Resources
Sampling guide
A laboratory result can only be as good as the sample behind it. This guide covers the general principles — but method-specific requirements always come first.
Contact Timor Labs before collecting samples. Incorrect containers, temperature, volume or holding time may make a sample unsuitable for testing. The requirements confirmed at booking take precedence over this general guide.
By sample type
Requirements by sample category
Drinking or process water
- Recommended container
- Sterile container for microbiology; method-appropriate container for chemistry
- Minimum sample quantity
- Confirmed at booking — varies by method
- Sterility requirements
- Aseptic technique; do not touch the inside of the container or cap
- Temperature
- Keep cool and protected from sunlight during transport
- Maximum holding time
- Confirmed at booking — deliver as soon as possible
- Labeling
- Sampling point, date and time of collection
- Transport
- Upright, sealed, in a clean cool container
- Special precautions
- Tell the laboratory about disinfectant residual or suspected hazards
Bottled water
- Recommended container
- Original sealed retail container where possible
- Minimum sample quantity
- Confirmed at booking — usually multiple units per batch
- Sterility requirements
- Keep sealed until laboratory receipt where agreed
- Temperature
- Ambient as sold, unless otherwise instructed
- Maximum holding time
- Confirmed at booking
- Labeling
- Product, batch or lot code, production date
- Transport
- Protected from heat and damage
- Special precautions
- Provide batch context so results can be traced
Food and beverage products
- Recommended container
- Sterile or food-grade clean container, or original sealed packaging
- Minimum sample quantity
- Confirmed at booking — varies by product and method
- Sterility requirements
- Aseptic handling for opened product
- Temperature
- As required for the product — chilled, frozen or ambient
- Maximum holding time
- Confirmed at booking
- Labeling
- Product, batch, date and time of collection
- Transport
- Maintain product temperature; avoid cross-contamination
- Special precautions
- Disclose preservatives, high salt, acidity or other unusual characteristics
Surface swabs
- Recommended container
- Use swab kits supplied or specified by the laboratory
- Minimum sample quantity
- One swab per defined sampling point
- Sterility requirements
- Sterile swabs and aseptic technique
- Temperature
- Keep cool after collection
- Maximum holding time
- Confirmed at booking — typically short
- Labeling
- Sampling point identifier, date and time
- Transport
- Sealed, cool and protected
- Special precautions
- Sample after normal cleaning unless otherwise agreed; record the surface condition
Soil
- Recommended container
- Clean, sealable bags or containers as instructed
- Minimum sample quantity
- Confirmed at booking — varies by test
- Sterility requirements
- Clean tools; avoid cross-contamination between sampling points
- Temperature
- Keep cool where instructed
- Maximum holding time
- Confirmed at booking
- Labeling
- Location, depth, date and time of collection
- Transport
- Sealed and protected from heat
- Special precautions
- Record depth, land use, recent weather and crop — context shapes interpretation
Other samples
- Recommended container
- Confirmed at booking
- Minimum sample quantity
- Confirmed at booking
- Sterility requirements
- Confirmed at booking
- Temperature
- Confirmed at booking
- Maximum holding time
- Confirmed at booking
- Labeling
- Unique identifier, date and time of collection
- Transport
- Confirmed at booking
- Special precautions
- Inform the laboratory of any suspected hazard before submission
General rules
Whatever the sample
- Do not touch the inside of the container or cap
- Label every sample clearly before or immediately after collection
- Record the collection date and time accurately
- Keep samples protected from heat, sunlight and contamination
- Follow the temperature requirements confirmed at booking
- Submit the accompanying submission form with your samples
- Inform the laboratory of any suspected hazards in advance
- Disclose preservatives, chemicals or unusual sample characteristics
Before you leave
Sample submission checklist
- 1Scope and methods confirmed with Timor Labs
- 2Correct containers obtained
- 3Labels prepared
- 4Cooler or transport container ready
- 5Submission form completed
- 6Delivery or collection appointment arranged
A downloadable PDF version of this guide will be published once approved. In the meantime, print this page or contact us for the current version.
Not sure which test or service you need?
Tell us about your sample, facility, product or compliance objective. Our team will help define an appropriate scope.