Bulk Sample Collection

By: Dr. Rajiv Sahay

Laboratory Director

Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory

Bulk environmental samples or microbially contaminated items accepted by a laboratory include items such as sections of carpet, office equipment supplies, vials of dust and other building  materials. Once the specimen is collected it should be sealed.,  The outside of the sealed bag should be cleaned with a 0.5 – 0.6% (5,000 – 6,000 ppm) Sodium Hydrochlorite solution prior to leaving the sampling site.  This bag should be placed inside another unused, self-sealing bag and shipped according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines.  The following information, as well as an appropriate chain-of-custody is necessary for the accptance of samples by the laboratory; size of the sampled area, type, time, and date that the sample was taken along with the name(s) and initials of the person(s) collecting the sample.  The laboratory will usually accept the samples along with the proper chain-of-custody for the estimation of bacteria and fungi.

For more information on laboratory services or to send a bulk sample to the Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory, please contact:

Vik Ahuja, CIAQP

Vahuja@Pureaircontrols.com

Pure Air Control Services

4911 Creekside Drive, Suite C

Clearwater, FL 33760

(800) 422-7873, ext. 804