The document provides instructions for proper environmental sampling. It outlines the supplies that will be provided in a sampling kit from ABC Research Laboratories, including sample bags, submission forms, and freeze packs. It details the proper procedures for filling out forms, wearing gloves, labeling samples, swabbing or wiping target areas, securing samples, and shipping in a cooler to maintain refrigeration. Following these steps ensures reliable and defensible environmental monitoring data.

1. The Dos and Don’ts
of Environmental Sampling
By Ivy Cho
1.866.233.5884
ivyc@abcr.com

2. What is Environmental Sampling?
• It is a risk assessment used to monitor
the quality of the environment
• The use of proper sampling methods is
crucial for ensuring reliable and
defensible data.

3. What do I do?
• ABC Research
Laboratories will provide
you with a kit for
environmental sampling,
which includes the
following supplies:
– Sponges or swabs
– Freezie packs
– Sample submission form
– Written instructions for
sampling

4. The Dos
• Fill out the sample submission
form correctly with the
analyses requested and
clear descriptions of the
samples
– Note: The way the sample submission form is
completed will reflect your Certificate of
Analysis
• Place your sample submission form in a
re-sealable bag to prevent it form
getting wet

5. The Don’ts
• Do not use the same sterile gloves for
all environmental sampling
– New sterile gloves must be used between
samples
• Do not ship your samples ambient,
warmer conditions will allow for
higher microbial counts
― Place enough freeze packs to keep
the samples in refrigerated conditions

6. Steps to Proper Sampling
YouTube Video:
How to Conduct
Environmental
Sampling
click here à Environmental Sampling Video

7. STEP 1 - Labeling
• Label all sample bags with
a sample number of the
sampling site with a
permanent marker
• The sample number on the sample bag
should match the sampling site description on
the sample submission form
E.g. Sample #1 = large drain in facility room 4

8. Step 2 - Hygiene
• What does the sampler need to do
before wiping the sampling site?
– Wear clean laboratory wear
(recommended)
– Must wash hands to mid-arms with warm
water and antibacterial soap to mid
forearm (see image)

9. Step 3 & 4
• How to open the sample bag to
swab
– Keep the sample bag closed
– Push the sponge up towards the
opening
• Be sure not to open the bag or touch
the sponge with your fingers to prevent
contamination.
• Use the red tabs at the top of the sample
bag to open (this will help keep the bag
open)
• Place the opened bag on a clean surface

10. Step 5
• With sterile gloves on (provided with the
sampling bag), remove the sponge from
the bag
• Avoid touching the surface of
the sponge with anything
other than the sterile glove
and the sampling site to be
tested

11. Step 6 – For Sponges
• Wipe the sponge over the target area
described in your environmental monitoring
plan
– E.g. 10”by 10” target area, 10 tens
vertically (on one side) and 10 times
horizontally (on the other side)
• Avoid putting strong pressure while
swabbing to prevent the sponge from
crumbling

12. Step 7 – For Swabs
• Wipe the swab over the target area
described in your environmental
monitoring plan
– E.g. 2”by 2” target area, vertically (on one
side) and horizontally (on the other side)

13. Step 8
• Place the sponge back
in the sampling bag
after wiping the target
area
– Avoid having the sponge
touch the outside of the
bag to prevent
contamination
• Secure the swab in its plastic tube without touching
the edges or exterior of the tube

14. Step 9
• After placing the sample back in the
sampling bag, expel excess air from the bag
• Take the wire on top of the sampling bag and
fold over 3 or 4 times to close
• Secure the bag by folding the attached wire
in the middle and twist the end wires together
– For extra security, place the sample bag in a re-
sealable plastic bag

15. Step 10 - Shipping
• Ship the sample
overnight to ABC
Research Laboratories
in a sturdy insulated
cooler
• Samples must arrive in
refrigerated conditions

16. Questions?
• For additional
information, please
contact us at
352.372.0436 or visit
our website at
abcr.com