What does proper sample storage prevent?

Proper sample storage is crucial in ensuring that the integrity of the sample is maintained from the point of collection until it is analyzed. Samples can be susceptible to various factors that can degrade their quality, such as temperature fluctuations, light exposure, and contamination. If a sample is not stored correctly, it may lead to changes in its chemical composition, which can significantly affect the results of any subsequent analysis. Therefore, implementing the right storage conditions minimizes the risk of sample degradation, ensuring that the results are reflective of the original characteristics of the collected sample.

While maintaining sample integrity can also impact costs, unnecessary analysis, and laboratory errors, the primary focus of proper sample storage is to keep the samples in an optimal state for testing, making sure that the analysis performed is valid and reliable. This preservation of integrity is foundational in environmental compliance and monitoring practices.