As we covered last quarter in our Summer Sampling Tips article, maintaining samples within the proper temperature range is essential for preserving their integrity and ensuring accurate results from the laboratory.

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) has recently issued updates for the sample handling, transportation, and preservation of samples for drinking water compliance. Below we cover a few of the updates that will impact our clients the most, and the actions you can take to ensure your samples are able to be accepted by the laboratory.

Read the notice HERE

Chemistry Samples for Drinking Water Compliance:
To be accepted by the laboratory, samples for chemistry analysis arriving at the laboratory within 24 hours of collection must have evidence the chilling process has been initiated, be packed on wet ice or with blue ice (frozen gel/ice packs), immediately following sample collection. The sample temperature may exceed 6°C if received within 24 hours. However, samples will be rejected if there is no evidence the chilling process has been initiated.

We recommend having a cooler with wet ice or blue ice ready when collecting samples. Once collected, immediately place samples into the cooler. Deliver the samples to the laboratory in the cooler on the wet ice or blue ice.

If shipping samples, it is recommended to collect samples later in the day, begin the chilling process immediately, and select an overnight service with morning delivery. In anticipation of unexpected shipping delays, please ensure samples are packed with plenty of wet ice to ensure arrival at temperature of 2°C to 6°C if they arrive 24 hours after collection.

Samples for chemistry analysis arriving at the laboratory over 24 hours from collection must meet the temperature requirement of 2°C to 6°C or the sample will be rejected.

Bacteria Samples for Drinking Water Compliance:
It is encouraged, not required, to keep samples for bacteria analysis at < 10°C during transit to the laboratory. However, samples for bacteria analysis will be rejected by the laboratory if they are received frozen.

We recommend having a cooler with wet ice ready when collecting samples for bacteria analysis. Notably during the hot summer months, we recommend utilizing wet ice as it provides more efficient cooling than blue ice. Once collected, immediately place samples into the cooler. Deliver the samples on wet ice in the cooler to the laboratory.

We are here to assist in making your sampling experience as seamless as possible. Coolers and ice packs are always available upon request with every WETLAB bottle kit order. For those located within the state of Nevada, consider utilizing our courier service to ensure your samples arrive at the laboratory on time.