Author: Kara Ansel, Systems Administrator

As we look back on the past year, WETLAB has seen significant advancements in both technology and internal processes. We made a major shift toward cloud-based infrastructure, migrating key services and accounts to improve efficiency, security, and resource optimization. Our launch of MyWETLAB, a client portal and employee resource hub, has streamlined data access and significantly enhanced user experiences for both employees and clients. Internally, we deployed new automations and data tools to our Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), making real-time data and metrics more accessible and allowing our team to focus on higher-value tasks.

A major milestone this year was acquiring the HAA5 certification, which allows us to offer expanded environmental solutions to our clients. Our team’s role in refining the data importing process for analysts played a key part in this achievement. This certification is not only valuable for our clients but also opens up new opportunities for our employees to gain expertise in new areas. 

Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue expanding our cloud infrastructure, enhance data workflows across departments, and introduce more updates to the MyWETLAB Client Portal. Our focus remains on improving the efficiency and accessibility of our systems, all while continuing to deliver the high-quality services our clients expect. Through these efforts, we aim to empower our employees, streamline operations, and further enhance the customer experience. 

This year’s successes have shown that with the right tools and mindset, we can drive meaningful improvements in every aspect of our operations, from internal workflows to client interactions. We’re eager to build on this momentum and continue innovating in the year to come.

 

Meet Holly Salazar, our dynamic Instrumentation Team Lead  with a passion for precision and a knack for solving complex technical challenges! Holly oversees the maintenance and operation of a wide range of chemical instrumentation used for analysis, including everything from ICP-OES to Nitrate/Nitrite analysis by Flow Injector. She’s got the technical know-how to keep things running smoothly, Whether it is instrument maintenance or tackling advanced tasks like, instrumentation troubleshooting. 

With over 5 years of experience in the field, Holly’s journey started as a Laboratory Scientist in Geochemistry at WETLAB in Sparks, where she honed her skills in complex chemical testing and analysis. But that’s not all—when she’s not optimizing lab instruments, she’s leading efforts in Washoe County Search & Rescue, where she serves as a board member and is part of both the Incident Management and Metal Detecting teams. Talk about versatility!

Holly’s impressive resume is backed by a Meritorious Service Award from Washoe County Search & Rescue and a LECO CS-744 Certificate. When it comes to mixing technical expertise with community dedication, Holly is truly in a class of her own. 

Whether she’s calibrating complex lab equipment or rescuing the day, Holly’s got everything under control—making her an invaluable asset to the Sparks office and beyond!

When collecting water samples for analysis by an environmental laboratory, following proper sample collection and handling techniques is essential in ensuring quality analysis. Employing the highest level of standards into your everyday operations is important to ensure your laboratory can provide you with accurate and reliable data. 

 

Here is how you can maintain the highest caliber of water testing:

 

1. 1. 1. Preparation is Key

The first step of successful sampling is to identify analyses to perform, sampling locations, and sample matrices (drinking water, ground water, surface water, etc.). Having this information will allow you to work with your laboratory to ensure you use the correct containers, preservatives, and quality control procedures during your sample collection. The laboratory may provide the necessary sampling materials. It is important to be aware of hold times and temperature requirements prior to sample collection to ensure samples are delivered to the laboratory adhering to proper compliance procedures.

 

2. Using Correct Containers in the Field 

Containers and preservatives used to collect samples are specific to the sample matrix and testing requirements. Containers vary in material, size, and color. In the field, ensure the correct container is being used to collect each sample. To help with this process, label each sample bottle with identifying information and document necessary information on the Chain of Custody Form. 

 

3. Sample Collection Technique

It is important to use caution to avoid contamination and fill bottles with the correct amount of sample. Different types of analyses have different sampling requirements. Your laboratory may provide you with instructions, but here are some general guidelines:

• When sampling outside, protect collection bottles from wind, rain, snow, and other elements that can introduce contamination. 
• When sampling from faucets, it is not always as simple as turning on the tap. Follow instructions for your specific analysis to avoid contamination from filters, aerators, and pipes.
• Fill the container as directed with the correct amount of sample. To avoid removing necessary preservatives from the bottle, do not rinse bottles before sampling or overfill while sampling. Underfilling may lead to your sample being invalid and unable to be analyzed by the laboratory.

 

4. Know Your Hold Times

Once you have collected the sample, the hold time begins. The hold time is the time allowed from sample collection until analysis. Know the hold time ahead of time to ensure your sample is received by the laboratory before it expires. Some analyses can be performed past the hold time, and this does not negate the accurate of results. However, the data may be unable to be used for regulatory compliance. 

  

While some people think that reaching out to a lab is one of the last steps needed in the sampling process, working with your laboratory prior to sample collection can significantly enhance the accuracy and reliability of your water testing efforts. Whether you are a professional in the field or a concerned citizen, understanding and applying these principles will help ensure that our water remains safe and clean for generations to come.

