Download - The Dos and Don'ts of Environmental Sampling
What is Environmental Sampling?
• It is a risk assessment used to monitor the quality of the environment
• The use of proper sampling methods is crucial for ensuring reliable and defensible data.
What do I do?
• ABC Research Laboratories will provide you with a kit for environmental sampling, which includes the following supplies: – Sponges or swabs – Freezie packs – Sample submission form – Written instructions for
sampling
The Dos
• Fill out the sample submission form correctly with the analyses requested and clear descriptions of the samples – Note: The way the sample submission form is
completed will reflect your Certificate of Analysis
• Place your sample submission form in a re-sealable bag to prevent it form getting wet
The Don’ts
• Do not use the same sterile gloves for all environmental sampling – New sterile gloves must be used between
samples • Do not ship your samples ambient,
warmer conditions will allow for higher microbial counts ― Place enough freeze packs to keep
the samples in refrigerated conditions
Steps to Proper Sampling
click here à Environmental Sampling Video
YouTube Video: How to Conduct Environmental Sampling
STEP 1 - Labeling
• Label all sample bags with a sample number of the sampling site with a permanent marker
• The sample number on the sample bag should match the sampling site description on the sample submission form
E.g. Sample #1 = large drain in facility room 4
Step 2 - Hygiene
• What does the sampler need to do before wiping the sampling site? – Wear clean laboratory wear
(recommended) – Must wash hands to mid-arms with warm
water and antibacterial soap to mid forearm (see image)
Step 3 & 4
• How to open the sample bag to swab – Keep the sample bag closed – Push the sponge up towards the
opening • Be sure not to open the bag or touch
the sponge with your fingers to prevent contamination.
• Use the red tabs at the top of the sample bag to open (this will help keep the bag open)
• Place the opened bag on a clean surface
Step 5
• With sterile gloves on (provided with the sampling bag), remove the sponge from the bag
• Avoid touching the surface of the sponge with anything other than the sterile glove and the sampling site to be tested
Step 6 – For Sponges
• Wipe the sponge over the target area described in your environmental monitoring plan – E.g. 10”by 10” target area, 10 tens
vertically (on one side) and 10 times horizontally (on the other side)
• Avoid putting strong pressure while swabbing to prevent the sponge from crumbling
Step 7 – For Swabs
• Wipe the swab over the target area described in your environmental monitoring plan – E.g. 2”by 2” target area, vertically (on one
side) and horizontally (on the other side)
Step 8
• Place the sponge back in the sampling bag after wiping the target area – Avoid having the sponge
touch the outside of the bag to prevent contamination
• Secure the swab in its plastic tube without touching the edges or exterior of the tube
Step 9
• After placing the sample back in the sampling bag, expel excess air from the bag
• Take the wire on top of the sampling bag and fold over 3 or 4 times to close
• Secure the bag by folding the attached wire in the middle and twist the end wires together – For extra security, place the sample bag in a re-
sealable plastic bag
Step 10 - Shipping
• Ship the sample overnight to ABC Research Laboratories in a sturdy insulated cooler
• Samples must arrive in refrigerated conditions
Questions?
• For additional information, please contact us at 352.372.0436 or visit our website at abcr.com
