ISO/TC 147/SC 6/WG 3 - Preservation and handling of samples

The purpose of this document is to describe test plans and different operating methodologies of these test plans to define and verify the acceptable length of stability of a substance in a sample under specified conditions of preservation (temperature, matrix, light, addition of a stabilizer, where appropriate, type of preservation etc.) before starting analytical protocols (chemicals and physico-chemicals analysis). Biological and microbiological methods are excluded. It is necessary to have an analytical method with performances that have already been characterized (repeatability, intermediate precision, trueness, accuracy and uncertainty) in order to perform the stability study and implement its test plans.

This document specifies general requirements for sampling, preservation, handling, transport and storage of all water samples including those for biological analyses. It is not applicable to water samples intended for microbiological analyses as specified in ISO 19458, ecotoxicological assays, biological assays and passive sampling as specified in the scope of ISO 5667‑23. This document is particularly appropriate when spot or composite samples cannot be analysed on site and have to be transported to a laboratory for analysis.

ISO 5667-15:2009 provides guidance on procedures for the preservation, handling and storage of samples of sewage and waterworks sludge, suspended matter, saltwater sediments and freshwater sediments, until chemical, physical, radiochemical and/or biological examination can be undertaken in the laboratory. The procedures in ISO 5667-15:2009 are only applicable to wet samples of sludge, sediment and suspended matter.

ISO 5667-3:2012 establishes general requirements for sampling, preservation, handling, transport and storage of all water samples including those for biological analyses. It is not applicable to water samples intended for microbiological analyses as specified in ISO 19458, ecotoxicological assays, biological assays, and passive sampling as specified in the scope of ISO 5667-23. ISO 5667-3:2012 is particularly appropriate when spot or composite samples cannot be analysed on site and have to be transported to a laboratory for analysis.

ISO 5667-3:2003 gives general guidelines on the precautions to be taken to preserve and transport all water samples including those for biological analyses but not those intended for microbiological analysis. These guidelines are particularly appropriate when spot or composite samples cannot be analysed on-site and have to be transported to a laboratory for analysis.