Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Natural Resources
NR 100-199 - Environmental Protection General
Chapter NR 149 - Laboratory Accreditation
Subchapter VII - Quality Systems
Section NR 149.442 - Handling of samples

(a) The laboratory shall have and follow a written policy that clearly outlines the conditions under which samples will be accepted or rejected for analysis or under which associated reported results will be qualified.

Note: Section NR 149.47(4) provides rejection criteria.

(b) The laboratory shall receive drinking water samples in a secure manner so that the integrity of the sample is maintained.

(c) When samples received do not conform to the descriptions provided by a collector or do not conform to sample acceptance requirements, the laboratory shall consult with the collector or client to determine the proper processing or disposition of the samples.

(d) The laboratory shall place a unique identification code on a sample container as a durable label. The unique identification code shall be used as a link to associate samples with the complete sample history, including treatment and analysis, while in the laboratory's possession.

(a) A laboratory shall follow the sample preservation procedures and holding times required by state and federal regulations.

Note: Sample preservation procedures and holding times are given in 40 CFR Part 136, 40 CFR Part 141, NR 219, SW-846 "Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste" and may be specified in the methods.

Note: Links to 40 CFR Part 136, 40 CFR Part 141, NR 219, and SW-846 can be found on the Wisconsin department of natural resources laboratory accreditation program website.

(b) The laboratory shall measure and document the sample temperature at the time of receipt when temperature preservation is required.

(c) The laboratory shall consider any sample requiring preservation at <= 6 °C to be preserved if the sample is received at a temperature greater than its freezing point to 6 °C. When samples are received on the same day that they were collected, the samples may not yet have reached the appropriate temperature by the time they arrived at the laboratory. These samples may be considered acceptable, without the need to qualify the data, if all the following apply:

(d) When sample temperature measurements are required, the laboratory shall record any of the following:

(e) The laboratory shall verify the pH of each bottle received for samples requiring chemical preservation to a specific pH requirement under this section. Bottles not received at the proper pH may be adjusted at the laboratory provided that the methods allow preservation upon receipt and the lab retains documentation of its actions.

Note: pH verification is only required from the bottle that is analyzed.

(a) The identity of the client or entity submitting samples, or the project associated with the received samples.

(b) The dates of sample collection.

(c) The times of sample collection for samples to be analyzed for tests with holding times expressed in hours.

(d) The unique sample identification code assigned by the laboratory.

(e) Documentation of sample preservation status and other sample conditions on receipt for all sample containers analyzed for those tests for which it is appropriate.

(f) An unequivocal link between the sample identification code assigned by the laboratory and the field collection identification code assigned by the collector.

(g) The requested analyses, unless the laboratory collects and analyzes its own samples and analyses are directed by permit.

(h) The reference to requested test methods when the collector or sample originator specifies the methods.

(i) Any comments resulting from the inspection undertaken to determine whether samples meet the policy in sub. (2).

(a) The laboratory shall have procedures and appropriate facilities for avoiding deterioration, contamination, loss, or damage of samples during storage.

(b) The laboratory shall store samples requiring thermal preservations at <= 6 °C at temperatures from greater than the samples' freezing point to 6 °C.

(c) The laboratory shall store samples separately from all standards, reagents, food, and other potentially contaminating sources. Samples shall be stored in areas that prevent or minimize cross-contamination.

(d) The laboratory shall store sample extracts, digestates, leachates, or concentrates resulting from any initial preparatory step as specified in this subsection.