SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF
ENVIRONMENTAL FILAMENTS
How to Participate in this Study
As this is a Scientific Study, we have established certain Guidelines and Procedures listed below to insure rigorous scientific validity of the samples.
GUIDELINES FOR THE COLLECTION OF FILAMENT SAMPLES
PROCEDURE FOR COLLECTION OF FILAMENT SAMPLES
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAILING FILAMENT SAMPLES
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SENDING PHOTOGRAPHS BY E MAIL
PROCEDURE FOR COLLECTION OF FILAMENT SAMPLES
Please review and understand this procedure prior to sampling. Please review the GUIDELINES FOR THE COLLECTION OF FILAMENT SAMPLES section prior to any sampling attempts. Strict adherence to these guidelines is critical in insuring the scientific validity of the sample.
1. Please follow these steps in the order that they are presented. If there is any deviation from the guidelines or the sampling procedure due to circumstances or conditions, please take note if it. Any differences in procedure can be described in the e mail containing the photographic documentation. ( see INSTRUCTIONS FOR SENDING PHOTOGRAPHS BY E MAIL )
2. Have all items required in the sampling process at hand: digital camera or video recorder, clean pair of disposable examination gloves, sampling instrument (if used, have cotton balls or medical gauze squares soaked in 91% alcohol at hand), unopened sample container, identification label.
2. Note the date, time, sample source, and location.
3. Photograph the intended sample so that it can be seen in context to its origin.
Approximately 2 – 4 feet away from the sample site.
4. Photograph the intended sample so that more detail of the sample can be seen. Approximately 12 inches away from the sample site.
5. Preview the photographs to ensure that they are in focus. If necessary, retake the photographs.
6. Open the sample container and set it down on a nearby clean flat surface. Set down the lid of the sample container so that the open end is facing up. Take care to avoid touching the inside of the container and lid.
7. Put on a clean pair of disposable examination gloves.
8. * If using a sampling tool, thoroughly clean the instrument using a cotton ball or medical gauze square soaked in 91% alcohol. Make sure that the instrument is free of any visible lint or debris. Continue to hold the instrument in your hand while allowing it to air dry.
9. Obtain the sample. If a second individual is available, have them photograph the sampling process.
10. Place the sample into the container.
11. Remove the used examination gloves by pulling off one glove inside of the other, keeping your hands clean. (Wash your hands if necessary.)
12. Place the lid on the container and seal. Avoid touching the inside of the container and lid.
13. Label the container as suggested. (Please refer to GUIDELINES FOR THE COLLECTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL FILAMENT SAMPLES.)
14. Photograph the sealed labeled container. Try to photographically capture the material inside the container if practical. Check photos for clarity, and repeat as necessary.
(Please refer to INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAILING ENVIRONMENTAL FILAMENT SAMPLES, and INSTRUCTIONS FOR SENDING PHOTOGRAPHS BY E MAIL.)
