>
Proper sample handling before submitting samples to the lab is as important as proper sample collection. Care in both collection and handling is integral in receiving accurate results. Temperature regulation and the chain-of-custody are the most important aspects of sample handing before submission to WETLAB.
Temperature is a key part of sample handling. Maintaining proper sample temperature is vital when transporting samples to the lab. Samples received to the lab frozen or over temperature can be rejected and not viable to compliance reporting. Many samples are required to be chilled to 2-6 degrees Celsius after collection. If the samples are received the same day they are collected, the temperature range doesn’t apply, however the samples must arrive at the lab with evidence of cooling.
The most frequent temperature issues are over cooling during winter and under cooling in summer. We always recommend the client transport samples in coolers with wet ice or ice packs for the most effective temperature control. However, additional steps during winter and summer can reduce temperature errors. In the winter, keeping the sample cooler in the cab of your vehicle can reduce frozen samples. And during the summer, wet ice is more efficient at cooling samples than ice packs. WETLAB is always happy to supply coolers and ice packs upon request.
The sample’s chain-of-custody is another important aspect of sample handling. A chain-of-custody or COC is a legal document that indicates sample handling and provides relevant information regarding samples submitted to the lab. A COC should be filled out by the client contact or sampler who has knowledge of the project. Providing complete, accurate COC is essential. We are here at WETLAB and are diligent in providing quality results. Any COC errors found during the sample login are addressed before analysis to ensure the best service. Any discrepancies or missing information on the COC or sample labels may cause delays during sample processing.
Common COC errors include sample collection date/time discrepancies, missing required analysis, missing sample matrix, and discrepancies between sample bottle labels and the COC. Having a prefilled COC for a sample project can save time and reduce errors. WETLAB can provide editable pdf’s or physical copies of COCs at any time and our sample control staff or project manager are always available to assist with any questions regarding COCs.
WETLAB strives to provide timely and accurate results with each and every sample and careful client sample handling allows us to do so. Please let us know how we can help streamline your sample handling procedures with coolers, COCs, etc.
Meet Phaedra Harmening, WETLAB’s Elko Manager.
Phaedra oversees daily operations of our Elko Laboratory, specialising in microbiology and wet chemistry. She ensures compliance with industry regulations, maintains quality assurance standards, manages our team of Elko laboratory analysts, and coordinates with clients for optimal data.
Phaedra has dedicated her life to the craft of science with an impressive 18 years at WETLAB, prior careers in the field, and education. Prior to WETLAB, Phaedra worked as the City of Elko Manager, developing Standard Operating Procedures to maintain high quality results in both chemistry and microbiology testing. She has a Bachelors of Science from Oregon State University where she was a Junior Fellow for the US Department of Agriculture-Ag Research Station (USDA-ARS) and she was awarded a Fellowship Award. ARS Fellowship programs aim to train scientists through collaborative research working to solve agricultural problems.
Outside of work, Phaedra participates in the Rotary Foreign Exchange Program and volunteers to help those in need. She has donated her time to serving meals with groups including FISH and Meals-on-Wheels. Phaedra has also enjoyed bringing science to the youth through Boy Scout Camps and classroom volunteerism. Whether Phaedra is helping kids earn Science Badges or ensuring adherence to EPA regulations, she does so with care, leadership, and technical know-how to achieve the optimal results.
Phaedra’s continued dedication to science throughout her career and with WETLAB for nearly 2 decades makes her a prized member of our team and an exceptional role model to us all. Thank you Phaedra for all you do!
Looking for a part-time job that fits your busy student schedule? WETLAB offers flexible work opportunities perfect for students balancing classes, studying, and extracurriculars. Gain valuable experience in a dynamic environment while enjoying a schedule that works for you. Join our team and start building your future today!
At WETLAB, we take pride in the brilliant, hardworking, and dedicated women who play a vital role in our laboratory and beyond.
On this International Women’s Day, we want to shine a light on the talented female scientists, technicians, analysts, and administrators who drive our mission forward every day.
