1. Overview of Sampling Bottles
Sampling bottles are specialized containers designed for the collection, temporary storage, and transportation of various samples, which are engineered to maintain the physical, chemical, and biological properties of samples unchanged during the handling process. Unlike ordinary containers (such as glass cups, plastic bottles), sampling bottles have strict requirements for material purity, sealing performance, chemical compatibility, and sterility, to avoid sample contamination, component loss, or chemical reactions between the container and the sample.
The core functions of sampling bottles include three aspects: sample protection (isolating external factors such as air, moisture, light, and microorganisms to prevent sample degradation, oxidation, or contamination), operational safety (preventing sample leakage, volatilization, or operator exposure to toxic/harmful samples), and test accuracy (ensuring that the sample composition remains unchanged, providing reliable samples for subsequent detection and analysis). To meet the diverse needs of different industries and sample types, sampling bottles are available in various materials, sizes, structures, and specifications, and must comply with relevant international standards and regulatory requirements (such as ISO 10993 for biocompatibility, USP Class I for pharmaceutical glass, and FDA for food contact materials).
The application value of sampling bottles runs through the entire sample management chain: from on-site sampling (production line, environment, raw materials) to laboratory detection, and even long-term sample preservation. With the development of precision detection technology and the increasingly strict requirements of quality control and regulatory compliance, sampling bottles have become an indispensable key consumable in modern testing, production, and research fields, playing a vital role in ensuring the accuracy of test results, the stability of product quality, and the compliance of production processes.
2. Core Materials of Sampling Bottles: Characteristics and Selection Criteria
The performance of
sampling bottles is directly determined by their material composition, which determines their chemical compatibility with samples, mechanical strength, sealing performance, light transmittance, and sterility. The selection of sampling bottle materials is the foundation for ensuring sample integrity and test accuracy. Common core materials of sampling bottles include glass, plastic, and special composite materials, each with distinct characteristics and applicable scenarios.
2.1 Glass Sampling Bottles: High Purity and Chemical Stability
Glass is the most widely used material for sampling bottles, especially in fields with high requirements for sample purity and chemical compatibility (such as pharmaceuticals, life sciences, and precision chemical testing). Glass sampling bottles are mainly made of borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, and quartz glass, with the following characteristics and applicable scenarios:
- Borosilicate Glass Sampling Bottles: The most commonly used high-performance glass material, with excellent chemical stability, low thermal expansion coefficient (resistant to thermal shock, can withstand temperature changes from -20℃ to 150℃), and low metal ion leaching. It is compatible with most acidic, alkaline, and organic samples, and has good light transmittance (facilitating sample observation). Borosilicate glass sampling bottles are widely used in pharmaceutical (API sampling, excipient sampling), life sciences (cell culture sample, biological fluid sampling), and environmental monitoring (water sample, soil leachate sampling) fields. They can be sterilized by high-temperature autoclaving (121℃, 30 minutes) or dry heat sterilization (160℃, 2 hours), meeting GMP and FDA requirements.
- Soda-Lime Glass Sampling Bottles: With low cost and good light transmittance, but relatively poor chemical stability and thermal shock resistance. It is prone to leach sodium, calcium, and other metal ions when in contact with strong acids, strong alkalis, or high-temperature samples, so it is only suitable for sampling and storage of neutral samples (such as pure water, neutral organic solvents, and non-corrosive solid samples). Soda-lime glass sampling bottles are widely used in general industrial testing (such as ordinary water sample, non-corrosive chemical sample) and food and beverage (ordinary beverage sampling, food additive sampling) fields with low requirements.
- Quartz Glass Sampling Bottles: Made of high-purity quartz sand, with excellent chemical stability (compatible with all acids except hydrofluoric acid), high-temperature resistance (can withstand up to 800℃), and good ultraviolet (UV) transmittance. It is suitable for sampling and storage of high-temperature, corrosive, and UV-sensitive samples (such as high-temperature reaction liquid, strong acid sample, and photochemical reaction sample). Due to its high cost, quartz glass sampling bottles are mainly used in high-end research fields (such as material science, photochemistry) and special testing scenarios.
