Conditions for sending samples

Samples/Shipping Conditions

Water

Solids

Air

Radon

Gross Alpha, Gross Beta, Uranium-234, Uranium-238, Radium-226 and Polonium-210

Volume and/or mass of the sample

The minimum sample volume is 20 ml.

For the analysis of Gross Alpha and Beta and the radionuclides (Uranium-234, Uranium-238, Radium-226 and Polonium-210), a volume of 3 L of sample is required.

For individual essay requests:

- Minimum volume of 500 mL for Gross Alpha and Gross Beta;

- Minimum volume of 500 mL for Radium-226;

- Minimum volume of 1 L for Uranium (234 and 238);

- Minimum volume of 1 L for Polonium-210.

A minimum quantity of 2 kg of sample is required.

Not applicable

Packaging

In accordance with ISO 5667-3, ISO 13164-4 and the ERSAR Recommendation for sampling water intended for human consumption in supply systems, as amended: Glass bottles, preferably amber in color and with an aluminium-coated lid. No air bubbles should be visible inside the container.

The samples must be identified and the identification of each sample must be unique and legible.

As per ISO Standard 5667-3: Plastic bottles.

The samples must be identified and the identification of each sample must be unique and legible.

Plastic bags or other packaging, as long as they maintain their integrity until they reach the laboratory.

The samples must be identified and the identification of each sample must be unique and legible.

Aluminum bag supplied with the detector or other type of packaging, provided it is impermeable to air.

Preservation and storage

In accordance with ISO 5667-3 and ISO 13164-4, acid preservation is not required.

It is recommended that the samples are stored in a dark place, at a temperature no higher than the temperature of the sample at the time of collection. If necessary, refrigerate the samples using cold accumulators. Cold accumulators should not come into direct contact with the samples.

If applicable, filter the sample before preservation.

When preserving samples, acidify with nitric acid (HNO3) to a pH of not less than 1.5 and not more than 2.9. It is advisable to preserve the samples at the time of collection.

It is recommended that the samples are stored in a dark place, at a temperature no higher than the temperature of the sample at the time of collection. If necessary, refrigerate the samples using cold accumulators. Cold accumulators should not come into direct contact with the samples.

The package containing the sample must be sealed.

Immediately after the exposure period: the detectors must be packed, in the aluminum bag supplied with the detector or another type of packaging, provided it is impermeable to air, and sealed with self-adhesive tape preferably coated with aluminum.

Sealed detectors, before or after exposure, must be stored in a dry, dark place and must not be frozen or overheated.

Transport conditions

In accordance with ISO 5667-3 and ISO 13164-4, it is recommended that the samples are transported in a dark place, at a temperature no higher than the temperature of the sample at the time of collection. If necessary, refrigerate the samples using cold accumulators. The cold accumulators must not come into direct contact with the samples.

Samples must be packaged in such a way as to avoid damage during transportation.

It is recommended that the samples are transported in a dark place, at a temperature no higher than the temperature of the sample at the time of collection. If necessary, refrigerate the samples using cold accumulators. The cold accumulators must not come into direct contact with the samples.

Samples must be packaged in such a way as to avoid damage during transportation.

In the case of samples that may exceed the exemption limits for radioactive material, the conditions for transporting this type of material (hazardous materials) must be observed.

Samples must be packaged in such a way as to avoid damage during transportation.

Sealed detectors, before or after exposure, must be stored in a dry, dark place and must not be frozen or overheated.

Sealed detectors must be packed in a way that prevents damage during transportation.

Deadline for delivery of samples to the laboratory

Taking into account the ERSAR Recommendation for the collection of samples of water intended for human consumption in supply systems, in its current wording, the maximum deadline for delivery of samples to the laboratory is 4 days after the date of collection.

In accordance with ISO Standard 5667-3, if the samples are not preserved, the maximum deadline for delivery to the laboratory is 7 days from the date of collection.

If the samples are preserved, the maximum time for delivery to the laboratory is 1 month for the Gross alpha and beta tests and 2 months for the tests of the other radionuclides (Radium, Uranium and Polonium).

Not applicable

It is recommended that the detectors be sent for measurement on the same day they were collected.

Return of tested items

Unless previously agreed, LRN is not obliged to keep samples in storage once the tests requested by the client have been completed. If it is in LRN's interest, samples may be kept and used for research purposes. The information generated will be treated with total confidentiality, without any indication of the client and the identifying data associated with each sample.

In the event of prior agreement, the maximum deadline for returning the sample is 7 days after the date of issue of the test report. The sample can be returned in person at LRN's permanent premises or alternatively by sending it to us collectively. The customer will be informed whenever the quantity or perishability of the sample makes it impossible to return it.