Water samples are taken in accordance with the standard SFS-EN ISO 19458:2007.
Follow these steps
- Arrange the sampling in advance by email or telephone.
- Prepare the necessary supplies for sampling and collect the samples.
- Deliver the samples to the laboratory in Kuopio so that they arrive the next morning. Remember to complete the analysis order form, either electronically at your workstation or by hand. You may submit the form by email or as a paper copy with the samples.
- THL will confirm receipt of the samples by email or telephone.
Analysis Order Form for Water Microbiological Analyses (in Finnish)
Sample containers
- Use sterile containers.
- If the sample contains disinfectants (e.g., chlorine), use bottles containing sodium thiosulfate.
- In exceptional cases, clean plastic canisters may be used; rinse them with sample water.
- For non-urgent cases, sterile containers can be ordered from THL’s Microbiology Unit, laboratory of water microbiology.
Sample volumes
The table shows the required sample volume for pathogen analysis (including a reserve sample):
| Microbe | Sample volume |
| Actinomycetes | 1 liter |
| Moulds and yeast | 1 liter |
Shipping of samples
Send samples in a cool box with several chilled ice packs.
The temperature during transport should be approximately +5 °C, and the sample must not freeze.
Measure the water temperature at the time of sampling (not directly from the sample container to avoid contamination).
Samples should arrive at the laboratory as soon as possible after sampling.
Microbiological results can be considered reliable if analysis is started within approximately 24 hours of sampling (depending on the microorganism, acceptable times range from 12 hours to 4 days).
Sample shipping address
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)
Microbiology Unit
Laboratory of water microbiology (name of contact person)
P.O. Box 95 (Neulaniementie 4)
FI-70701 Kuopio, Finland