Sample Reception and Logistics
Receives every sample that arrives by courier, field vehicle or client drop-off, checks it against the chain of custody, registers it in the laboratory information system and prepares it for the testing sections. The team also manages sample storage, holding times, retention and disposal, and dispatches sampling kits to clients.
What the team is accountable for
- Receive and check samples against chain of custody forms
- Register samples and assign laboratory numbers
- Store samples at the correct temperature and track holding times
- Prepare, subsample and homogenise samples for testing
- Dispose of retained samples after the retention period
How we know it is working
Who works here
Ben Castellano
Runs the reception bench, trains new assistants in registration and chain of custody and has kept holding times under control for eight years.
Ruby Anderson
Registers samples, prepares subsamples and manages the cold room, and has been part of reception for two years.
Where the work is recorded
Sample Register
The laboratory information register of every sample received, its matrix, tests, storage, holding time and progress from receipt to reported.
Client Job Register
Tracks client enquiries, quotes and jobs from request to invoice, with the agreed scope, turnaround and reporting status.
WHS Incident and Hazard Register
Records injuries, exposures, spills, near misses and hazards across the laboratories, materials hall, vehicles and field sites with the actions taken to close them.