2.2 Plastic Sampling Bottles: Lightweight and Impact Resistance
Plastic sampling bottles have the advantages of lightweight, impact resistance, shatterproof, and low cost, which are widely used in fields with high requirements for operational safety and portability (such as on-site sampling, field environmental monitoring). Common plastic materials include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), with the following characteristics and applicable scenarios:
- Polyethylene (PE) Sampling Bottles: Divided into low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). LDPE has good flexibility, sealing performance, and low-temperature resistance, suitable for sampling and storage of neutral liquids, solid powders, and low-temperature samples (down to -40℃). HDPE has better mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and wear resistance, suitable for sampling of corrosive samples (such as weak acids, weak alkalis) and organic solvents (such as ethanol, methanol). PE sampling bottles are not suitable for strong oxidants (such as concentrated nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide) and aromatic organic solvents (such as benzene, toluene), and cannot be sterilized by high-temperature autoclaving (prone to deformation).
- Polypropylene (PP) Sampling Bottles: With better chemical resistance, high-temperature resistance (can withstand up to 130℃), and mechanical strength than PE. It is compatible with most acids, alkalis, and organic solvents, and can be sterilized by high-temperature autoclaving (121℃, 30 minutes). PP sampling bottles are suitable for sampling of biological samples (such as cell suspension, serum), chemical intermediates, and food samples (such as milk, edible oil). They have poor light transmittance, which is not conducive to sample observation, so they are often used for opaque sample storage or on-site sampling.
- Polycarbonate (PC) Sampling Bottles: With excellent impact resistance, high transparency, and high-temperature resistance (can withstand up to 120℃). It is suitable for sampling of high-pressure, high-temperature, and transparent samples (such as high-pressure reaction liquid, steam condensate). However, PC sampling bottles are prone to hydrolysis when in contact with strong alkalis and high-temperature water, and may leach bisphenol A (BPA), so they are not suitable for sampling of food, pharmaceutical, and biological samples with strict requirements, and their use is gradually restricted in sensitive fields.
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Sampling Bottles: Known as ""Teflon"", it has excellent chemical stability (compatible with all acids, alkalis, oxidants, and organic solvents), high-temperature resistance (up to 260℃), and non-adhesion. It is suitable for sampling and storage of highly corrosive, sticky, and high-temperature samples (such as concentrated sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and high-temperature molten salts). PTFE sampling bottles have poor light transmittance and high cost, mainly used in special chemical testing and high-end research fields.
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sampling Bottles: With good transparency, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance, suitable for sampling of neutral liquids, food samples (such as fruit juice, beverage), and cosmetic samples. PET sampling bottles are lightweight, shatterproof, and easy to carry, but not suitable for strong acids, strong alkalis, and high-temperature samples (can withstand up to 60℃), and cannot be sterilized by high-temperature autoclaving.
2.3 Special Composite Material Sampling Bottles
For special sample types and application scenarios, sampling bottles made of composite materials are often used to integrate the advantages of different materials and meet specific performance requirements:
- Glass-Plastic Composite Sampling Bottles: The inner layer is glass (ensuring sample purity and chemical compatibility), and the outer layer is plastic (PP or PE, providing impact resistance and shatterproof protection). It is suitable for sampling of fragile, high-value samples (such as API samples, biological samples) that require both purity and operational safety, widely used in pharmaceutical and life sciences fields.
- Light-Shielding Composite Sampling Bottles: The base material (glass or plastic) is coated with a light-shielding layer (such as brown coating, aluminum foil) or made of brown material, which can effectively block ultraviolet and visible light, preventing light-sensitive samples (such as vitamins, antibiotics, and photodegradable chemical samples) from degradation. Light-shielding sampling bottles are widely used in pharmaceutical, food, and environmental monitoring fields.
