The following table has been referenced in this chapter and is identified by this Title:
Table 1: Data Qualifier Codes.
Table 1
DATA QUALIFIER CODES
The following codes shall be used by laboratories and/or field organizations when reporting sample data values that either meet the specified descriptions outlined below or do not meet the applicable quality control criteria specified for the laboratory or field result. Data qualifier codes listed in summary reports or other presentations comprising information that has been reformatted from original reports generated by field or laboratory organizations or individuals shall meet the requirements of subsections 62-160.240(4) and 62-160.340(7), F.A.C. Data qualifier codes added to sample results during data review procedures conducted by organizations or individuals other than the generators of original reports shall meet the requirements of subsections 62-160.240(5) and 62-160.340(8), F.A.C.
CODE
DEFINITION
A
Value reported is the arithmetic mean (average) of two or more determinations. This code shall be used if the reported value is the average of results for two or more discrete and separate samples. These samples shall have been processed and analyzed independently. Do not use this code if the data are the result of replicate analysis on the same sample aliquot, extract or digestate (for example, for Stream Condition Index, biochemical oxygen demand or bacteriological analyses, or instrumental analyses such as Inductively Coupled Plasma).
B
Results based upon colony counts outside the acceptable range. This code applies to microbiological tests and specifically to membrane filter colony counts. The code is to be used if the colony count is generated from a plate in which the total number of coliform colonies is outside the method indicated ideal range. This code is not to be used if a 100 mL sample has been filtered and the colony count is less than the lower value of the ideal range.
F
When reporting species: F indicates the female sex.
H
Value based on field kit determination; results may not be accurate. This code shall be used if a field screening test (e.g., field gas chromatograph data, immunoassay, or vendor-supplied field kit) was used to generate the value and the field kit or method has not been recognized by the Department as equivalent to laboratory methods.
I
The reported value is greater than or equal to the laboratory method detection limit but less than the laboratory practical quantitation limit.
J
Estimated value. A “”J”” – qualified sample value shall be accompanied by a detailed explanation to justify the reason(s) for designating the value as estimated. Where possible, the organization shall report whether the actual sample value is estimated to be less than or greater than the reported value, to assist data users in any evaluation of the usability of the sample value. A “”J”” data qualifier code shall not be used as a substitute for G, K, L, M, S, T, V, or Y; however, if additional reasons exist for identifying the value as an estimate (e.g., laboratory control spike or matrix spiked failed to meet acceptance criteria), the “”J”” code may be added to a G, K, L, M, T, U, V, or Y qualifier. The following are examples of when a “”J”” code must be reported: instances where a quality control item associated with the reported value failed to meet the established quality control criteria (the specific failure must be identified); instances when the sample matrix interfered with the ability to make any accurate determination; instances when data are questionable because of improper laboratory or field protocols (e.g., composite sample was collected instead of a grab sample); instances when the analyte was detected at or above the method detection limit in an analytical laboratory blank other than the method blank (such as a calibration blank) and, the blank value is greater than 10% of the associated sample value; or, instances when the field or laboratory calibrations or calibration verifications did not meet calibration acceptance criteria, including quantitative or chronological bracketing requirements for field testing data.
K
Off-scale low. Actual value is known to be less than the value given. This code shall not be used for microbiological tests or for biochemical oxygen demand. This code shall not be used for field-testing measurements where quantitative bracketing is required. This code shall only be used for those tests using a calibration curve if:

1. The value is less than the lowest calibration standard and the calibration curve is known to be non-linear; or

2. The value is known to be less than the reported value based on sample size, dilution.

This code shall not be used to report values that are less than the laboratory practical quantitation limit or laboratory method detection limit.
L
Off-scale high. Actual value is known to be greater than value given. This code shall not be used for microbiological tests or biochemical oxygen demand. This code shall not be used for field-testing measurements where quantitative bracketing is required. To be used when the concentration of the analyte is above the acceptable level for quantitation (exceeds the linear range or highest calibration standard) and the calibration curve is known to exhibit a negative deflection.
M
When reporting chemical analyses: presence of material is verified but not quantified; the actual value is less than the value given. The reported value shall be the laboratory practical quantitation limit. This code shall be used if the level is too low to permit accurate quantification, but the estimated concentration is greater than or equal to the method detection limit. If the value is less than the method detection limit use “”T”” below.
N
Presumptive evidence of presence of material. This qualifier shall be used if:

