Frequently Asked Questions

Why are some documents unavailable with a website message saying “Contact SU”?

 

There are several reasons why a document may not be accessible from the website these include:

 

• NSMs that have recently been merged with or superseded by another NSM
• NSMs that have a restricted distribution and require agreement before access is given
• NSMs that contain data that may have changed to such a degree that the document may be contentious and will need to be updated

  

Why do some documents have either a “Draft” or “Under Review” watermark?

 

The “Draft” watermark denotes a document that has never been issued and will incorporate both users’ comments and working group input prior to issue.  The “Under Review” watermark denotes a document that has already been issued and may now require updating or amending, prior to re-issue.  Occasionally when a document has been drastically changed during a review period it may revert to having a “Draft” watermark.

 

Regular information bulletins containing details of new “Draft” and “Under Review” documents are e-mailed to password holders requesting comments by a certain date.

 

 

Which NSMs are due for review?

 

The NSMs being reviewed for the current year are available from the “Latest News” webpage and the link below:

 

http://www.hpa-standardmethods.org.uk/documents/letters/NSMschedule08.pdf

 

 

How can I find out more about the progress of a document that is “Draft” / “Under Review”?

 

Contact the Standards Unit for information either by email or telephone:

 

http://www.hpa-standardmethods.org.uk/contact_us.asp

 

or through the website via the Customer Feedback System (CFS):

 

http://www.hpa-standardmethods.org.uk/cfs.asp

 

 

How do I know when a new NSM is issued?

 

Password holders receive an information bulletin re: new issues, also links to new issues are placed on the “Latest News” page.

  

 

How do I take part in the consultation process?

 

Everyone is welcomed to comment on the documents on the website but as a password holder you will receive regular email bulletins about the current documents for consultation as well as news of newly issued and reissued documents. We always welcome any comments on the documents.  You can request to be a password holder by contacting standards@hpa.org.uk or eslweb@hpa.org.uk .  Comments on a specific document should be made directly on the website, using the link below.  We welcome comments on the documents.

 

 

Why should I take part in the consultation process?

 

You can influence the NSM by sending your comments which will be reviewed by the National Standard Methods Working Group.  The response to your comments is available by the issue of a “Review of Users Comments” document, making the whole process open and transparent.

 

 

How can I become a password holder?

 

To become a password holder send an email request to either standards@hpa.org.uk or eslweb@hpa.org.uk .  Please include the address of your place of work, as this is a mandatory field in the password registration process.    

 

 

What do version numbers mean?

 

When a document has a major change made to it there will be a whole integer change in the issue number eg 1 to 2.  If only minor changes are made then the version number will only have a point change eg 1 to 1.1.

 

 

Can I request to be sent an earlier version of a NSM?

 

All versions are archived in our database and are available on request.  However we would like to know your reason for wanting to see it as the older versions may be out of context.

 

 

Why should we consider using NSMs in our laboratory?

 

Information at the following link: http://www.hpa-standardmethods.org.uk/status_sops.asp

 

 

How are the NSMs developed / produced and within what timescale?

 

Information at the following link: http://www.hpa-standardmethods.org.uk/document_control.asp

 

  

Why should we report any TAIs in our laboratory to the Standards Unit as well as the MHRA?

On receipt of a TAI report we will send an electronic early warning message to laboratories in the HPA scheme requesting information on similar incidents or experiences.  The Standards Unit will support the laboratory in liaising with the supplier/manufacturer, MHRA and relevant experts.  The Standards Unit will monitor responses and inform laboratories.  We also co-ordinate any retesting exercises required.

 

How do I describe NSMs on my UKAS schedule?

Laboratories should list each point change, review the document and inform UKAS that changes to the document have been made.