COLLECTION & PRESERVATION

Water Samples: 1-liter cubitainer or other metal-free container. Preserve with concentrated nitric acid to pH < 2 (the amount of nitric acid will vary depending on alkalinity, but usually is about 3 mls). Note: Lead/Copper compliance samples must be collected from a faucet or other end-point that has NOT been used for the previous 6 hours; use the cold water tap only). Submit to SLD within 5 days from collection.

Soils/Sediments: 100 grams, well mixed. Less than 100 g. of sample can be used for analysis, but this may not constitute a representative sample. No chemical preservation is required, but store at 4 ° C. Can be submitted anytime after collection.

Blood/Serum: At least 5 milliliters (mls), depending on the test(s) requested. Must be collected into a metal-free vessel containing Sodium-EDTA (preferred) or Heparin. For plastic vessels, preserve sample by freezing; for glass vessels, preserve by refrigeration. Submit to SLD as soon as possible following collection.

Tissue: At least 20 grams of a representative sub-sample (do not submit entire organisms), collected into a metal-free vessel. For plastic vessels, preserve sample by freezing; for glass vessels, preserve by refrigeration. Submit to SLD as soon as possible following collection.

Air Filters: Collection, preservation, and handling of air filters varies by filter media and program. Contact the A & HM Section for specifics.

Check with the section for collection and preservation of other sample types.

Metal-free cubitainers and HM request forms are available at no charge from SLD. Contact the Kit Prep section at (505) 383-9056.

Shipping and Handling

Samples should be delivered to the Specimen Receiving area of SLD (NW corner of building – see map) as soon as reasonable possible after collection, preferably within 5 days. Each sample submitted to SLD must have a corresponding request form (one sample, one form). Evidentiary samples should be delivered as Chain of Custody (inquire at Specimen Receiving area). Samples may be delivered to SLD in person, by mail (UPS) or courier. Note: SLD provides courier service to clients submitting biological samples at no charge. Deliver samples to any state Public Health Office.

Air & Heavy Metals Home