1. n. [Drilling Fluids]

Planned and systematic monitoring, testing and documenting of practices to show that a product or procedure meets established standards. Companies that manufacture, process, sell, handle, ship or buy drilling fluid materials typically establish QA programs. Some oil company labs perform QA testing. API and ISO jointly issue specifications for mud materials. A mud supplier must meet specifications and adhere to quality testing practices in order to place an API monogram (logo) on a product. Suppliers are required to pay for use of the API monogram program. Quality specifications that the API has adopted through joint user and supplier efforts are not always suitable for all users of the materials.

Alternate Form: QA

See related terms: caustic extraction test