Sample Acceptance Policy

The regulations guiding laboratory certification requires that our laboratory have a written sample acceptance policy available to sample collectors. Exceptions to the items below will be noted on the chain of custody and in the analytical report.

The sample collector must document the following information on the Chain of Custody:

  • Your company’s name, address, phone, fax number and e-mail address.
  • Identity of person that will receive the report.
  • Sampler or collector’s name
  • Project identity or location.
  • Date and time of sample collection
  • Sample identification, description or location and matrix type
  • Analyses required or reference to quote or order detailing required analyses
  • Signatures of persons involved in the chain of possession including the collector’s.
  • Comments or special instructions

Laboratory personnel must document the following on the Chain of Custody or Sample Login and Acceptance form:

  • Completeness of the documentation provided by the client (above list).
  • Condition of sample shipper and containers upon receipt.
  • Preservation type.
  • Temperature of cooler upon receipt.
  • Date and time of sample receipt.
  • Signatures of persons involved in the chain of possession, including receiving personnel.
  • Lab sample ID number.

Sample bottles provided by the laboratory are pre-labeled with water resistant labels that are color coded to indicate the type of preservative present in the container.

                        

No Treat (No Preservative)          Nitric Acid                          Sulfuric Acid                 Sodium Hydroxide        

Sample bottles need to be labeled using indelible ink.  Adequate sample volume must be provided for the analyses requested.

The temperature within the cooler must be maintained at 4oC during transit to the laboratory.  Please ensure that appropriate quantities of ice or ice packs are enclosed within the cooler to maintain this temperature.

Analyses having “short” holding times, must be delivered to the laboratory in a manner that provides adequate lead time to meet the holding time.

Exceptions may be noted directly on the chain of custody record or in the Case Narrative accompanying your final Analytical Report. In order to ensure compliance with the rules established for certification and our policy, please provide a complete Chain of Custody Record with all sample submissions. Note: It is necessary to supply both the date and time taken for each sample.

If you have questions, we can provide information regarding sample volume, preservation, and holding time requirements or Click Here!