Staged Electronic Data Deliverable (SEDD)
The Staged Electronic Data Deliverable (SEDD) is a uniform format for electronic delivery of analytical data for environmental programs that can significantly improve data quality while reducing costs to review data. This has already been the experience in EPA’s Superfund program and can be the case for other data users. By establishing uniform processes for delivery, review, storage, and retrieval of laboratory data, the scientific integrity of environmental data can be assured. At the same time, the data review process, which can be expensive and time consuming, becomes more cost-effective and time-efficient by employing a uniform format like SEDD which allows systems to automate as much of the process as possible.
What is SEDD?
SEDD is an hierarchal file created by a Laboratory Information Management System (database) and contains information regarding the chemical analysis of samples. Information (analytical results) from a SEDD file can be checked using automated data review tools.
A major advantage for laboratories is that SEDD can be implemented in stages. This allows laboratories to meet Electronic Data Deliverable (EDD) requirements for multiple programs without having to overhaul their EDD-producing systems as agency or program needs change.
SEDD Stage 1
Stage 1 contains the minimum number of analytical data elements to convey results ONLY data to the end user (and is equivalent to the data on the current CLP Form I).
SEDD Stage 1 includes:
- Information and data to check the completeness and compliance of sample condition upon laboratory receipt, and
- ONLY the analytical test results for requested samples.
SEDD Stage 2a
Stage 2a builds on Stage 1 by adding method Quality Control data.
SEDD Stage 2a includes:
- Information and data to check the completeness and compliance of sample condition upon laboratory receipt,
- The analytical test results for requested samples, and
- ONLY sample-related QC results (e.g., laboratory control sample performance associated with field samples).
SEDD Stage 2b
Stage 2b builds on Stage 2a by adding instrument Quality Control data.
SEDD Stage 2b includes:
- Information and data to check the completeness and compliance of sample condition upon laboratory receipt,
- The analytical test results for requested samples, and
- Both sample-related and instrument-related QC results.
SEDD Stage 3
Stage 3 builds on Stages 1 and 2, and adds additional measurement data to allow for independent recalculation of reported results.
SEDD Stage 3 includes:
- Information and data to check the completeness and compliance of sample condition upon laboratory receipt,
- The analytical test results for requested samples,
- Both sample-related and instrument-related QC results, and
- Associated information from instrument outputs for recalculation of sample and QC results.