This sample acceptance policy outlines the minimum conditions a sample must meet upon receipt by the UGRA Environmental Laboratory. The following conditions must be met in order for samples to be accepted by UGRA for analysis. Water samples that do not comply with these regulations will not be accepted for analysis. In these instances, the customer will be notified by UGRA staff and informed why their sample can not be accepted. If you require additional information or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact UGRA at (830) 896-5445.
- All water samples must be received on ice. Acceptable temperature range for samples is 0.1 oC - 6.0 oC. Samples that are mailed to UGRA must be received on ice or on ice packs in an insulated container. Samples delivered to the lab within one hour of collection are not likely to have reached a fully chilled temperature and are to be considered acceptable if there is evidence that chilling has begun. UGRA staff must visually verify the presence of ice. The temperature for each sample and presence of ice will recorded on the Chain of Custody form.
- Appropriate sample containers must be used and adequate sample volume must be provided. Overfilled sample bottles will not be accepted.
- All samples must be received within the hold time for the requested analysis.
- Chain of Custody forms and sample bottle labels must be filled out completely and properly in water resistant ink.
- All water samples requiring chemical preservation must be pre-preserved. Pre-preserved containers will be provided by UGRA upon request.
- Samples that show signs of damage or contamination will not be accepted.
Effective date: 8/31/07
Reference: 2003 NELAC Standard. June 5, 2003. Chapter 5.0 Quality Systems. Section 5.5.8.3.1 Sample Receipt Protocols and Section 5.5.8.3.2 Sample Acceptance Policy.
UGRA Lab Document SOP # 23, Rev. 1 10/26/07
