Sample Transport and Storage - Field Sampling: Principles and Practices in Environmental Analysis - page 207

FIGURE 8.2 A typical sample transport box and various sample containers.
The container marked with A is used for checking sample box
temperature.
common) from placement of sample in them to removal of sample at the commercial
analytical laboratory. The internal temperature will be monitored by having a temperature
monitoring container, such as that shown in Figure 8.2 (i.e., the bottle labeled A, in the
box). * Measuring the temperature of the bottle contents upon arrival at the laboratory
serves as a check on the temperature of the sample box contents. If the temperature is
higher than required when the sample reaches the commercial laboratory, the sample may
be rejected or is at least suspect. It is also possible to have electrically refrigerated sample
boxes that have small electrical or mechanical cooling mechanisms and that can plug into
an electrical outlet or a vehicle electrical system. This type of sample transport container
will maintain the correct temperature in hot conditions as long as there is a source of
electricity.
* In many instances temperature monitoring will be required by regulatory agencies.