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Environmental Sampling and Analytical Methods (ESAM) Program
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Sample Collection Information Documents (SCIDs)

image of scids scientists

The Sample Collection Information Document for Chemicals, Radiochemicals and Biotoxins and the Sample Collection Information Document for Pathogens provide general information for collection of samples that are to be analyzed using the specific methods and procedures listed in EPA’s Selected Analytical Methods for Environmental Remediation and Recovery (SAM).

SCID Query Tool

Select your type of analyte to begin your query:
  • Chemicals
  • Radiochemicals
  • Biotoxins
  • Pathogens

2017 SCID Documents

The information in the SCIDs provides general information that EPA staff and contractors can use when they collect samples as part of environmental remediation following an intentional or accidental homeland security-related contamination incident. The information is provided to support the collection of samples to be analyzed using the SAM.

  • Image of Radiochemical/biotoxin PDF
    Sample Collection Information Document for Chemicals, Radiochemicals and Biotoxins - Companion to Selected Analytical Methods for Environmental Remediation and Recovery (SAM) 2017.  Provides general information regarding sample size, container, holding time, preservation, packaging and shipping supporting collection of samples to be analyzed for the chemicals, radiochemicals or biotoxins listed in SAM 2017.
  • Image of Pathogens PDF
    Sample Collection Information Document for Pathogens - Companion to Selected Analytical Methods for Environmental Remediation and Recovery (SAM) 2017. Provides information and guidance regarding collection of samples to be analyzed for the pathogens listed in SAM 2017. Information includes sample size, container, holding time, preservation, packaging and shipping. 

    Note: The SCID document, query tool selection options, and query tool results for pathogens currently reflect use of dust socks for vacuum samples, however the use of dust socks as a sampling technique is no longer supported. The user should make note that the preferred method for vacuum type samples is to use a 37-mm filter cassette, air sampling pump, and microvacuuming techniques. The SCID and query tool will be updated to reflect this change during the 2022 revision of SAM. Please see the following references for more information:
  • Calfee, M.W., L.J. Rose, S. Morse, D.  Mattorano, M. Clayton, A. Touati, N. Griffin-Gatchalian, C. Slone and N. McSweeney. (2013) Comparative evaluation of vacuum-based surface sampling methods for collection of Bacillus spores. J Microbiol Methods. 95(3): 389-396. doi:10.1016/j.mimet.2013.10.015

    Calfee, M.W. , L.J. Rose, S. Morse, D.  Mattorano, M. Clayton, A. Touati, N. Griffin-Gatchalian, C. Slone and N. McSweeney. (2014) Evaluation of sampling methods for Bacillus spore-contaminated HVAC filters. J Microbiol Methods. 96:1-5. doi:10.1016/j.mimet.2013.10.012

SCID Resources

  • Sample Collection Procedures and Strategies
  • Acronyms and Abbreviations
  • ESAM Home
  • Sample Collection Information Documents (SCIDs)
  • Sample Collection Procedures and Strategies
  • Selected Analytical Methods (SAM)
  • Analytical Methods and Protocols
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on June 13, 2022
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