- Sterile Composite Sampling Bottles: Made of medical-grade materials (borosilicate glass or PP) and pre-sterilized by gamma ray irradiation (SAL ≤10⁻⁶) or high-temperature autoclaving, with a sterile inner environment and sealed packaging. It is suitable for sampling of sterile samples (such as injectable drugs, cell culture medium, and sterile food) to avoid secondary contamination, complying with GMP and FDA requirements.
2.4 Key Material Selection Criteria
When selecting the material of sampling bottles, enterprises and institutions must comprehensively consider the following four core criteria to ensure compatibility with samples and meet test and regulatory requirements:
- Chemical Compatibility: The bottle material must be compatible with the sample, avoiding chemical reactions (such as corrosion, dissolution, leaching) between the material and the sample, which may cause sample contamination, component loss, or bottle damage. For example, strong acid samples should select PTFE or borosilicate glass bottles; strong alkali samples should select PP or PTFE bottles; organic solvent samples should select borosilicate glass or PP bottles.
- Sample Sensitivity: For light-sensitive samples, select light-shielding (brown) sampling bottles; for temperature-sensitive samples, select materials with good low-temperature or high-temperature resistance (such as PE for low-temperature samples, borosilicate glass for high-temperature samples); for sterile samples, select pre-sterilized, sterile-grade materials (such as medical-grade borosilicate glass, PP).
- Regulatory Compliance: According to the industry, select materials that meet relevant regulatory standards. For example, pharmaceutical and biological industries must select materials complying with GMP, FDA, and ISO 10993 (biocompatibility, no toxic leaching); food industry must select food-grade materials (FDA-compliant); environmental monitoring industry must select materials with low metal ion leaching (complying with environmental testing standards).
- Operational Requirements: Consider the use scenario (on-site sampling or laboratory storage), transportation conditions (whether it is easy to break), and sterilization method (whether high-temperature autoclaving is required). For on-site sampling, select lightweight, shatterproof plastic bottles (PP, PE); for laboratory storage and high-temperature sterilization, select borosilicate glass or PP bottles.
3. Classification of Sampling Bottles: Scientific Classification Based on Application Needs
Sampling bottles can be classified according to multiple dimensions, such as structural design, sample state, sterilization method, and application field. A scientific classification helps to select the appropriate sampling bottle according to specific needs. The following elaborates on the common classification methods and typical types:
3.1 Classification by Structural Design
The structural design of sampling bottles directly affects their sealing performance, sampling convenience, and sample storage effect. Common structural types include:
- Screw-Cap Sampling Bottles: The most widely used structural type, with a screw cap (equipped with a gasket) that can achieve airtight sealing by rotating the cap. The gasket material (such as silicone, rubber, PTFE) must be compatible with the sample to avoid leaching. Screw-cap sampling bottles are suitable for sampling and storage of liquids, solids, and semi-solids, and can effectively prevent sample leakage and volatilization. They are available in various sizes (from 1mL to 1000mL) and materials, widely used in all industries.
- Crimp-Cap Sampling Bottles: Also known as press-cap sampling bottles, the cap is fixed by crimping with a special tool, achieving a high airtightness (suitable for volatile, easily oxidized samples). The cap is usually made of aluminum, and the gasket is made of PTFE or silicone. Crimp-cap sampling bottles are mainly used in precision testing (such as gas chromatography, liquid chromatography sample storage) and volatile sample sampling (such as organic solvent, volatile gas condensate), ensuring no sample volatilization and component loss.
- Flip-Top Sampling Bottles: With a flip-top cap (integrated with the bottle body), which can be opened and closed quickly, facilitating on-site sampling and frequent sample access. The sealing performance is slightly lower than that of screw-cap and crimp-cap bottles, suitable for sampling of non-volatile, non-toxic samples (such as ordinary water samples, food samples), widely used in on-site environmental monitoring and food production lines.