Women in science and environmental testing bring innovation, precision, and passion to their work, ensuring that we continue to provide accurate, reliable data for our clients and communities. From analyzing water and soil samples to maintaining the highest environmental safety standards, the women of WETLAB are essential to everything we do.
Their expertise extends beyond the lab, too—many of our female employees are leaders and mentors, inspiring the next generation of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). As an organization, we are committed to fostering an environment where women can grow, thrive, and break barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Today, we celebrate their hard work, achievements, and dedication to protecting our environment and public health. Thank you to the women of WETLAB for making a difference every single day. Your contributions do not go unnoticed!
Happy International Women’s Day to all the amazing women in science, business, and beyond!
Western Environmental Testing Laboratory announces the new role of Jacob Brotman as chromatography lead.
In his new role, Brotman will be responsible for acting as the lead mentor for the chromatography team. As the lead, he will manage the team to ensure that all state compliance needs are met.
See the full article here.
Western Environmental Testing Laboratory announces Caitrianna Bishop has been promoted to client services manager.
With more than four years of experience at WETLAB, Bishop previously worked in client services supervising sample control staff and couriers, providing support with sample receiving, courier routes, and bottle kit requests.
See the full article here.
In Our WETLAB World
Team Holiday Celebrations
This year we were grateful for good food and even better company at our Sparks Team Thanksgiving!
All dressed up in festive attire for Holiday Spirit Week!
Our Elko team had a great time celebrating at Hikiko Sushi!
Feeling the holiday Spirit at our Las Vegas office!
Holiday Door Contest
Our offices were looking very festive for the holiday season! The WETLAB team showed off their creativity with a holiday door decorating contest. From winter wonderlands to creative Christmas cheer, the office doors are a work of art!
Enjoy all of our winners!
Best Overall:
Most Creative:
Best Door:
Best Not a Door:
Strategic Planning
Escape room fun for our Strategic Plan Meeting!
In Our Industry
AEMA Tradeshow
McKenna and Caitrianna had a blast at this year’s AEMA Tradeshow beer pour!
Recent Publication in WaterSPOT
WETLAB was recently featured in the latest issue of the Nevada Water Environmental Association’s WaterSPOT. To read the full article, you can check it out HERE.
In Our Community
Children’s Cabinet’s Adopt a Family
This holiday season, WETLAB was proud to partner with The Children’s Cabinet through their Adopt A Family program! Giving back to our community is at the heart of what we do, and we’re honored to support such a meaningful cause. Thank you to The Children’s Cabinet for organizing this amazing program and to our team for their generosity and holiday spirit!
Sage Ridge School Field Trips
The AP Environmental Science students from Sage Ridge School recently took a tour of the laboratory. It was so much fun showing these passionate students behind the scenes!
We also had a wonderful time hosting this 4th grade class from Sage Ridge School. It was a blast showing these future scientists the ins and outs of our laboratory.
Volunteer Spotlight
Meet Shelby, our Instruments Laboratory Scientist! Outside of the lab, Shelby brings her passion for dancing and helping others to the dance floor by volunteering with “Dance With Me.”
The “Dance With Me” program provides care partners with a supportive, social environment, fostering emotional connection and shared experiences. It promotes purposeful living, giving participants a sense of belonging and meaningful expression through weekly dance sessions. For more information, contact the Ballroom of Reno at (775) 624-3551 or info@theballroomofreno.org.
Welcome to our client spotlight! This series highlights the remarkable achievements and partnerships that shape our community and industry. Today, we are excited to feature one of our esteemed clients: Jonathan Diaz, Environmental Engineer with Florida Canyon Mine.
Please give us an overview of what Florida Canyon Mine does.
Florida Canyon is an open pit mine that processes ore using 2 stage crushing and Ron of Mine (ROM) heap leaching. Florida Canyon Mine has been producing gold and silver since 1986.
