What is field auditing and what does it verify?

• A. Desktop data analysis only.
• B. Remote automatic checks via software.
• C. On-site checks to confirm correct instrument operation, sampling procedures, and adherence to protocols; helps detect field issues.
• D. Regulatory paperwork review.

Answer: (C)

Field auditing is the on-site verification of how air monitoring is actually conducted in the field. It verifies that the instrument is operating correctly, the sampling procedures are followed, and the protocols are adhered to. By inspecting the setup—calibration status, pump flow, sampling duration, filter handling, data logging, and chain-of-custody—an auditor can confirm that measurements were collected properly and identify issues that might distort results, such as improper flow, missed samples, or mislabeling. Desktop data analysis and remote software checks can’t observe these real-world practices, and regulatory paperwork review focuses on documentation rather than how the sampling was performed in practice. That’s why on-site checks are the essential way to verify field operations and detect field issues.