Significance and Use
4.1 This guide discusses options for taking a subsample from a sample submitted to a laboratory. If followed, it will minimize the bias and variance of the characteristic of interest of the laboratory sample prior to analysis.
4.2 The guide will describe appropriate instructions to be submitted to the laboratory with the field sample.
Scope
1.1 This guide covers common techniques for obtaining representative subsamples from a sample received at a laboratory for analysis. These samples may include solids, sludges, liquids, or multilayered liquids (with or without solids).
1.2 The procedures and techniques discussed in this guide depend upon the sample matrix, the type of sample preparation and analysis performed, the characteristic(s) of interest, and the project specific instructions or data quality objectives.
1.3 This guide includes several sample homogenization techniques, including mixing and grinding, as well as information on how to obtain a specimen or split laboratory samples.
