Sample collection
How to collect your sample
A reliable result is only as good as the sample we receive. Two minutes spent collecting correctly is what separates a defensible report from a wasted one. Find your matrix below for the exact quantity and method.
A few rules that apply to most samples
- Flush before sampling (water): run the tap, borewell, or outlet for 2–5 minutes so the sample represents the source, not stagnant water in the pipe.
- Use a clean container: a clean PET bottle or HDPE can is fine for chemical analysis. For microbiology, use a sterile bottle — do not reuse a drinking-water bottle, or the result is invalid.
- Fill and cap: fill completely (leave only a small air-gap where noted), cap tightly, and avoid touching the rim.
- Keep cool, deliver fast: hold at 2–8 °C in transit and get it to the lab quickly — within 24 hours for microbiology, sooner where the matrix note says so.
- Label it: write your order number on the container and the box so it never gets separated from the sample.
Quantity & collection by matrix
The exact requirement for your package is also shown on its page and at checkout before you pay.
Collect in a clean PET bottle or HDPE container for chemical analysis. If — and only if — your panel lists a bacteriological test, collect a second sample in a fresh sterile bottle (preferably with sodium thiosulfate if the water is chlorinated) and keep that one at 2–8 °C in transit and deliver as soon as possible — ideally within 6 hours, not exceeding 24. Avoid contamination during collection.
Purge the borewell/hand pump for 2–5 minutes (or until the water is representative) before collecting. Use a clean PET bottle or HDPE container for chemical analysis; and, only if your panel lists a bacteriological test, a second sample in a fresh sterile bottle.
Flush the tap or outlet for 2–5 minutes before collecting. Use a clean PET bottle or HDPE container for chemical analysis; and, only if your panel lists a bacteriological test, a second sample in a fresh sterile bottle.
Run the source (borewell, canal, or pump) for 2–5 minutes for a representative sample, then collect in a clean PET bottle or HDPE container. Leave a small headspace, close the cap tightly, and avoid contamination.
Allow the water to flow for 2–5 minutes, then collect in a clean PET bottle or HDPE container. Use and, only if your panel lists a bacteriological test, a second sample in a fresh sterile bottle.
Collect from 15–30 cm below the surface, avoiding floating debris, scum, and sediment. Use a clean PET bottle or HDPE container; and, only if your panel lists a bacteriological test, a second sample in a fresh sterile bottle.
Use a clean PET bottle or HDPE container for chemical analysis; and, only if your panel lists a bacteriological test, a second sample in a fresh sterile bottle.
Collect and store in a clean PET bottle or HDPE can.
Collect a representative grab or composite sample in a clean HDPE/PET container. Use and, only if your panel lists a bacteriological test, a second sample in a fresh sterile bottle. Preserve as required per parameter (e.g. acidify with nitric acid for heavy metals), keep at 2–8 °C in transit, avoid headspace for volatile parameters, and prevent contamination.
Collect a representative grab or composite sample in a clean HDPE/PET container. Only if your panel lists a bacteriological test, add a second sample collected in a sterile bottle using aseptic technique.
Collect a representative composite from 5–10 spots within the area at the required depth. Remove stones, roots, and leaves. Place in a clean, dry polyethylene bag or HDPE container; seal and label.
Place in a clean, wide-mouth HDPE container or sterile polyethylene bag. Seal properly to prevent leakage and contamination.
Collect and store in a sterile pack.
Place a representative sample in a clean, dry polyethylene bag or airtight container; seal and label. Keep it dry.
Place in a clean, dry polyethylene bag or airtight container.
Collect in a clean, dry, airtight amber glass bottle or food-grade HDPE/PET container.
Collect aseptically and store chilled (2–8 °C) in transit.
Collect in a sterile, leak-proof food-grade container or sterile sampling bag using aseptic technique.
Collect in a sterile, pyrogen-free (depyrogenated) glass bottle or certified endotoxin-free plastic container. Avoid contamination; transport at 2–8 °C unless the method specifies otherwise, and analyse as soon as possible.
Swab the designated surface aseptically and place the swab immediately into a sterile transport tube. Seal, label, transport at 2–8 °C, and deliver within 24 hours.
After you order
At checkout you choose how the sample reaches us — a courier pickup from your address, self-ship, or drop-off at our Coimbatore lab. Our team then confirms the pickup and any specifics for your matrix, logs the sample against your paid invoice, and you track status and download the report in the Greenlink lab portal.
Got a sample that doesn't fit any of the above? Email enquiry@greenlinklabs.com — many specialist matrices (industrial wastewater, process water, remediation) need a tailored sampling plan we'll send back to you.