1. The component has been tentatively identified based on mass spectral library search; or

2. There is an indication that the analyte is present, but quality control requirements for confirmation were not met (i.e., presence of analyte was not confirmed by alternative procedures).
O
Sampled, but analysis lost or not performed.
Q
Sample held beyond the accepted holding time. This code shall be used if the value is derived from a sample that was prepared or analyzed after the approved holding time restrictions for sample preparation or analysis. This code shall be reported with sample results calculated from two or more component analyses, if one or more component sample preparations or analyses were performed out of holding time.
T
Value reported is less than the laboratory method detection limit. The value is reported for informational purposes only and shall not be used in statistical analysis.
U
Indicates that the compound was analyzed for but not detected. This symbol shall be used to indicate that the specified component was not detected. The value associated with the qualifier shall be the laboratory method detection limit. This code shall also be used to indicate the laboratory reporting limit, where applicable to the specific test, according to Fl. Admin. Code R. 62-160.340(3)(c) (e.g., biochemical oxygen demand, chlorophyll or microbiological tests). Unless requested by the client, values less than the method detection limit shall not be reported (see “”T”” above).
V
A “”V”” — qualified sample value indicates that the analyte was detected at or above the method detection limit in both the sample and the associated method blank and the blank value was greater than 10% of the associated sample value. The 10% criterion shall not apply to blank results for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) or microbiological tests. For BOD tests, the “”V”” code shall be used for all sample results where the associated method blank result exceeds the maximum blank DO depletion specified in the analytical method. For microbiological tests, the “”V”” code shall be used for all samples where the associated method blank indicates growth of the target organism. Note: unless specified by the method, the value in the blank shall not be subtracted from associated samples.
X
Indicates, when reporting results from a Stream Condition Index Analysis (SCI 1000), that insufficient individuals were present in the sample to achieve a minimum of 280 organisms for identification (the method calls for two aliquots of 140-160 organisms), suggesting either extreme environmental stress or a sampling error.
Y
The laboratory analysis was from an improperly preserved sample. The data may not be accurate.
Z
Too many colonies were present for accurate counting. Historically, this condition has been reported as “”too numerous to count”” (TNTC). The “”Z”” qualifier code shall be reported when the total number of colonies of all types is more than 200 in all dilutions of the sample tested using a membrane filter technique. When applicable to the observed test results, a numeric value for the colony count for the target microorganism tested may be estimated by a laboratory from the highest dilution factor (smallest sample volume) and the upper limit of the ideal colony count range indicated in the method used for the test, and reported with the qualifier code. Atypical, non-target, spreading colonies or other interferences may prevent estimation of typical target organism counts, and reporting a numerical result may not be possible. Report “”No Result”” along with the qualifier code when this condition is observed, or when more than 200 non-target colonies are observed. Additional comments such as “”confluent growth”” may be reported with the “”Z”” code. When required by Fl. Admin. Code Chapter 62-550, the samples with verified, positive colonies must be reported as detections.
?
Data are rejected and should not be used. Some or all of the quality control data for the analyte were outside criteria, and the presence or absence of the analyte cannot be determined from the data.
*
Not reported due to interference.
The following codes deal with certain aspects of field activities. The codes shall be used if the laboratory has knowledge of the specific sampling event. The codes shall be added by the organization collecting samples if they apply:
CODE
DEFINITION
D
Measurement was made in the field (i.e., in situ). This code applies to any value (except field measurements of pH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, temperature, total residual chlorine, transparency, turbidity or salinity) that was obtained under field conditions using approved analytical methods. If the parameter code specifies a field measurement (e.g., “”Field pH””), this code is not required.
E
Indicates that extra samples were taken at composite stations.
G
A “”G”” — qualified sample value indicates that the analyte was detected at or above the method detection limit in both the sample and the associated field blank, equipment blank, or trip blank, and the blank value was greater than 10% of the associated sample value. The value in the blank shall not be subtracted from associated samples.
R
Significant rain in the past 48 hours. (Significant rain typically involves rain in excess of 1/2 inch within the past 48 hours.) This code shall be used when the rainfall might contribute to a lower or higher than normal value.
S
Secchi disk visible to bottom of waterbody. The value reported is the depth of the waterbody at the location of the Secchi disk measurement.
!
Data deviate from historically established concentration ranges.
Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.0623 FS. Law Implemented 373.026, 373.309, 373.409, 373.413, 373.414, 373.416, 373.4592, 376.303, 376.305, 376.3071, 403.0623, 403.0625, 403.087, 403.088, 403.0881, 403.504, 403.704, 403.707, 403.722, 403.853 FS. History-New 1-1-91, Amended 2-4-93, 2-27-94, Formerly 17-160.700, Amended 3-24-96, 4-9-02, 6-8-04, 12-3-08, 7-30-14, 4-16-18.