Health Service Support in a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Environment / Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures - United States. Department of the Army

d. Prior to collecting each sample, prime the Sep-Pak^TM system in the following manner:

Step 1. Attach Sep-Pak^TM directly to 60 cc syringe.
Step 2. Pour small amount of sterile water or methanol into container.
Step 3. Insert tip of Sep-Pak^TM into container.
Step 4. Withdraw at least 40 cc of solution.
Step 5. Detach Sep-Pak^TM from syringe and discard solution from syringe.
Step 6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 using the same syringe.

e. After priming the Sep-Pak^TM, assemble the components in the following configuration:

Attach the 3-way stopcock to a 60 cc syringe.
Attach the Sep-Pak^TM to the opposite end of stopcock.
Attach the plastic tubing to the open end of the Sep-Pak^TM.

f. Use the following procedures to collect samples with Sep-Pak^TM:

Step 1. Ensure that the lever on the stopcock is turned sideways with the off arrow pointed toward the large outlet port.
Step 2. Place the open end of the plastic tubing into the water near the bottom, without touching the bottom or sides of the body of water.
Step 3. Draw 60 cc of water into the syringe.
Step 4. Turn the stopcock lever to the off position by positioning the lever to point toward the stopcock.
Step 5. Push the plunger all the way in, discharging the water from the syringe through the outlet port.
Step 6. Repeat steps 1 through 5.
Step 7. Detach a plastic tubing from the Sep-Pak^TM, and discard it as contaminated waste.
Step 8. Detach Sep-Pak^TM from 3-way stopcock; place into sample container; seal with pressure-sensitive tape; and mark for Identification.

NOTE

You should take a minimum of four samples: three samples of the suspected contamination and one control sample from a nearby unaffected (none contaminated) area for reference.

Step 9. Dispose of the syringe and stopcock as contaminated waste.
Step 10. Insert the sample container in a cooler or refrigerator until the sample is transported to its destination.

g. For samples to be representative of the overall contaminated area, the collection point should be carefully selected. Collect samples from—