Check Sample Program

The AAPCO Check Sample Program is a program to support laboratories that analyze commercial pesticide products and pesticide formulations. The program is open to laboratories conducting both regulatory and industry analyses. The aim of the program is to maintain the quality of analytical work and to increase the analytical capability of the participant laboratories.

The AAPCO Check Sample Program consists of five or six samples per year, with all samples mailed at the same time in late September. The samples include a variety of pesticide active ingredients in matrices commonly encountered nationwide. The results are reported in February of the following year. Participants may use analytical methods routinely used for the analysis in-house and should provide information on methods used. Alternatively, participants may request methods from the U.S. EPA Environmental Science Center, Office of Pesticide Programs, Biological & Economic Analysis Division. Data collected are compiled in a report that is supplied to participants approximately two months after the result report date. The report details analytical data for each sample, including averages, standard deviations and coefficient of variation for all method types used, and also for individual method types. [Check Sample Report]

The current cost of participation in the program is $200 (US) per year for U.S. labs and $250 (US) per year for international labs. Contact the Check Sample Committee Chairman to be included in the program. The treasurer will prepare invoices and the Check Sample Committee Chairman will assign a confidential laboratory number to each participant laboratory. Unless otherwise informed, the Check Sample Committee Chairman will assume that existing participants wish to continue their subscription.

Please send ENQUIRIES concerning the CHECK SAMPLE PROGRAM to: