Kiff Analytical, LLC is a leader in analytical science and service. We primarily test soil, water and air samples for Volatile Organic Compounds, excelling at Fuel Oxygenate Testing. Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometers (GC/MS) are our instruments of choice. The use of GC/MS instruments enables us to obtain volatile data (including TPH as Gasoline) in one run, reducing the number of sample bottles to be collected.
Highlights of our analytical services include the ability to achieve low reporting limits in water for:
Analyte List Matrix EPA Method Volatile Organic Compounds
Water/Soil 8260B Water/Soil 8260B Water/Soil 8260B Water/Soil 8260B/8015M Drinking Water 524.2
Kiff Analytical, LLC specializes in the analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds. However, to enhance our services we work closely with several select laboratories to provide a full spectrum of analytical choices. The following types of analyses are available:
Organics, Inorganics, Metals and Waste Characterization
Please contact Client Services for any inquiries about the analytes listed or any other parameters, including Physical Properties that you may be interested in.
Our laboratory operates under the provisions of a comprehensive Quality Assurance (QA/QC) program. The purpose of the QA/QC program is to set and enforce standards for the generation of laboratory data such that it is fully documented, accurate, reproducible and legally defensible. State and internal audits ensure that the terms of the QA/QC program are being strictly adhered to; third-party audits may also be conducted when arranged for by clients.
Our objective is to produce analytical data that is technically correct and statistically valid. The QA/QC program seeks to control, assess, and document data quality by providing quality control data that can be used to determine precision and accuracy, and by controlling data quality within acceptable limits.
Kiff's QA/QC program operates in an environment of continuous improvement, which minimizes errors, and ensures up-to-date Standard Operating Procedures.
Project-Specific QA/QC Plans can be designed and carried out in conjunction with the needs of the particular client. A copy of the lab's Quality Assurance Manual is available on request.
All Kiff employees attend an in-house training program that includes new employee, orientation, laboratory safety and operations, ethics, quality control, and communication training. Employees operate in a company culture, which is inclusive and based upon an open and honest exchange of knowledge and ideas between all levels of the organization. This culture encourages high ethical conduct and outstanding product quality.
The California Department of Health Services under the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) certifies Kiff Analytical, LLC as an environmental testing laboratory. Our ELAP certification number is 2236.
Kiff Analytical, LLC is recognized by the State of Washington Department of Ecology as an accredited laboratory, Laboratory Identification # C926.
Electronic deliverables upon request
We support the most common electronic formats:
We also offer customized deliverables upon client request.
Electronic deliverable examples
Paperless Reporting
Kiff Analytical, LLC improved our services by converting to a more efficient process of paperless reporting effective May 21, 2003. We no longer issue report hard copies and invoices through the mail except when specifically requested by the client. The paperless reports are delivered in Adobe Acrobat PDF format, on Kiff Analytical, LLC letterhead. Invoices are sent out using the same process as described above.
The original Chain of Custody Document(s) will be kept on file for five years after the project receipt date, and will be available upon request.
In September 2002, Kiff Analytical, LLC moved into a "design-built" state of the art 12,000 square foot facility on Second Street in Davis, California. From the draft stage, the facility was designed to provide optimum processing efficiency, sample accountability, and logical workflow.
All systems for the new facility were upgraded:
Refrigeration
We provide a clean, controlled environment for storage of samples and standards in dedicated refrigeration units. After analysis, samples will be stored in our walk-in cooler.
HVAC Systems
The laboratory areas where the analytical testing occurs are divided into zones, each with its own separate HVAC system to prevent cross contamination during sample processing. One lab area is used exclusively for volatile organics and the second lab area is exclusively for diesel.
Instrumentation
The volatiles organics area comprises 14 GC/MS units.
The diesel area comprises 3 GC units.
Kiff Analytical, LLC maintains a significant number of instruments to ensure sufficient surplus capacity to accommodate both planned and unplanned instrument maintenance, without impacting our ability to process samples and meet our client's requirements.
Both laboratory instrument areas are completely carpeted to reduce the chance of sample breakage. In addition, we have dedicated on-site maintenance for our instrumentation.
Sample Preparation Areas
Separate workstation areas, with integrated fume hoods, have been set up for sample receipt, sample preparation and disposal. These workstations were specifically designed to optimize processing efficiency.
LIMS System
A fully integrated, customized Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) tracks incoming projects from sample receipt through report generation and delivery.
Samples are identified and tracked through the system by unique identification on a barcode label. All sample analysis is performed on the requisite instrument, and the data generated from the sample run is immediately archived to the server. Each day the data from all the instruments is electronically archived so we have a complete daily record of samples processed and test results.
After a 90-day period, the data is archived to an optical storage system, using either CD or DVD media. The data then becomes part of the long-term archives and can be retrieved as needed.
Sample Receiving
Our courier fleet comprises 3 vehicles, dispatched as needed to pick up client samples.
To accommodate our courier service, an ice machine and freezer (for excess ice storage) are located in the Sample Receiving area to ensure all couriers have an ample ice supply for sample pick up and storage during the courier run.
Security System
To regulate access to our facility and provide for employee safety, a security system has been installed. Employees have established schedules and are granted access/egress according to need. Former employees, who no longer should have access to the facility, are immediately deleted from the system database to ensure the safety of the environment. Access by non-Kiff employees is strictly controlled.
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All samples to the laboratory are logged into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). The samples receive a unique identification on a barcode label, which allows them to be tracked throughout the processing cycle. At this time, the Account Manager reviews the LIMS project login to assure that all project specifications are recorded correctly. |
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Once the samples are logged in, they are immediately assigned to a designated refrigeration unit for cold storage until they are selected for sample preparation and processing. The barcode label information informs the laboratory personnel of the refrigerated location of the sample and the testing methods and timeframe. |
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A Laboratory Technician logs onto the LIMS to access the sample location. Then they log the sample out to either the Volatiles testing area or the Diesel extraction area where they prepare the sample for testing. The prepared sample is now ready for testing. |
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Next, the sample is loaded onto a GC/MS instrument for testing. The actual testing
is automated once the instrument is programmed. Control of the test is performed
locally at the instrument by a skilled laboratory technician.
When the instrument completes the run, all the instrument data from the sample is immediately archived electronically to the LIMS server where it is available for review and analysis. |
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The instrument data is now ready to be analyzed by one of the analytical chemists. During this process, the data is analyzed, reviewed, and a report is generated. |
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Once the report is generated, it is ready for technical review and approval. Upon completion of the technical data review and report approval, the report format and testing requirements are verified. The report is then delivered to the client in the required PDF, spreadsheet and EDD format. |
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Once all testing is complete, the sample containers are moved into our walk-in cool box where they will be stored for a minimum of 45 days before disposal. |