SAMPLE COLLECTION

Quality data begins with quality sampling. It is important to follow correct procedures from sampling to sample submittal. Your laboratory project manager can help you with the procedures necessary to assist in getting quality data.

Download the Braun Intertec Analytical Lab Quick Sampling Guide.

Some key things to pay close attention to:

• Submit the correct number of containers, which will provide enough for the laboratory-required quality control samples and an additional sample so tests can be performed a second time, if necessary.
• Fill in all the information requested on the Chain of Custody form, including the time and date of sampling, unique sample names, and tests required.
• Many samples must be extracted within a set time interval after collection. Delivering the samples to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection gives the laboratory time to extract the sample within the method-specified holding time, if necessary.
• Many tests require the samples to be preserved at the time they are collected. The laboratory can supply containers that already contain the appropriate preservative and are free of contaminants.
• Many environmental samples must be kept cold. We can supply coolers to keep samples on ice.
• Plan sampling well in advance. Some analysis methods require a sample preparation two full days in length before the sample is ready for instrumental analysis, making a very quick turnaround time impossible.
• Lastly, be sure to communicate with your laboratory project manager. When the laboratory staff knows particular samples are arriving, better preparation can be done to meet expectations – especially when short turnaround times are important.

Bottle order shipments.

Hydrochloric acid (HCl), Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4), Nitric Acid (HNO3) and Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) (used as preservatives in some sample containers) are considered hazardous materials, and bottle orders sent from the laboratory with these containers must be shipped according to Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 100-185. The definition of a hazardous material, according to 49 CFR Part 171.8, is a substance or material determined by the Secretary of Transportation as capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety and property when transported in commerce and so designated. Braun Intertec packages bottle orders so the glass/acid/base will be contained in the event of breakage. When opening shipping containers, watch for broken glass and liquid, indicating a broken bottle. Save the packing material to use to wrap the samples for return shipment.

Shipping samples back to the lab.

In general, coolers that contain non-methanol preserved glass jars/vials should be packed as follows:

• Minimum two rows of large bubble wrap in the bottom of cooler.
• Bubble bag one liter & 500 ml glass jars.
• 40 ml vials should be either packed 5-6 vials in a bubble bag or in a nine-hole foam vial shipper.
• Add temperature blank (125 ml bottle filled with water).
• Fill all voids with loose ice.
• Place paperwork in a zip top plastic bag and tape to underside of the cooler lid.

If you are only shipping plastic bottles, you do not need bubble wrap in the bottom of the cooler or bubble bags.

Methanol-preserved soil vials will retain flammability and are hazardous for return shipment.  Absorbent material and secondary containment requirements must be used. For coolers containing 40 ml or 60 ml vials with methanol, use the following recommendations:

• Place four rows of large bubble wrap on bottom of cooler.
• Insert a large garbage bag (secondary containment) or other size bag, as appropriate.
• Place one sheet of yellow chemical absorbent material inside secondary containment.
• Use two forms of secondary containment to help keep the absorbent material dry.
• Secure bottle lids with tape or other positive means.
• Depending on the quantity of vials being sent, pack via one of the following ways:
  • Use factory white cardboard box (72 count) if 30 or more vials are needed, filling the innermost slots first. Tape box closed and insert into secondary containment.
  • Use nine-hole foam vial shipper. Cut down size of absorbent material as needed and insert with foam shipper into secondary containment. Gallon-size plastic bags can be used as secondary containment.
  • Use bubble bag with a maximum of six vials per bag for 40 ml vials and a maximum of three 60 ml vials. Place absorbent material around vials before inserting into bubble bag. Gallon-size plastic bags can be used as secondary containment.
• Seal secondary containment bag with twist/zip tie or as appropriate.
• Add temperature blank (125 ml bottle filled with water) and any needed paperwork to the cooler.
• Fill voids with loose ice.
• Add four rows of bubble wrap to top of cooler.
• Tape cooler closed.
• Return samples in the original cooler that has the sticker applied, "This Package Conforms to 49 CFR 173.4".

It is important to fill all the sample bottles/vials sent so that in the event of a bottle breaking or leaking in transit, there are backup bottles. This will help avoid the cost of re-sampling a project due to broken/leaking bottles.

Ship samples to:

Braun Intertec Corporation
Attn: Analytical Lab
11001 Hampshire Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55438

If you need to place a bottle order or have questions on shipping samples back to the laboratory, please contact us.