GENERAL COMMENTS

 

        To ensure that you receive the best possible results from the sample(s), with a minimum of

         inconvenience, you should be familiar with the following information.

 

• Fill each container to its shoulder and immediately replace the container lid. Do not overfill the container. If you know that the sample may vary in composition, you may want to discuss how to obtain a representative sample with one of Envirosystems staff.

• Envirosystems will note condition of the sample containers, received at the lab, on the chain of custody form and on reports produced from analyses of the sample.

• Please label your containers clearly in a way that the label will be legible during normal handling. As a minimum, the label should include sample identification, date, time, and initials of individual who obtained the sample.

• All samples have a maximum holding time (time between when sample is collected and when sample is analyzed). If this time is exceeded the results of the analysis may be invalid.
• Elevated temperature, for certain samples, can adversely affect analytical results. Therefore, samples should be chilled and transported in coolers to the laboratory.

 

         At the time you obtain containers for your sample(s), you should also obtain a chain of

         custody form. This form is a legal document, which ensures that the sample taken at a

         specific site is the same sample received in the laboratory. It also provides information on the

         sample condition and integrity as received by the laboratory. Therefore, it is important the

         form be filled as accurately and completely as possible.

 

        Client information: This includes: Client Name, Address, Phone/Fax Number, City, State, Zip,

        Purchase Order Number, Report Attention to, Sampled by, and the signature of the person

        who took the sample. In addition, the person who obtained the sample must print and sign his/

        her name and supply the relevant information on the first line labeled: "Relinquished by", in the

        chain of custody verification section immediately under the sample identification section

 

       Sample Information: In the section "Sample Identification", information about each sample

       should be contained on a separate line. For each sample, indicate the date and time of the

       sampling event.

       Give the sample a distinct description under Sample Identification. This is the sample ID that

       will appear on the final analytical report. This information should be concise, accurate and

       consistent to avoid confusion.

       Under Preservative, indicate the type of preservative in the containers submitted to the lab.

 

       Analyses Requested: Indicate in the columns what analyses are to be performed. Then under

       the column with the appropriate analysis, check the box in the row(s) of the sample(s) needing

       those analyses.

 

     Turnaround time: Indicate the turnaround time needed. The standard is ten business days.

      More rapid turnaround time will be subject to surcharges. Please call to make sure we can

      comply with your rush service request and for pricing.

 

       Remarks: Any special instructions should be indicated in this section of the COC.

 

      Verifying Chain of Custody: It is necessary to maintain an unbroken, verifiable chain of

      custody for every sample in the event that analytical results for that sample are questioned.

      Each time the sample changes hands, the person relinquishing the sample must print and sign

      his/her name, indicate affiliation, date and time the sample was transferred. The person

      receiving the sample should do.