- Graduated Sampling Bottles: The bottle body is marked with accurate volume scales (such as 10mL, 50mL, 100mL), facilitating accurate sampling and sample volume measurement. It is suitable for quantitative sampling (such as laboratory quantitative analysis, production line quality control sampling), and is available in glass and plastic materials, with scales meeting national measurement standards.
- With-Sampling Spoon Sampling Bottles: The cap is integrated with a sampling spoon, which can directly sample solid powders or semi-solids without additional sampling tools, avoiding sample contamination. It is suitable for sampling of solid samples (such as pharmaceutical excipients, food additives, chemical powders), widely used in pharmaceutical and food industries.
3.2 Classification by Sample State
According to the state of the sampled sample (liquid, solid, gas, semi-solid), sampling bottles can be divided into the following types, each with targeted structural design:
- Liquid Sampling Bottles: The most common type, with a narrow or wide mouth design. Narrow-mouth sampling bottles are suitable for sampling and storage of volatile, easily oxidized liquids (reducing contact with air); wide-mouth sampling bottles are suitable for sampling of viscous liquids (such as oil, syrup) and liquid samples that need to be transferred with a pipette. Liquid sampling bottles usually have good sealing performance and chemical compatibility, available in glass and plastic materials.
- Solid Sampling Bottles: Usually with a wide mouth, large capacity, and thick bottle body, suitable for sampling and storage of solid powders, particles, and block samples (such as soil, mineral powder, pharmaceutical raw materials). The cap is usually a screw cap or flip-top cap, and some are equipped with a sampling spoon. Solid sampling bottles are mainly made of PP, PE, or borosilicate glass, with good impact resistance and wear resistance.
- Gas Sampling Bottles: Also known as gas sampling jars, with a special airtight structure (such as crimp cap, pressure-resistant design) to prevent gas leakage. They are suitable for sampling of gas samples (such as industrial waste gas, ambient air, and gas reaction products). Gas sampling bottles are usually made of borosilicate glass or high-pressure resistant plastic (PC), and some are equipped with a pressure gauge to monitor the internal pressure of the bottle.
- Semi-Solid Sampling Bottles: With a wide mouth, smooth inner wall, and good sealing performance, suitable for sampling of semi-solid samples (such as ointments, creams, pastes, and sludge). The inner wall is usually treated with anti-adhesion (such as PTFE coating) to avoid sample adhesion, facilitating sample transfer and cleaning. Semi-solid sampling bottles are mainly made of PP, PE, or borosilicate glass.
3.3 Classification by Sterilization Method
For fields with strict requirements for sterility (such as pharmaceuticals, biological sciences, and sterile food), sampling bottles are classified according to sterilization methods to ensure that the sample is not contaminated by microorganisms:
- Autoclavable Sampling Bottles: Made of materials that can withstand high-temperature and high-pressure sterilization (such as borosilicate glass, PP), which can be sterilized by high-temperature autoclaving (121℃, 30 minutes) before use. They are suitable for sampling of sterile samples (such as cell culture medium, injectable drugs) and samples that need to be sterilized after sampling, widely used in pharmaceutical and biological laboratories.
- Dry Heat Sterilizable Sampling Bottles: Made of materials with high-temperature resistance (such as borosilicate glass, quartz glass), which can be sterilized by dry heat sterilization (160-180℃, 2-3 hours). They are suitable for sampling of samples that are sensitive to moisture (such as dry powder pharmaceuticals, anhydrous organic solvents), avoiding sample moisture absorption during sterilization.
- Pre-Sterilized Sampling Bottles: Produced in a sterile environment, pre-sterilized by gamma ray irradiation (SAL ≤10⁻⁶) or ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization, and sealed in sterile packaging. They can be used directly without additional sterilization, avoiding secondary contamination caused by manual sterilization. Pre-sterilized sampling bottles are widely used in pharmaceutical production lines, sterile food testing, and on-site sterile sampling, complying with GMP requirements.