Can you describe how your relationship with WETLAB enhances your operations to help you better serve clients in your local community?
Our relationship with WETLAB is a key factor in our responsibility to keep the people in our community safe and in good health. Samples analyzed by WETLAB ensure that Florida Canyon is compliant with environmental laws and regulations.
What has your experience working with WETLAB been like?
Our experience has been a pleasant and professional experience. Whenever we need something, WETLAB ensures we get it in a timely manner. Time is essential in our industry and WETLAB understands that.
What recent projects have you worked on with WETLAB?
We work with WETLAB on a quarterly basis for our sampling events. Outside of the normal sampling events, we recently invited WETLAB’s employees out to our mine site for a tour. Additionally, we visited the WETLAB’s facility to see how the samples are processed. It’s really nice to have this kind of relationship that feels very personable.
How does Florida Canyon Mine stand out from your competitors?
It might sound like a cliché but with Florida Canyon employing nearly 300 people, the feeling here is still like a family-oriented feeling. We all know each other and care for one another and push ourselves to do better. We strive for individual success but also the success of the company.
Author: Andy Smith, Laboratory Director
Over the course of 2024, WETLAB has made remarkable strides in improving operations, enhancing production efficiency, and expanding our team’s expertise. One of the key changes we made in 2024 was the investment in new equipment, including an additional DI water system and a backup TKN/ammonia analyzer, ensuring that we can handle increasing workloads and reduce the risk of disruptions. This year also saw improvements in turnaround time (TAT), with our highest weekly TAT achieved by the end of 2024.
We were able to incorporate on-site training for multiple tests and pieces of equipment. In 2024, the on-site training was mostly focused on our organics/chromatography group. The training required for that group can be extensive, so having professional training available allowed us to ensure an elite team that can produce high quality results.
As we go into 2025, WETLAB is focused on further improving efficiency by identifying and eliminating any potential weaknesses in our operations. We plan to implement backup systems for equipment, expand staff training, and introduce additional certifications, ensuring we are prepared for any unforeseen challenges. Our commitment to improving TAT and developing our team will remain at the forefront of our efforts, enabling us to continue providing fast, reliable, and high-quality service to our clients. With these advancements, WETLAB is poised for another successful year of growth, innovation, and strengthened client relationships.
Author: Caitrianna Bishop, Client Services Manager
Reflecting on the past year, it’s clear that WETLAB’s Client Services Department has undergone pivotal changes in operations with the retirement of longtime Business Development Manager Garry Gray and promotion of Cheyenne Holter to Sample Control Manager.
Our Sample Control team welcomed new Specialists and Assistants as previous team members transitioned into different roles at WETLAB in Quality Assurance and the laboratory. We actively support the professional development of our staff and take pride in seeing them take on new roles and opportunities.
Sample Control has automated the login procedures for large projects, improving the invoicing process. Our preservative checks have been adjusted to meet state audit recommendations. Improvements to the collections process ensure more accurate invoices and faster payments. These modifications to our processes have improved the accuracy of reports and sample integrity, leading to faster turnaround times (TAT) and better service for our clients.
For WETLAB’s Spark’s laboratory, a highlight of the year was the achievement of the HAA5 certification. HAA5 certification refers to the ability to test for a specific group of chemicals called haloacetic acids (HAA5), which are by-products that form when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water.
This milestone allows us to bring HAA5 testing in-house, reducing costs for the company and our clients, and providing more reliable timelines for reporting. This certification exemplifies our commitment to public health and the continuous improvement of our service offerings and customer experience. While our clients benefit from quicker, more cost-effective testing, our staff gains a greater sense of control over service delivery.
Looking ahead, we plan to continue to develop our Sales team following Garry’s retirement after 8 years with WETLAB. We are streamlining workflows and enhancing efficiency to allow our team to focus on higher-impact activities.
WETLAB is poised for another year of growth and success, building on the strengthened internal operations we achieved over the past year. We’re excited to build on this momentum in the year to come to continue to better serve our clients.
