Microbial Insights

Sampling methods for collecting environmental samples for Molecular Biological Tools and Site Logic Tools

It is important that samples taken for CENSUS are collected and shipped properly because the data obtained can be compromised by inadequate collection and shipment. MI can analyze almost any type of sample matrix for CENSUS including water, soil/sediment, biofilms, enrichment cultures and more. Following are links to pdf files which provide detailed descriptions on how to collect groundwater, soil/sediment, and bio-trap samplers for CENSUS.

Groundwater Samples

Detailed instructions on how to use the bio-flo sampling approach to collect groundwater samples using a variety pumps (peristaltic preferred, grundfos, air bladder, etc) for MBTs.

Bio-Flo Sampling Protocol for  DNA (DNA based CENSUS and/or DGGE)

Bio-Flo Sampling Protocol for RNA (RNA based CENSUS and/or DGGE)

Bio-Trap Samplers

Detailed instructions on how to use the Bio-Trap Samplers for DNA based analyses.

Bio-Trap Sampler Protocol for DNA (DNA based CENSUS and/or DGGE)

Bio-Trap Sampler Protocol for RNA (RNA based CENSUS and/or DGGE)

Bio-Trap Sampler Protocol for PLFA

Bio-Trap Sampler Protocol for SIP

Soil / Sediment

Detailed instructions on how to collect soil/sediment samples for DNA based analyses.

Soil/Sediment Sampling Protocol for DNA (RNA based CENSUS and/or DGGE)

Soil/Sediment Sampling Protocol for PLFA

Other Useful Forms

MI Chain of Custody
A chain of custody (COC) from must be included with each shipment of samples. Please package the COC in a moisture-proof bag and attach on the underside of the cooler lid. Click on the pdf link to obtain a copy of our COC or contact us to have a copy faxed to you.

Soil Import Permit
For convenient shipping of international samples Microbial Insights Inc. holds a soil import permit (#S-4574).