To read the full article, you can check it out here.

We are so proud of McKenna Oh for being nominated for a Top 20 Under 40 Award!

Having worked her way up from client services to project manager in just four years, McKenna Oh personifies the phrase of ‘Hard Work Pays Off’.

Her scientific expertise and commitment to client success ensure that every project meets high standards. Now the main point of contact for our clients, McKenna bridges their needs with WETLAB’s analytical team to deliver seamless results. Congrats McKenna!

In early 2024, WETLAB introduced MyWETLAB – a streamlined, user-friendly platform designed to enhance your experience, offering easy access to your data, reports, and analytics in a secure online environment. The initial release was to a beta group of clients to help us identify any potential issues, assess usability, and suggest improvements to optimize the user experience.  MyWETLAB integrates advanced encryption and user authentication measures to ensure that your information is both safe and readily accessible. And through MyWETLAB, you’ll be able to view real-time data updates, download reports, and track project statuses anytime, anywhere. Below are some highlights and updates of new features available or coming soon to MyWETLAB.

Elevating the MyWETLAB Experience

Our client portal will soon offer even more convenience, data insights, and advanced AI capabilities, making it easier than ever to interact with WETLAB and access essential information.

• Customer Resource AI Chat Bot: This new AI-powered ChatBot will be available 24/7 to handle common inquiries instantly, giving you quick access to essential information anytime.
• Early Insight on Sample Data: Get a sneak peek at preliminary results before the final data is complete, helping you stay informed without waiting for the entire report.
• Streamlined Invoices: Clients can now view and pay invoices directly within the MyWETLAB portal, adding convenience to financial management.
• More Self-Service Tools: From inputting data to receiving updates, these enhancements will provide time-saving options for sharing and retrieving information with ease.

Internal Technology Upgrades

Our behind-the-scenes improvements may not be directly visible to customers, but they’re designed to make our service even more efficient and robust, translating into greater convenience and reliability for you.

•  More Cloud Infrastructure Upgrades: Transitioning more infrastructure to the cloud enables our teams in Elko, Las Vegas, and the main lab to access centralized tools and data, supporting consistent, high-quality service across all locations.
• Optimized LIMS Processes: Upgrading our LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) will enhance our efficiency in managing even the smallest details, helping us deliver faster and more accurate results to our clients.
• Efficient Data Flow Automations: With more automation, we’ll streamline data handling from start to finish, ensuring faster turnaround times and fewer manual steps in the process.

Our goal is to empower you with direct access to key information, making data management faster and more efficient. Should you have any questions or need support or wish to enroll into MyWETLAB our team is available to assist, please contact 775-355-0202 or email MyWETLAB@wetlaboratory.com. We hope you find this tool to be a valuable resource for staying connected and informed. 

 In Our WETLAB World

90’s Themed Party

The WETLAB team enjoyed a fun 90’s themed party with an afternoon filled with nostalgic treats like Dunkaroos, Snack Packs, Gushers, Fruit by the Foot, and Capri Suns. Sample Control Manager Cheyenne crushed it at the 90’s Trivia Game, and we wrapped up the day with some friendly competition in foosball and cornhole.

 

---

Grindz Coffee Company

Our Spark’s team celebrated crushing their reporting goal with Grindz Coffee Company! 

 

---

Florida Canyon Mine

Some of WETLAB’s Laboratory and Client Services staff headed over to Imlay, Nevada for a tour of the Florida Canyon Mine. Check out some of the massive machinery used for mining!

 

---

Wok & Roll Food Truck

The team celebrating crushing the September reporting goal with burgers from Wok & Roll!

 

---

NELAP Accreditation

We have received accreditation from the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) for our Sparks and Las Vegas laboratories! The NELAP accreditation process is a rigorous one and calls to WETLAB’s adherence to national benchmarks, data integrity, equipment calibration, and precise method selection.

 

---

 

In Our Industry

APWA Conference 

Mckenna and Jill attended the American Public Works Association (APWA) Nevada Chapter Fall Conference in South Lake Tahoe October 2-3. This year’s conference centered on shaping the future of public works, fostering the development of young professionals within the industry. Keynote speaker James Robilotta delivered an engaging and inspiring presentation on utilizing curiosity to create community in the workplace. Public works within Nevada has a promising future!

 

---

MINExpo 2024 Las Vegas:

 WETLAB recently attended the MINE EXPO INTERNATIONAL in Las Vegas, where the theme of “The Future of Workforce” took center stage. This year’s conference highlighted cutting-edge technologies that promise to transform industry operations by helping companies identify bottlenecks, enhance efficiency, and take unprecedented control of their processes.

