Precautions for Submitting Food, Agricultural and Marine Products, Pharmaceuticals, etc. for Testing
Sample Condition: Care must be taken to prevent samples from being contaminated, broken, damaged, thawed, or altered.
Sample Consistency: Samples submitted for testing must have the same lot number, manufacturing date, and expiration date.
Frozen Samples: Samples must be transported in a frozen state. If freezing equipment is unavailable, dry ice or other means must be used to keep the samples frozen during transport.
Refrigerated Samples: Samples must be transported at a refrigerated temperature. When ice is used to maintain the required temperature, care must be taken to prevent melted ice from contaminating the samples. When dry ice is used, care must be taken to prevent the samples from freezing.
Samples for Microbiological Testing: Samples must be collected aseptically in sterile containers and submitted while being maintained at a low temperature (5°C ± 3°C).
Sample Collection Guidelines for Drinking Water and Groundwater Quality Testing
Proper Sample Collection Methods and Procedures
Clean the faucet thoroughly to remove any foreign substances.
Run the water for at least 5 minutes before collection to flush out any stagnant water from the pipes, and then turn off the faucet.
(For Microbiological Testing) Sterilize the faucet for 1–2 minutes using the flame of a gas torch or lighter.
Turn on the faucet again and let the water run for 2–3 minutes.
Check the required sampling container and sample volume for the test items requested, fill the container completely with the water sample, and tightly close the cap. ※ Be careful not to contaminate the faucet, the opening of the container, or the inside of the cap by touching them with your hands or allowing them to come into contact with foreign substances.
Immediately after collection, keep the sample refrigerated at 4°C or below in an ice box, taking care not to freeze it. Promptly transport the sample to the testing institution and submit it for water quality testing.
Important Notes for Requesting Water Quality Testing
For Reference Purposes : Samples collected directly by the applicant must be brought in person to the civil service office for submission and testing.
Statutory Water Quality Testing : For drinking water and groundwater samples (for domestic, agricultural, or industrial use) subject to statutory water quality testing, such as regular testing for submission to the relevant administrative authorities for permits or completion approval, samples must be collected directly by technical personnel from the testing institution. Please contact the Water Quality Conservation Division (053-760-1281–7) in advance before requesting testing. ※ Carelessness at any stage of the sample collection process (including collection, preservation, and transport) may result in the sample failing to meet the applicable standards. Applicants should understand and follow the proper sample collection procedures to ensure accurate water quality test results.
Guidelines for Soil (Sand) Sample Collection in Children's Activity Spaces
Parasite Eggs
Selection of Sampling Points : Select areas where children are likely to play with or come into contact with sand or soil as sampling points.
Zoning : Divide the selected area into five zones (Center, East, West, South, and North). Within each zone, select one spot where animal feces are found or where animals can easily enter.
Collection Volume : Collect approximately 250 g in equal amounts from each selected sampling point.
Storage and Transport : Submit the collected samples to the testing institution as soon as possible. If immediate submission is not possible, store them at a low temperature (5°C ± 3°C) until testing.
Heavy Metals (Pb, Cd, Cr6+, Hg, As)
Sampling Intervals : Using the center of the selected area as the reference point, collect samples from five points (Center, East, West, South, and North), including the center, at intervals of 5–10 m. ※ If the area is too small to meet these conditions, the sampling intervals may be reduced as appropriate.
Collection Method : Use plastic tools free of paint, grease, or other chemicals. Remove weeds, organic matter, and other foreign materials from the soil surface, and collect approximately 500 g from the topsoil layer (0–15 cm). ※ If necessary, soil samples may be collected from below a specified depth.
Packaging : Place 300 g of the collected sample in a polyethylene bag. Place the remainder in a wide-mouth glass bottle with a capacity of at least 200 mL, fill the bottle completely, seal it tightly, and submit the samples as soon as possible.
※ Sample collection methods shall comply with the Official Test Standards for Environmentally Hazardous Factors and the Official Test Standards for Soil Contamination. For inquiries regarding sample collection, please contact the Living Environment Division (760-1341–3).
