Before shipping samples it is important to consider the level of cleanliness to be evaluated.

  • Prepare the packaging to be used for the samples

VDA 19.1 and ISO 16232 speak of layered packaging. Ideally, samples should be packed with three levels of protection. When determining the packaging, discard paper, cardboard or polymeric foams in contact with the items to be tested. The outer layer of the packaging can be cardboard.

  • Think about identification of samples

Prepare the labels to be used or the identification documents considering that the identification given to the test items must be fully coincident with the identification of the item whose test has been quoted by the laboratory. Avoid packing multiple test samples together unless they are identified in such a way that the laboratory is left in no doubt as to the identification of each group of samples. Unidentified samples will be rejected.

  • Selection of test samples

Samples should be representative of the level of cleanliness obtained by the process. This requires ensuring that the operator collecting the sample does not contaminate it. Use of clean gloves and clothing that does not shed fibers is necessary. Avoid touching samples with dirty hands. Do not mark them with marker pens or adhesive labels. Place the test samples carefully in the packaging. Avoid dropping them from a height and avoid hitting them during the packing process.