When delivering bulk and air samples to a lab, what should happen if they are not in the same container?

In the context of asbestos sample handling and laboratory procedures, it is essential to maintain strict protocols to ensure the integrity and reliability of the samples being analyzed. When bulk and air samples are delivered to a lab in separate containers, this creates a situation that can compromise the analysis process.

The primary reason bulk samples would be rejected in this case is due to the potential for cross-contamination and misidentification. Laboratories typically have specific requirements about how samples are packaged and submitted. If bulk and air samples are not combined correctly, the laboratory cannot guarantee that the results will be accurate or that they pertain correctly to the intended analyses. This rejection helps maintain quality control within the testing process, ensuring that all samples are handled uniformly and that laboratory standards are upheld.

In summary, rejecting the bulk samples when packaged separately from air samples is a necessary measure to maintain the reliability of the testing. It reflects adherence to rigorous standards that laboratories operate under to provide valid analytical results.