Chain of Custody

It is the policy of TMI Analytical Services to provide clients assistance in the sampling process by recommendation of proper handling of samples.

A combination Chain-of-Custody/Analysis Request form will be provided to our clients. This form must be completed prior to formal acceptance of samples into the laboratory.

Sample bottle labels will be provided to our clients. Information on the labels should include: client name, sampler's name, date of sampling, sample description, preservatives and parameters for analysis. This information should also be included on the Chain-of -Custody form.

Containers for solid/soil samples slated for chemical analysis should be packed paying special attention to preparation for these analyses; call the laboratory for specific sample preparation instructions.

Samples must be preserved appropriately to minimize the loss of analytes due to adsorption, chemical or biological degradation.

Duplicate samples may be required to be collected for some parameters. Regardless, sufficient volumes of sample must be collected to ensure that the required detection limits can be met and that quality control samples (replicates, spikes and duplicates) can be analyzed.

Some samples may require cooling. If you feel your samples do not require cooling, please contact the laboratory before packing and shipping to confirm.

Samples must be transported to the laboratory in an expeditious manner to ensure that
holding times for the analyses can be met and to prevent compromises to the integrity
of the sample. Samples should be packaged to prevent breakage. Whenever possible, samples should be scheduled to arrive at TMI during business hours on normal working days. However, TMI will confer with clients to set arrangements for special shipping/delivery situations, and will work on these on a case-by-case basis including after hours and weekends.

Samples should be representative of the process or site being assessed.

The sample collector takes responsibility for the validity and integrity of the sample up to the point of formal receipt by the laboratory.