HOW TO PREPARE SAMPLE BAGS

The best method is labeling the bags in sequential order. Atoka recommends assigning a three letter prefix; this avoids mistakes that can occur such as getting mixed with other surveys being collected or separating from other surveys in the lab. The three letter prefix is followed by a number series starting preferably with 1. It is common in the mining industry to use the coordinates of each location as labels.

Geological sample bags that are pre-numbered and organized prior to collection avoid duplicate and skipped sample numbers. Marking a map ahead of time also allows the collector to recognize when he or she has misplaced or lost a sample bag. Also having the bags and map prepared ahead of time reduces time spent at each location. Therefore Atoka recommends putting them in groups of ten and taping them together.