Sampling & Submission Guidelines:
Note: Prior notification is highly recommended. Test requested and STATE HOLIDAYS schedule determine laboratory delivery days.
- Sample water into sterile 120 mL Idexx Colilert vessel or 300 mL sterile WhirlPak bag
- Label sample containers using a permanent marker (Date of Sampling, Sampler, Sample Description)
- Collect samples that are representative of the water source being tested
- If applicable, disinfect and flush sample ports
- Remove and discard plastic seal
- Keep sampling container closed until it is filled, do not contaminate inner surface of cap or sampling container, replace cap immediately
- Using aseptic technique, fill container without rinsing to just above fill line (leave ample air space for mixing)
- Place samples in leak-proof cooler - containing ice & water slurry
- Transport samples to the lab as soon as possible
- Best methods of transport are hand delivery, same-day, or overnight courier
- For sample results to be used for official analysis, transit time must not exceed 30 hours and sample temperature must be <10C (preferably 0 - 4.5C) at time of receipt