- Non-Sterilizable Sampling Bottles: Made of materials that cannot withstand high-temperature or high-pressure sterilization (such as PE, PET, PC), suitable for sampling of non-sterile samples (such as ordinary industrial samples, environmental water samples) with no strict sterility requirements. They can be cleaned and disinfected by chemical methods (such as ethanol wiping) before use.
3.4 Classification by Application Field
Due to the different requirements of various industries for sampling bottles, targeted types have been formed, which are more in line with industry characteristics and regulatory requirements:
- Pharmaceutical-Grade Sampling Bottles: Made of medical-grade materials (borosilicate glass, PP), with high purity, no toxic leaching, and good biocompatibility. They are pre-sterilized (optional), with strict quality control, complying with GMP, FDA, and ISO 10993 standards. Suitable for sampling of APIs, excipients, injectable drugs, and biological samples (such as serum, cell suspension).
- Food-Grade Sampling Bottles: Made of food-grade materials (PET, PP, borosilicate glass), with no toxic leaching, complying with FDA and food contact material standards. They are lightweight, shatterproof, and easy to carry, suitable for sampling of food, beverages, food additives, and edible oils.
- Environmental Monitoring Sampling Bottles: With low metal ion leaching, good chemical compatibility, and suitable for sampling of water, soil, air, and waste samples. They are available in various sizes and structural types (such as graduated, wide-mouth, narrow-mouth), suitable for on-site and laboratory sampling, complying with environmental testing standards (such as EPA, GB).
- Chemical Industry Sampling Bottles: Made of corrosion-resistant materials (PTFE, borosilicate glass, PP), with good impact resistance and sealing performance, suitable for sampling of corrosive, volatile, and toxic chemical samples (such as acids, alkalis, chemical intermediates). Some are pressure-resistant and high-temperature resistant, suitable for special chemical reaction samples.
4. Application Scenarios of Sampling Bottles in Various Industries
Sampling bottles are widely used in various industries, and their selection and use vary according to the characteristics of the industry and the type of sample. The following elaborates on the typical application scenarios of sampling bottles in key industries, providing targeted selection guidance:
4.1 Pharmaceutical Industry
The pharmaceutical industry has strict requirements for sample purity, sterility, and regulatory compliance, with common samples including APIs, pharmaceutical excipients, injectable drugs, oral preparations, biological products (such as vaccines, antibodies), and pharmaceutical intermediates. The core requirements for sampling bottles are high purity, no toxic leaching, good biocompatibility, and sterility.
Recommended sampling bottles and application scenarios:
- API and Excipient Sampling: Use borosilicate glass or PP screw-cap sampling bottles (wide-mouth for solid powders, narrow-mouth for liquid APIs). For sterile excipients, use pre-sterilized, sterile-grade sampling bottles with PTFE gaskets to avoid contamination. Graduated sampling bottles are recommended for quantitative sampling of liquid APIs.
- Injectable Drug and Biological Product Sampling: Use pre-sterilized borosilicate glass crimp-cap or screw-cap sampling bottles (narrow-mouth), with silicone or PTFE gaskets (biocompatible, no toxic leaching). For vaccines and antibodies (temperature-sensitive, light-sensitive), use light-shielding, low-temperature resistant sampling bottles (borosilicate glass or PP), and store at 2-8℃ after sampling.
- Pharmaceutical Intermediate Sampling: According to the properties of the intermediate (corrosive, volatile), select PTFE or borosilicate glass sampling bottles. For volatile intermediates, use crimp-cap sampling bottles to prevent volatilization; for corrosive intermediates, use PTFE sampling bottles.
Key requirements: All sampling bottles must comply with GMP and FDA standards, provide quality certification documents (biocompatibility test report, sterility test report), and be cleaned and sterilized before use (or use pre-sterilized bottles) to avoid sample contamination.