At WETLAB, we share this vision of a tech-enhanced future. We believe that by incorporating advanced technologies into our daily operations, we can achieve greater efficiency and empower our team to focus on higher-level tasks. Automation, for example, will enable us to streamline repetitive processes, leading to quicker data retrieval and reporting. Enhanced data management will not only improve our response times but also minimize human error, ensuring that we deliver results of the highest quality.

Beyond improving our efficiency, we aim to leverage technology to foster a safer work environment and an exceptional customer experience. In 2025, we’re excited to share more of our technological advancements with you as we continue our journey toward innovation and excellence.

 

---

 

In Our Community

Girls on the Run – Sierras Fall 5K

Come and celebrate the end of another season with GOTR-Sierras on Saturday, November 16, 2024. This 5K encourages everyone in the program to feel a tangible sense of accomplishment for having made it through another season of growing and learning. You can join in on the run or become a sponsor to support GOTR-Sierras in their mission of inspiring local girls. 

                                                                                                                                    

With the holidays and colder months approaching, we’re all excited to spend time with family and friends. At WETLAB, we understand how important it is to manage your sample submissions efficiently during this busy time. To help make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible, we recommend reviewing your permits alongside our holiday schedule to ensure timely and accurate submissions. Below, we’ve outlined key holiday closure details and some helpful tips for cold-weather sampling to help you avoid any issues and ensure your samples remain in compliance.

A Few Tips for Cold Weather Sampling

As the cold weather approaches, we want to help you stay in compliance and avoid any issues with your samples. Freezing temperatures increase the risk of samples arriving frozen, which can be a problem—especially for organic and microbiological tests. Common analyses like synthetic organic compounds (SOCs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), and bacteria must remain unfrozen to meet compliance standards. To help avoid any complications, we recommend collecting samples as early as possible and steering clear of below-freezing conditions. We understand that it can be challenging in freezing temperatures when samples collected for organic analysis are required to be submitted on ice, but we’re here to help you navigate these tricky situations! Here are some good practices for transporting lab samples in freezing temperatures. Firstly, avoid sampling during hard freeze temperatures (28°F or colder), and utilize a sturdy, well insulated secondary container. Then, wrap samples in a protective material to prevent direct access to ice, utilizing frozen ice packs around the samples to maintain cold temperatures but avoiding direct contact with sample containers. Lastly, fill dead space with bulk material to provide additional insulation and keep samples centered in the cooler to avoid the colder sides. These practices should be considered when transporting samples yourself or via UPS, FedEx, etc. As always, we’re here to help. Please contact your local WETLAB location or 775-355-0202 with any questions you have prior to sample collection and transport.

Our Holiday Closure

We all need time to recharge, and this year, we’re doing something new to support our team’s work-life balance. WETLAB will be taking a winter break from December 23rd to December 27th. Don’t worry—if you need us during that time, we’ll be available by appointment. As part of our preparation, our Client Services Team will reach out to help you prepare for your sample collection and submissions. If you have any questions in the meantime, you may contact your local Client Services team.

To ensure a smooth experience, we encourage you to collect and submit your samples as early as possible.

Here’s a quick look at our holiday hours:

Thanksgiving Holiday Hours:

• Wednesday, November 27th: All offices CLOSED at 12:00 pm
• Thursday, November 28th – Friday, November 29th: All offices CLOSED.

Winter Break Closure:

• Monday, December 23rd – Friday, December 27th: All offices CLOSED, available by appointment 

New Year’s Holiday Hours:

• Wednesday, January 1st, 2025: All offices CLOSED 

We’re so excited to introduce you to our laboratory director, Andy Smith! With nearly 30 years of experience in the field, Andy is an expert in lab processes and quality assurance. 

Andy kicked off his WETLAB career over two decades ago as a lab analyst and quickly climbed the ranks to lab supervisor and lab manager. Having been in roles ranging from quality assurance manager to the laboratory director since 2007, Andy has now held a lab management role for as long as Taylor Swift has held hers in the music industry. 

What really makes Andy shine is his combination of hands-on know-how and fantastic relationships with regulatory agencies. He knows our analyses inside and out, and his experience in data review ensures that we not only meet, but exceed, our clients’ needs. He maintains strict compliance and practice standards, working closely with regulators, lab certification officers, and our own personnel to ensure that WETLAB remains the top-of-the-line environmental testing laboratory in Nevada.

Andy’s enthusiasm for the environmental lab industry is contagious. We’re lucky to have him on board, and we can’t wait to see how his expert direction continues to elevate our work. 

We are very honored to be nominated in NNBW’s Best in Business for Best Technology Company/Firm and Most Philanthropic – Over 30 Employees! Thank you so much to our amazing community for your continued support. Congrats to all the nominees! You can cast your votes here until October 27th, 2024: https://www.nnbw.com/bestinbusiness2024/#/gallery