Sample Collection vs Laboratory Analysis
Plan environmental sampling responsibilities, custody, containers and method suitability before comparing laboratory quotations. Laboratory Vortex coordinates requests to independent providers; it does not perform testing or certify homes safe.
Sampling is a separate service
A laboratory may analyse delivered samples without inspecting the site or collecting them. Establish who selects locations, supplies bottles, collects samples, documents custody and interprets results. A professional inspection can identify sources and hazards that a bottle of water or one air sample cannot describe.
Agree requirements before collection
- Confirm analytes, sample matrix, exact method, reporting limits and programme requirements.
- Use lab-approved containers, preservation, temperature and holding-time requirements; these differ across microbes, metals and organic compounds.
- Agree field blanks, duplicates and contamination controls where required, especially for trace-level PFAS.
- Do not improvise asbestos collection, culture pathogens or disturb hazardous materials.
A defensible report
Retain collection time, location, treatment status and chain-of-custody information. Request units, qualifiers, method and reporting limits. A non-detect means below the reported limit under that method, not a universal zero or a whole-site guarantee.