4.2 Food and Beverage Industry
The food and beverage industry focuses on food safety, non-toxicity, and convenience, with common samples including beverages (fruit juice, soda, milk), food (bread, candy, meat products), food additives (sugar, salt, preservatives), and edible oils. The core requirements for sampling bottles are food-grade materials, no toxic leaching, lightweight, shatterproof, and easy to carry.
Recommended sampling bottles and application scenarios:
- Beverage Sampling: Use PET or PP screw-cap sampling bottles (narrow-mouth for carbonated beverages, wide-mouth for fruit juice and milk). PET bottles are lightweight, transparent, and suitable for on-site sampling and transportation; PP bottles are high-temperature resistant, suitable for sampling of hot beverages (such as hot milk, tea).
- Food Additive Sampling: Use PP or PE wide-mouth sampling bottles (with sampling spoon for solid additives), food-grade materials, complying with FDA standards. For moisture-sensitive additives (such as baking powder), use sealed screw-cap sampling bottles to prevent moisture absorption.
- Edible Oil Sampling: Use borosilicate glass or PP narrow-mouth sampling bottles, with good chemical compatibility (no reaction with oil), and sealed gaskets to prevent oil leakage and oxidation. Graduated sampling bottles are recommended for quantitative analysis of oil quality.
Key requirements: Sampling bottles must be food-grade, no toxic leaching, and cleaned and dried before use to avoid cross-contamination between samples.
4.3 Environmental Monitoring Industry
The environmental monitoring industry involves a variety of sample types (water, soil, air, waste), with high requirements for sample accuracy and representativeness. The core requirements for sampling bottles are low metal ion leaching, good chemical compatibility, and suitable for on-site sampling and long-term storage.
Recommended sampling bottles and application scenarios:
- Water Sample Sampling: Use borosilicate glass or PP graduated sampling bottles (narrow-mouth for surface water and groundwater, wide-mouth for sewage and sludge leachate). For heavy metal detection samples, use acid-washed (nitric acid soaking) glass bottles to avoid metal ion leaching; for organic pollutant detection samples, use brown glass bottles (light-shielding) to prevent photodegradation.
- Soil Sample Sampling: Use PP or PE wide-mouth sampling bottles (large capacity, 500mL-1000mL), thick bottle body, impact resistance, suitable for on-site sampling of soil, sediment, and mineral powder. The cap is sealed to prevent soil moisture loss and contamination.
- Air and Waste Gas Sampling: Use borosilicate glass crimp-cap gas sampling bottles (pressure-resistant), with PTFE gaskets to prevent gas leakage. For volatile organic compound (VOC) sampling, use brown glass bottles with adsorbents to improve sampling accuracy.
Key requirements: Sampling bottles must be cleaned and treated (such as acid washing, alkali washing) according to the sample type before use, and marked with sample information (sampling time, location, type) to ensure traceability.
4.4 Chemical Engineering Industry
The chemical engineering industry has diverse sample properties, including corrosive (acids, alkalis), volatile (organic solvents), toxic, and high-temperature samples (such as reaction liquids, catalysts). The core requirements for sampling bottles are corrosion resistance, high-temperature resistance, pressure resistance, and good sealing performance.
Recommended sampling bottles and application scenarios:
- Corrosive Sample Sampling: Use PTFE or borosilicate glass sampling bottles (narrow-mouth for liquids, wide-mouth for solids). For hydrofluoric acid and other highly corrosive samples, use PTFE bottles; for strong acids and strong alkalis, use borosilicate glass or PP bottles.
- Volatile Organic Solvent Sampling: Use borosilicate glass crimp-cap sampling bottles (sealed, light-shielding for photodegradable solvents), with PTFE gaskets to prevent solvent volatilization and leakage.
- High-Temperature Reaction Liquid Sampling: Use quartz glass or high-temperature resistant borosilicate glass sampling bottles (can withstand up to 150℃), with sealed screw caps to prevent high-temperature liquid leakage and oxidation.
