User:Shawndouglas/sandbox/sublevel10

The analytical methods of testing cannabis constituents and contaminants, as well as their associated workflows, depend on the type of laboratory conducting testing. For example, an extraction-specific lab's workflow will look a bit different from the workflow of a commercial production lab or a state-mandated, independent quality testing lab. And medical cannabis testing labs may ignore terpenes entirely, for instance. Broadly speaking, however, non-extraction cannabis testing lab workflows will have some aspects in common. Those workflow similarities, from beginning to end, include:

1. reception of test orders—often through a secure web portal—and samples, as well as the start of sample tracking with RFID and barcodes for chain-of-custody purposes;
2. assignment of tests to analysts and instruments;
3. processing of samples—including any required quality control (QC) samples—as well as any necessary grinding, homogenization, extraction, filtration, and evaporation processes;
4. chromatographic separation, or any other non-chromatographic preparative methods, for samples, based upon the target constituent or contaminant;
5. actual qualitative and/or quantitative analysis, based on standards and reference materials, with appropriate notification of out-of-range or -specification results;
6. exporting of instrument data, preferably to an information management system like a LIMS, where the data are processed and recorded with the associated existing sample data;
7. organization and review of results by designated laboratory personnel, with results either getting approved or not approved; and
8. reporting of approved results in a compliant format, e.g., a certificate of analysis (COA), and distributed to appropriate stakeholders (often through a secure web portal).

Of course, the specific details of the methods you choose to employ will slightly modify your workflows, as will your lab's own process and procedure (P&P) documentation. For example, your workflow for testing heavy metals may differ slightly from the U.S. FDA's ICP-MS methodology. Ultimately, your workflow will be based upon many factors, including the analyses you decided to perform, methods you choose, the equipment you use, the way your lab is laid out, the P&P you follow, and the data management systems and automation you choose. Some components of your workflow will remain the same, however, regardless of the mentioned factors. Sample tracking and accurate weight reconciliation, while maintaining complete chain-of-custody, remain vital throughout the entire process, from test ordering to after the results are reported. Additionally, any calculations performed must be steadfastly accurate for every type of workflow, at every step. These aspects are practically non-negotiable given the regulatory requirements for cannabis track-and-trace mechanisms (see the next section on reporting and certification for more).

That said, workflows can usually be optimized in any laboratory, saving time and money while increasing productivity. Keeping P&P documents, methods, and training documentation aligned with a rapidly changing industry like cannabis testing is vital to ensuring smooth workflows. Other minor considerations for smoothing out workflow problems in the cannabis testing laboratory include adding additional automation elements, optimizing workspaces (e.g., well-spaced lab tables, sufficient cabinets and storage), and staggering shifts (e.g., for improving social distancing success during a pandemic). It's best to address these and other such issues early on to ensure the best outcomes from your workflows.