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Article written by Carol Gale, Solutions Chemist, Analytical Products Group
Complete Article from Edition 12 APG eNewsletter
When you receive your APG shipment, you should immediately open the box and
verify that your order is complete and in
good condition. Make sure that you are familiar with all paperwork included in the order.
Paperwork for Proficiency Testing studies
includes a sample preparation instructions booklet and a data return booklet.
Paperwork for Quality Control standards includes a Certificate of Analysis. Make sure that all samples
and paperwork are removed prior to disposing of the packaging materials.
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Important Tip
Do not wait until the end of the study to open the box. In the rare event that
there is an issue, it can be resolved by contacting customer service.
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| 1. |
After unpacking and checking my order I found that samples or paperwork are
missing or damaged, what should I do?
Contact APG immediately to report the problem. Missing or damaged product will
be replaced at no charge to you.
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| 2. |
Some of the samples were frozen, what do I do?
APG has robust procedures for shipping samples during the winter months however
freezing may still occur. First, check the integrity of the packaging. If the
container is in good condition the samples can be thawed at room temperature.
Shake well to mix and prepared as normal. If you have any questions contact
customer service.
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| 3. |
Do the samples need refrigeration until I use them?
Concentrated samples can be stored at room temperature as long as the containers
are not opened with the exception of Volatiles, Trihalomethanes, Regulated and
Unregulated Volatiles, Carbamates & Vyadate and EDB/DBCP/TCP which must be
stored at -20°C.
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| 4. |
How long are the samples stable?
The expiration listed on the product label is for unopened product. Volatiles,
Trihalomethanes, Regulated and Unregulated Volatiles, Carbamates & Vyadate and
EDB/DBCP/TCP need to be stored at -20°C to maintain stability but all other
products can be stored at room temperature.
Once opened and diluted most products must be used immediately, exceptions are as follows:
- Demand and Nutrient samples are stable for 5 days with refrigeration.
- Solids, Oil and Grease, Minerals, Total Phenols and Cyanide are stable for 24 hours.
- Fluoride is stable for one week and Trace Metals samples for two months.
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Important Tip
A benefit of APGQA.com Elite Membership is shipment notifications. APG automatically
sends an email when a shipment is sent. You can click the link in the email to
track the status of your shipment online at the carrier's website.
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| 5. |
Reporting PT Data
A data return booklet will be included with your proficiency testing samples.
APG suggests that you read the data reporting instructions located in the first
section of the data return booklet.
Please note the eight digit alpha-numeric data reporting code on
the front of the data reporting booklet. This reporting code is unique
to each study participant and it represents your key to entering data. You
will also need an Elite Membership to enter data online. APG recommends
that you register at least one week before the close of the study.
Membership is free. All Elite Membership registrations are verified prior
to activation for all study participants' security.
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