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.
- THL’s laboratory of water microbiology will send the specially prepared sampling bottles.
- Take the samples and deliver them to the laboratory in Kuopio so that they arrive the following morning. Do not use ethanol for disinfecting the tap.
- Remember to fill in the analysis order form carefully.
- THL will confirm receipt of the samples by email or telephone.
Analysis Order Form for Water Microbiological Analyses (In Finnish)
Sample containers
Take the nutrient samples in sterile, acidwashed 500 mL glass bottles, which are provided to the customer by THL’s laboratory of water microbiology.
If the samples are known or suspected to contain disinfectants such as chlorine, the laboratory must be informed when placing the analysis order.
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.
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