Sample > General Sampling Instructions

The following is a list of general sample instructions we recommend to help guarentee the highest quality standards and reliability.

		Most bottles contain preservatives. Do not rinse out the bottles and do not touch the inside of the bottles or lids.
		Wash hands with soap and water before collecting samples.
		Before sampling, make sure the outlet nozzle or faucet has been cleaned thoroughly.
		The sample kit includes a small water-filled bottle. This is a temperature blank for laboratory purposes only and should be left in the cooler at all times.
		Fill the bottle(s) to the neck, being careful not to splash out any of the acid preservative.
		When filling 40ml VOC vials, fill slowly, being sure not to splash out the preservative. Fill the vials to just over the top, creating a meniscus at the top of the vial. Carefully screw the lid back on the bottle and check the vial to be sure no air bubbles are present. If air bubbles are present, add additional sample volume.
		Label each of the bottles with the enclosed stick-on labels. Be sure the sample identification (i.e. Well #1), date and time sampled and sampler’s signature is written on the label.
		Complete the enclosed Chain-of-Custody Record. At a minimum, the following information should be written on the form: sampler’s signature and printed name, date and time sampled (should match bottle label date and time), sample identification (should match bottle label identification), relinquished by signature/printed name, date and time, report to and invoice to information.
		Place the filled sample container(s) in the cooler. Place the completed Chain-of-Custody record and shipping order in the gallon-size plastic bag and place in the cooler. Put ice cubes in another plastic bag and place in the cooler with the sample(s) and paperwork.
		Fill out the Chain-of-Custody Seal (signature and date of seal are sufficient) and place it on the outside of the cooler so that it connects the lid and side of the cooler. Tape the cooler with plastic packing tape.
		Return to Continental Analytical Services (via next day delivery, if any analysis has a short holding time.
		Contact your Continental Project Manager if you have any questions.