Key requirements: Sampling bottles must be compatible with the sample to avoid corrosion and leakage, and operators must wear protective equipment during sampling to ensure operational safety.
4.5 Life Sciences and Laboratory Research
The life sciences and laboratory research fields involve biological samples (cells, serum, urine), chemical reagents, and reaction samples, with high requirements for sterility, biocompatibility, and sample integrity. The core requirements for sampling bottles are high purity, no toxic leaching, sterility, and good light transmittance (for sample observation).
Recommended sampling bottles and application scenarios:
- Biological Sample Sampling: Use pre-sterilized borosilicate glass or PP screw-cap sampling bottles (narrow-mouth), with silicone gaskets (biocompatible). For cell suspension and serum samples, use sterile-grade, low-adhesion sampling bottles to avoid cell adhesion and damage; for light-sensitive biological samples (such as enzymes, vitamins), use brown glass bottles.
- Chemical Reagent and Reaction Sample Sampling: Use borosilicate glass graduated sampling bottles (narrow-mouth), with good chemical compatibility and light transmittance, facilitating observation of sample color and state changes. For corrosive reagents, use PTFE or borosilicate glass bottles.
Key requirements: Sampling bottles must be sterilized before use (or use pre-sterilized bottles), and avoid cross-contamination between different samples; after sampling, samples should be stored under appropriate conditions (low temperature, light shielding) to maintain sample activity.
5. Key Notes for Selection and Use of Sampling Bottles
5.1 Key Selection Notes
- Clarify Sample Properties: First, clarify the physical and chemical properties of the sample (corrosiveness, volatility, light sensitivity, temperature, sterility requirements), which is the basis for selecting the material and structure of the sampling bottle. For example, light-sensitive samples must select light-shielding bottles; corrosive samples must select corrosion-resistant materials.
- Comply with Regulatory Requirements: According to the industry, select sampling bottles that meet relevant regulatory standards (GMP, FDA, ISO) to avoid regulatory penalties and test result invalidation. For example, pharmaceutical and food samples must select corresponding grade sampling bottles with quality certification documents.
- Match Use Scenarios: Consider the use scenario (on-site sampling or laboratory storage), transportation conditions (whether it is easy to break), and subsequent processing (whether it needs to be sterilized, centrifuged, or analyzed by instruments). For on-site sampling, select lightweight, shatterproof plastic bottles; for instrument analysis, select standard-size sampling bottles (such as 2mL, 10mL crimp-cap bottles).
- Pay Attention to Gasket Compatibility: The gasket of the sampling bottle is in direct contact with the sample, so its material must be compatible with the sample to avoid leaching and contamination. For example, organic solvent samples should select PTFE gaskets; biological samples should select silicone gaskets (biocompatible).
5.2 Key Use Notes
- Cleaning and Treatment: Before use, sampling bottles must be cleaned and treated according to the sample type. For example, water sample bottles for heavy metal detection should be soaked in 10% nitric acid for 24 hours, then rinsed with pure water and dried; sterile sample bottles should be sterilized (autoclaving or dry heat sterilization) and cooled before use.
- Sampling Operation: During sampling, avoid contact between the bottle mouth and the sampling environment (such as soil, production equipment) to prevent contamination; for liquid samples, fill the bottle to 80%-90% of the volume (avoid excessive air contact for easily oxidized samples); for solid samples, fill the bottle to 2/3 of the volume, and seal it immediately after sampling.
- Storage and Transportation: After sampling, mark the sample information (sample name, sampling time, location, batch number) on the bottle body; store the sample under appropriate conditions (low temperature, light shielding, sealed) according to the sample properties; during transportation, avoid collision and inversion to prevent sample leakage.
- Waste Disposal: After use, sampling bottles contaminated by toxic, harmful, or corrosive samples should be treated harmlessly (such as chemical treatment, high-temperature sterilization) before disposal, to avoid environmental pollution and operator injury.
