Specimens may consist of all types of environmental water samples, such as drinking water sources, lakes, swimming pools, wells, rivers and sludge samples. Proper procedure for the collection of samples must be observed to ensure that the sample is representative of the water being examined. The way in which a sample is collected has an important bearing on the laboratory findings.
Water samples should be transported to the laboratory in sterile, 500mL polypropylene or glass bottles. Sterilized containers can be picked up at the VICC Laboratory. Unless Sterilized containers are used, VICC cannot guarantee the results of the tests.
Water specimen kits (including bottle, requisition, and transport canister) are available at the Distribution Center, located at the VICC Laboratory. Please email or call to arrange pickup.
Samples should not be collected from spigots that leak. For wells with hand or mechanical pumps, the water should be run for five minutes before the sample is collected, to ensure that the water is representative of the well water. The cap should be removed carefully to ensure that it is not touched or contaminated. The bottle should be held near the base and filled to the line (approximately one inch down from the neck of the bottle). The bottle should NOT be rinsed first, and splashing should be avoided.
Grab samples (such as in lakes, pools, etc...) can be obtained by carefully removing the cap of the bottle and grasping the bottle near the base. Plunge the bottle mouth down into the water to avoid surface scum, positioning the mouth of the bottle into the current away from the hand of the collector. Fill the bottle to the line as above, and replace the cap.
Analysis of samples is initiated upon arrival at the laboratory, which should be as soon as possible after collection to minimize changes in bacterial population. The recommended maximum elapsed time between collection and examination of samples is 8 hours (maximum transit time 6 hours, maximum processing time is 2 hours). Evidence has shown that refrigeration helps to minimize changes in populations and concentrations of bacteria. Therefore, when analysis cannot begin within 8 hours, maintain the temperature of the sample at or below 4°C, but DO NOT FREEZE the sample. Do not let maximum elapsed time between collection and analysis exceed 24 hours. If the sample arrives at the laboratory more than 24 hours after the collection, the test is NOT DONE.
Turnaround times for VICC on water samples are as follows:
- Drinking water/swimming pool - 48 hours
- Bottled water/distilled/deionized water - 72 hours
- Water samples (environmental monitoring) - 48 hours - 7 day
