sample preservation; sample custody & shipping · and test ph –first ... always transport...
TRANSCRIPT
Liz MillerFebruary 21, 2017
SAMPLE PRESERVATION
Most recent custody sheet versions:Surface Water = January 2017Ground Water = October 2016
Can be found at https://fldeploc.dep.state.fl.us/status/
Pay attention to special notes
Pay attention to special notes
ALWAYS document preservation performed on front of custody sheets.
You must circle one of the options even if it’s NA
If preservation performed differs from requirements listed on back, DESCRIBE DIFFERENCES IN COMMENTS.
Preservation details must also be documented on each Field Sheet.
Front side of SW Field Sheet. Back side of GW Field Sheet.
Front side of SW Field Sheet.
Back side of GW Field Sheet.
PRESERVATION BASICS
Complete all preservation within 15 minof sample collection.
Put on CLEAN, powder–free, disposable gloves.
Wear protective eyewear and work in a well ventilated area when working with acid or formalin.
Check bottle labels and back of custody sheet.
ALWAYS READ the Lab project and Sample ID label. Do not just rely on colored stickers on the sample containers.
PRESERVING WITH ACID
Use “tag-team” approach to ensure correct preservation
If filtration is required, it must be done BEFORE acidification
Check label of acid vial before preserving sample
Use sulfuric acid with nutrients and test pH –FIRST
Then use nitric acid with metals
PRESERVING WITH ACID Use narrow range pH paper (0-3)
Pour acidified sample onto pH strip over a small disposable cup or watch glass
Check pH < 2
If pH ≥ 2, use another ½ vial of acid; check again; document
Dispose of acids properly
Small acid waste containers; empty frequently; follow chemical safety plan for your building when disposing
Place samples together in large zip-top bag
Place bag in wet ice ≤ 6°C Include temperature
verification bottle
NOTE: Ice must be loose and surround the bag of samples for proper cooling.
Samples > 6°C will be qualified or discarded
THERMAL PRESERVATION
Bottles for Tracers and Pesticides (1L amber glass bottles):
Place in bubble-wrap bag (CAUTION—always support container from bottom; bags are not strong)
Place in cooler in ice within 15 minutes
Sediments:
Seal lid/container with tape (electrical is good)
Place in bubble-wrap bag (CAUTION—always support container from bottom; bags are not strong)
Place in cooler in ice within 15 minutes
SCI• Fill jug(s) nearly full with recycled 10% buffered Formalin• Seal lid/container with tape (optional)• Place back in the large zip-top bag in which they arrived
Add Formalin nearly to top, regardless of the amount of material
Always transport buffered formalin & preserved SCI samples in upright position in a cooler
CUSTODY AND SHIPMENTSection 13
Status & Trend Networks Sampling Manual
CUSTODY SHEETS• Document every sample submitted.• Use separate custody sheets for GW & SW.• Use separate custody sheet for each RQ number.• Make sure all containers from a site are submitted with matching RQs.• Fill out completely & use Station ID & RQ Labels
CUSTODY SHEETS
CUSTODY SHEETS
CUSTODY SHEETS• If you have no choice but to hand-write the
information• TREND – Station ID = Storet ID (If you don’t know it,
write the station name)– Station Name = the Station you would choose during field data entry
• STATUS – Station ID and Station Name = Random Sample Location (e.g. Z1-LL-11001)
CUSTODY SHEETS• If you have no choice but to hand-write the
information• Please write as clearly as possible• This example was logged in by Receiving as
ZS-UA-1055, which did not match up with the field data in GWIS.
• Receiving Staff are not familiar with the sites and they have frequent turnover
CUSTODY SHEETS• Analytes listed on back of sheet tell the lab what
you’re submitting• Different analyte lists on SW and GW Custody
Sheets• If anything is different / missing, COMMENT!
CUSTODY SHEETS• Copies:
White to lab, Yellow to Tallahassee WMS, Pink retained by sampling agency
• Secure white copy in zip-top bag, taped to inside lid of cooler.
• Lab preference: If shipping multiple coolers at once, place all white copies of custody sheets inside one cooler. Label outside of coolers: “Cooler 1 of 2”, etc.
SHIPMENT• Ensure spigot is plugged and cooler is
not cracked.• Pack samples properly:
• Line cooler w/ large plastic bag.• Surround sample bags w/ wet ice.• Tie / tape outer bag closed.• Bag custody sheet & tape to
inside of lid.• Tape cooler closed.
• Observe lab holidays and weekends!• Make every attempt to use FedEx
Priority Overnight Shipping
Locating STAFFED FedEx Shipping Centers for Cooler Drop-Off
Other options:• Call 1.800.GOFEDEX (1.800.463.3339)• Visit www.FedEx.com and select
“schedule pickup”
What if the samples don’t make it to the lab in time?
Document and report all shipping problems to QA Officer ASAP. (Please include waybill/ tracking numbers and RQ numbers).
If you need to obtain more information from FedEx, call 1-800-GOFEDEX.
