Setting a Container ID
Setting a Container ID
Data entry can be simplified by following these conventions for identifying containers.
Containers are tracked by sampling date, sampling location, and a container ID. Although any string identifier can be used, it is recommended that the container ID be a term describing the container. Possible container ID values include the parameter group being analyzed from the container such as VOCs, Metals, or Indicators. A separate "dummy" container ID can be used to track field measurements such as temperature and water level. Container ID could also be the type of container such as 40ml, liter jar, etc.
Examples of Identifying Containers
|
Date |
Location |
Container ID |
|
1/4/95 |
MW-1 |
Metals |
|
1/4/95 |
MW-1 |
VOCs |
|
1/4/95 |
MW-1 |
Field Meas |
|
1/4/95 |
MW-2 |
Metals |
|
1/4/95 |
MW-2 |
VOCs |
|
1/4/95 |
MW-2 |
Field Meas |
Skipping Container Information
You do not need to worry about containers if you choose not to track them. ChemPoint creates containers automatically when they are needed. Even if you do not want to track complete container information, at least one container is still required for each sampling date and location combination. Leave the container ID field blank.
Tracking Field Measurements
Some data such as field measurements of temperature or pH, do not use a container. For such data, a "dummy" container ID, such as "Field" should be created for each sampling location where field measurements are taken.
Tracking Multiple Blanks
Most large sampling events include multiple trip or field blanks. For each type of blank (trip, field, etc.), create a sampling location for that blank. Each blank is then considered a separate container. Give each a unique container ID.
Examples for Multiple Blanks
|
Date |
Location |
Container ID |
|
1/4/95 |
Trip Blank |
VOCs A |
|
1/4/95 |
Trip Blank |
VOCs B |
|
1/4/95 |
Trip Blank |
VOCs C |
|
1/4/95 |
Trip Blank |
VOCs D |
Tracking Split Samples
Often, a single sample will be collected and split to two or more separate containers for the same analysis. Give each container a unique ID.
Examples for Split Samples
|
Date |
Location |
Container ID |
|
1/4/95 |
MW-1 |
VOCs A |
|
1/4/95 |
MW-1 |
VOCs B |
Tracking Multiple Containers for the Same Sample
It is common for multiple containers to be used for the sample analysis. Unlike split samples however, both samples are sent to the same laboratory and only one is analyzed. This is most common with 40ml VOC containers which are usually collected in pairs. Such pairs of containers should be tracked as a single container if they are both going to the same laboratory, and will result in only one set of analyses.