Labs shall use appropriate methods and procedures for all tests and / or calibrations within its scope. These include sampling, handling, transport, storage and preparation of items to be tested and / or calibrated. The laboratory shall have instructions on the use and operation of all relevant equipment and on the handling and preparation of items for testing or calibration or both where the absence of such instructions could jeopardize the results of tests or calibration. Deviation from test and calibration methods shall occur only if the deviation is documented, technically justified, authorized and accepted by the customer.

A. Selection of test methods.
The laboratory shall use test and calibration methods including methods for sampling which meet the needs of the customer and which are appropriate for the tests or calibrations it undertakes. Methods published in international, regional or national standards shall be preferably used. The laboratory shall ensure that it uses the latest valid edition of a standard unless it is not appropriate or possible to do so. When necessary, the standard shall be supplemented with additional details to ensure consistent application. When the customer does not specify the method to be used, the laboratory shall select appropriate methods that have been published either in international , regional or national standards, or by reputable technical organizations, or in relevant scientific text or journals or as specified by the manufacturer of the equipment. Laboratory developed methods or methods adopted by the laboratory may also be used if they are appropriate for intended use and if they are validated. The customer shall be informed as to the method chosen. The laboratory shall confirm that it can properly operate standard methods before introducing the tests or calibrations. If the standard method changes, the confirmation shall be repeated.

B. Laboratory developed methods.
The introduction of test and calibration methods developed by the laboratory for its own use shall be a planned activity and shall be assigned to qualified personnel equipped with adequate resources.

C. Non standard methods.
When it is necessary to use methods not covered by standard methods, these shall be subject to agreement with the customer and shall include a clear specification of the customer's requirement and the purpose of the test or calibration. The method developed shall have been validated to establish their performance characteristics and fitness for the intended purpose before use.

D. Sources of methods.
Test methods are specific for the intended use. Several countries have published their National methods. Some times methods of international origin have been adopted as their National methods. In general, product-wise test methods can be obtained from:

1.Test methods on water
a) U.S.Environmental Protection Agency
1. http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/methods/
http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/pc/

b)American Public health association:
http://www.apha.org

2.Solid waste management :National technical information service

Paid site
http://www.ntis.gov/products/families/environmental_test_methods.asp?loc=4-3-2

3.Foods and allied Products:
a)AOAC
http://www.aoac.org

b)CODEX Alimentarius
http://www.codexalimentarius.net/web/standard_list.do

c)US FDA
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov

4.Drugs and Pharmaceutical products
a)US Pharmacopoeia
http://www.usp.org/USPNF/

b)British Pharmacopoeia
http://www.pharmacopoeia.co.uk/

c)Indian Pharmacopoeia
http://www.mohfw.nic.in/kk/95/ia/95ia0e01.htm

e)Japanese Pharmacopoeia
http://jpdb.nihs.go.jp/jp14e/

5.Chemicals and other Products
American Society for Testing and Materials Standards.
http://www.astm.com

6.International Organization for Standardization:
http://www.iso.org/cate/cat.html

7.American Society of Materials
http://www.asminternational.org