Frequently Asked Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: When are PT study results released?
A: ERA releases preliminary results the morning after each study closes. US-based final reports are now available 2 business days after the close date of the study. International final reports are available 10 business days after the close of the study.
To access your reports, login to eDATA as you would to enter your results. On the left hand side of the page is a "Study Reports" tab. The most recently closed study will be at the top of the page and there will be a "Preliminary Limits" link to the right. This is also where your "Final Report" can be found.
Q: Can I get my final report e-mailed to me?
A: As part of ERA's initiative to be green, we have defaulted to electronic reports.
Q: When are PT final reports sent to the agencies and third parties I have requested?
A: ERA sends reports to agencies and third parties within two business days of the release of reports to study participants (US only).
Q: Your catalog says an analyte is available quarterly. In which studies is it offered?
A: Most quarterly studies open in January, April, July, and October. View the Study Schedule.
Q: I have ordered a PT study, but will not be reporting it. What should I do?
A: Send an email to our InterLaboratory Group stating that you are withdrawing from the study. Be sure to send a copy of the email to your accrediting body. Please include complete contact information in the email including details of the study in which you wish to withdraw and your ERA customer number.
Q: Can ERA ship study samples out earlier than the study opening date?
A: To ensure that no labs are treated unfairly in our PT studies, we do not ship samples to customers prior to the start of a study. If you order samples prior to the start of a study date, ERA will ship your samples when the study opens.
Q: What is my login and password for eDATA?
A: To login to eDATA, use your eDATA username and password. If you need to create or reset your password, visit the login page on eDATA.
Q: How can I tell if I have finished entering my PT study data in eDATA?
A: After entering your data online, be sure to select “view study summary” in Step 3. You will also receive an email confirmation with a summary of the data you have submitted. Please be certain to review the summary and verify the completeness and accuracy of your data.
Q: When is the next study?
A: View the Study Schedule.
Q: What do the open and close dates mean for PT studies?
A: The PT study open date is the date that samples are shipped to all participants who have placed orders up to that time. Orders can still be placed after the open date, but by ordering before the open date, you will receive the longest possible time to analyze your PT samples and report your data. The study close date is the date by which all PT data should be reported for that study.
Q: How can I get an SDS?
A: Please visit our SDS page to retrieve the SDS you need.
Q: How can I get a Certificate of Analysis?
A: Please visit our Certificate of Analysis page to request C of As or access them through your eDATA for products that you have previously purchased.
Q: How can I get Proficiency Testing product instructions?
A: Instructions are included with each shipment. Additionally, you can download a PDF of instructions from our Product Instructions page, found under the Support tab.
Q: How can I get Reporting Forms on the website?
A: Download data reporting forms for studies you are currently enrolled in by logging in to eDATA. Once logged in, select Data Reporting Forms under the Resources tab on the top of the page.
Q: What are the dates and deadlines for DMR-QA?
A: Visit the DMR-QA page of our website to learn more.
Q: Does ERA submit my results to the DMR-QA coordinator or do I have to send them?
A: ERA will send your DMR-QA report directly to your state DMR-QA coordinator based on your permit number. However, permittees must gather any additional data that is relevant to the permit and submit the information to your DMR-QA coordinator.
Q: How do I search for your products?
A: Use the search box at the top of each website page to search. You can also click on the products section and browse based on your product needs.
Q: I ordered TSS (Total Suspended Solids) but received something called Hardness.
A: The Hardness standard contains Total Suspended Solids along with several other analytes.
Q: How often should we perform a System Suitability Test on our TOC instrument?
A: Many factors may play into the frequency of performing a SST on your TOC instrument. One of the most important factors is the liability potential of a failed SST. Many pharmaceutical manufacturers perform SSTs daily because the risks and costs associated with a failed test could be ruinous to their operations. At the very least, we suggest performing monthly SSTs or more frequently based on your unique circumstances.
Q: Why are Sucrose and 1,4-benzoquinone used for the USP System Suitability Test?
A: The PhARM Water Quality Committee reasoned that there should be a relatively simple TOC test that could challenge the capability of and TOC instrument and serve as a performance "suitability" confirmation. The compounds were chosen as to not give untoward interference or bias for any of the known TOC oxidation or detection technologies used at that time (mid-90's). Sucrose and 1,4-benzoquinone as it turned out, were reasonable choices given the considerations.
Q: Are your materials FDA/EMEA compliant?
A: With the ultimate responsibility for FDA/EMEA/etc. compliance resting with our customers, ERA makes sure all the products we provide help meet the requirements they are responsible for. Wherever possible our CRMs are manufactured from or traceable to USP, NIST or equivalent materials. Additionally we always follow relevant national and international pharmacopeial guidelines during design and manufacturing. And being ISO 17034 accredited, our CRMs have the strictest international oversight.