BBC LABORATORIES
Agricultural & Environmental Microbiological Services

Introduction

These samples will be analyzed for living components, so it is necessary to take precautions that ensure they stay cool (never frozen) and they are shipped for rapid delivery to the laboratory. It is important to ship samples the same day that they are taken. If delays occur, store samples in the refrigerator until shipping. Upon request, the laboratory will provide a kit which includes the shipping container, gel (blue) ice, sterile sample tubes or bottles, sample labels, Chain of Custody (COC) forms, and instructions for sampling at shipping cost.

Sampling Procedure

1. When the kit arrives, remove the gel ice and freeze overnight for use the next day.
2. Sample container size will depend on the analyses to be performed. The appropriate size will be determined at the time the sample kit is ordered.
3. Collect the aqueous sample into the sterile sample bottle or tube being careful to not contaminate the inside of the lid or container with fingers, dirt, etc. It is important to leave a headspace in the sample bottle so do not completely fill the container.
4. Label samples and place in cooler (shipping container) with frozen gel ice.
5. Enclose the completed Chain of Custody form in a plastic bag. Please make sure that the sample name(s) on the COC match the label(s) on the sample(s). Seal the cooler with packing tape.
6. SHIP CONTAINER ON MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY TO:
   • SAMPLE RECEIVING
   • BBC LABORATORIES
   • 1217 NORTH STADEM DRIVE
   • TEMPE, AZ 85281