Sending Samples

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What to do if you want send a sample for analysis…

If you are unsure about which sample is best to take for a microbiological investigation, it is probably best to contact us and we will happily advise on which samples to take, when and how to take them and how to deliver them to our laboratory. Samples for microbiological analysis are generally best analysed within about 48 hours of being drawn. We receive samples from all over the world, Azerbaijan to Zambia, and we can advise on how best to get samples sent to us within time for valid analysis.

The following is rough guidance which may be of assistance when taking samples;

• Use clean (ideally sterile bottles) which are compatible with the material sampled (don't use polystyrene for fuels)
• Avoid touching the inside of the sample bottle and cap
• Ensure the immediate area around the sampling point is clean; if necessary wipe with an alcohol soaked tissue.
• If using sampling devices such as thiefs or All Levels Samplers make sure these are thoroughly clean and then decontaminate by rinsing with 70% alcohol. Ensure alcohol residues evaporate before taking samples and discard the first two samplings so that the sampler is well rinsed.
• To investigate a fuel or oil system contamination it is best to take a dead bottom / sump bottom or drain sample, preferably containing water (if present). It is also advisable to take a sample(s) which represent the bulk of the fuel or oil (eg process draw of storage tanks, pump nozzle sample, in circulation oil sample etc.)
• When sampling to investigate microbial corrosion take a sample of surface slime or sludge from as close as possible to the corrosion site.
• For metal working and process fluid samples a sump bottom and in circulation sample should be taken.