All methods of analysis must be validated and peer reviewed prior to being issued. Each EPA office is responsible for ensuring minimum method validation and peer review criteria have been achieved. These documents describe general principles for determining and demonstrating that an analysis method is suitable for its intended purpose (i.e., yields acceptable accuracy for the analyte, matrix and concentration range of concern).
You may need a PDF reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA’s About PDF page to learn more.- Chemical Method Validation and Peer Review Policy (PDF)(2 pp, 22 K, September 2005)
- Chemical Methods Validation and Peer Review Guidelines (PDF)(23 pp, 221 K, February 3, 2016)
- Radiochemical Methods Validation Policy (PDF)(1 pg, 18 K, October 2006)
- Radiochemical Methods Validation Guideline (PDF)(24 pp, 152 K)
- Microbiological Methods Validation Policy (PDF)(1 pg, 76 K, December 21, 2016)
- Microbiological Methods Validation Guidelines (PDF)(78 pp, 1 MB, December 21, 2016)
- Chemical and Radiochemical Sampling Validation Policy (PDF)(2 pp, 20 K)
- Chemical and Radiochemical Sampling Validation Guidelines (PDF)(25 pp, 219 K, February 3, 2016)
- Microorganism Detection Methods Validation Policy (PDF)(2 pp, 50 K)
- Microorganism Detection Methods Validation Guidelines (PDF)(43 pp, 763 K, November 28, 2017)
- Emergency Response Methods Validation Policy (PDF)(2 pp, 95 K)