output and has made the methods run more efficiently.

Outside of work, basketball dominates most of Coresa’s free time. Recently, she joined a basketball league and plays small forward. Having played throughout college, she loves getting out on the court when she can. Coresa also enjoys running by the river and daydreaming of travelling to South America.

After an untypically mild Minnesota winter, spring is finally upon us. One of the Analytical Lab’s harbingers of spring/summer is that we are open again for Saturday deliveries. Just a reminder, when you send your samples to us for a Saturday delivery, please use either UPS or FedEx as they both have a “Saturday delivery” option. You will need to designate their Saturday delivery service for shipping.

At the end of last year, many of our clients participated in a phone survey that covered a number of topics including timeliness, quality, pricing and deliverables. We received a tremendous amount of feedback with great comments and ideas for our continued improvement. We greatly appreciated those who participated and we collectively say thank you.

Through the first quarter of this year we have had a number of clients visit our laboratory and we have also conducted presentations as requested by our clients. Some of the topics of these presentations have included data quality, report formats/data delivery, air canister procedures, correct sampling

procedures and the use of Braun Interport™, our secure client portal. If your company or regulatory group would like for us to come to your facility to present on a topic of your choice, please contact

either Steve Albrecht, salbrecht@braunintertec.com, or me to discuss.

Lab Manager’s Corner: Saturday Deliveries

Tom Wagner, twagner@braunintertec.com

Coresa Leighty uses the GC to determine the concentration of halogenated compounds.

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In January, four employees from the analytical laboratory participated in the annual Braun Intertec company ice-fishing trip on Lake of the Woods in northern Minnesota. After a seven-hour bus ride, the lab fishing team gathered their gear and took their positions on the lake. The first task was to analyze their surroundings then carefully unpack all equipment and test the water for traces of fish. After verifying their findings for reportable fish concentrations, it was decided that the pink hooks would give them statistically significant better results. The following is a report from fishing expert and Sample Control Coordinator Chee Lee:

“I was using a purple jigging spoon with a big ‘ol fathead minnow about two feet off the bottom. It had been a slow day for Team Analytical. The construction materials lab group – who were fishing on our left – was slamming the walleyes, and the Building Sciences group to our right was slamming the sauger, so the pressure was on us. In a quick glance at my sonar, I detected some interference. Before I knew it, I had a quick strike on my pole. It felt like a freight train! I thought to myself, “This is it; this is my state record walleye!” With great prowess, I slowly reeled him in, my drag screaming in the background. Then

suddenly, when I looked down the hole, there she was… the biggest eelpout I’ve ever caught!”

We all look forward to the Braun Intertec fishing trip every year. It’s a great opportunity to meet with the other lab and office employees to build camaraderie. And, occasionally we get lucky and catch a few fish too.

The Analytical Lab Tests Positive for Eelpout

Chee Lee, sample control coordinator and Richard Maw, project scientist from Team Analytical, eye up their catch of the day!

Our corporate sustainability program, Project Sage, will be entering its fourth year this spring and is blossoming as it evolves. In concept, it began as mainly a green initiative, focusing on waste and simple energy use reduction. As the steering committee was formed and champions were identified, the concept evolved into a triple bottom line sustainability program, with the foundation concepts of people (wellness, safety and community relations), planet (environmental sustainability) and profit (how these efforts impact our bottom line). Below are several internal initiatives happening at Braun Intertec.

Some of our internal Project Sage “planet” activities include the following:

• Exploring ways to reduce miles traveled by bundling trips, improving driving habits, and reducing unnecessary travel; including a pilot GPS-driven program being tested in more than 20 Braun Intertec vehicles.

• Completed retrofitting of tractor trailer trucks and drill rigs through the Minnesota Environmental Initiative and its “Project GreenFleet” program, reducing particulate and emissions from our older diesel trucks and rigs. http://www.projectgreenfleet.org/

• Cycling in more fuel-efficient vehicles as our fleet ages.

• Improving building envelopes on properties we own (and working with our leasing partners for properties we don’t) to increase our energy efficiency. This includes an “extreme makeover” at headquarters that will include a significant investment in solar panels and geothermal supplement to our current HVAC system.

• Partnering with Agile Frameworks, our technology subsidiary, to examine energy-saving technology options such as cycling in more energy efficient units and modifying shut-down schedules; and to pursue cutting edge technology that helps reduce paper usage.

• Reducing waste at our offices and at company functions.

• Calculating our annual carbon footprint using Greenhouse Gas Protocol methods and evaluating potential areas for improvement.

Sustaining a Sustainability Program

By Steve Albrecht, Project Manager salbrecht@braunintertec.com

©2012 Braun Intertec Corporation

This newsletter contains only general information. For specific applications, please consult your engineering or environmental consultants and legal counsel.

Questions, Requests and Comments

Thomas Wagner 952.995.2650twagner@braunintertec.com

Steven Albrecht 952.995.2622salbrecht@braunintertec.com

Braun Intertec Corporation11001 Hampshire Avenue SMinneapolis, MN 55438

Analytical Laboratory Summer Hours

The Braun Intertec Analytical Laboratory is open to receive samples on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until noon, extending until Oct. 27, with the exception of Memorial, Independence and Labor Day weekends.

Monday through Friday, our normal receiving hours are from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. If you have any questions, you may contact our lab at 952.995.2600.

If you have a special project requiring sample receipt during off hours, please contact your project manager, and we’ll work to accommodate your needs.