Basic Training 4th Annual ICP Conference

3:1 Sampling and sub-sampling

Overview

How often do samples just appear unannounced in your analytical laboratory? There is a general belief that the role of the analyst is to become involved at the sample preparation phase of the measurement process which, in reality, is the third phase, following planning and sampling. This confusion is not an intentional act of neglect, but rather a misunderstanding about the role of the trace analyst.

The fact is that sampling is critical to the effort in achieving reliable results and forming a sound foundation for the decision making process. The purpose of this section is to present the fundamentals of sampling and sub-sampling.

Much of this information was taken from the references, as well as the titles in the next section. On a personal note, I am truly grateful to the authors of these publications for taking the time and care to produce books containing information so vital to the analytical process.

3:2 Sampling and sub-sampling

Sampling Publications Taken together, the following books create a solid foundation for the many topics of sampling and sub-sampling: 1. Sampling and Sample Preparation; Stoeppler, M., Ed.; Springer: 1994. 2. Crosby, N. T.; Patel, I.; General Principles of Good Sampling Practice; The Royal Society of Chemistry: 1995. 3. Merks, J.W.; Sampling and Weighing of Bulk Solids; Trans Tech Publications; Federal Republic of Germany; Distributed in North America by Karl Distributors: Rockport, MA, 1985. 4. James, G. V.; Smith, R.; The Sampling of Bulk Materials; The Royal Society of Chemistry: 1981.

It is beyond the scope of this document to cover specifics on every sample type. The above references contain information vital to the development of sampling procedures for specific sample types, sample populations, and situations.