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Radiochemistry Unit - Collection Kits
Table of Contents | Ordering | Collection Kits | Price Schedule | Analysis | Test Interpretation | Radon Information | Health Information | Decay Chains | Research | DNR Quarterly Reports | Useful Links
Requirements for Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Samples
| TEST(S) | Volume/ Container | Preservative/ Shipping Temp. | Holding time (i.e. collection* to receipt by lab) | Special Precautions | | Alpha/Beta in Water | 1 gal (4 liters)/ Plastic | HNO3 (pH < 2)/ Ambient | Preserved: 6 months Unpreserved: 5 days | None | | Radium-226 & Radium-228 in Water | 1 gal (4 liters)/ Plastic | HNO3 (pH < 2)/ Ambient | Preserved: 6 months Unpreserved: 5 days | None | | Alpha/Beta & Radium-226 & Radium-228 in Water | 1 gal (4 liters)/ Plastic | HNO3 (pH < 2)/ Ambient | Preserved: 6 months Unpreserved: 5 days | None | | Alpha/Beta & Radium-226 & Radium-228 & Uranium in Water | 1 gal (4 liters)/ Plastic | HNO3 (pH < 2)/ Ambient | Preserved: 6 months Unpreserved: 5 days | None | | Radon in Water | 40 mL VOC/ Glass vial (septum cap) | NONE | 4 DAYS | No air bubbles in Container | | Strontium in Water | 1 gal (4 Liters)/ Plastic | HNO3 (pH < 2)/ Ambient | Preserved: 6 months Unpreserved: 5 days | None | | Tritium in Water | 100 mL/glass | NONE/Ambient | 6 months | None |
Collection Instructions
Radon in Air Collection Instructions
The purpose of this measurement is to quickly determine if your home contains high concentrations of radon gas. A single measurement should not serve as the basis for beginning repairs. Instead, this test will provide information for deciding if there is a need for an additional measurement. Please read all instructions carefully before starting the test. Do not open the plastic bottle until you are ready to begin the collection. To ensure accurate results, it is important that these instructions are followed closely. If you have any questions please call 608-224-6227.
- On one side of the order form is a box that lists the expiration date of the kit. If the expiration date has passed, return the kit to the laboratory without opening it, following the instructions listed below (Step 9). A replacement kit will be sent to you within two weeks.
- There is a 6-digit number on the bar code label on the bottle. Please write this number in the space labeled "Collection Bottle Number" on the order form.
Collection Conditions:
- Windows and doors shall be kept shut for at least 12 hours before the collection and during the entire collection period. (except for normal entry and exit). Internal / external air exchange systems shall be off (e.g. stove exhaust, bathroom vents), except: heat recovery ventilators must not be turned off, only total internal recycle is allowed ( e.g., window air conditioner), combustion air or make-up air intakes must not be closed, permanent radon mitigation systems must be turned on. Tests should not be planned when high winds or storms are expected. Follow up testing for newly installed radon mitigation systems require closed building conditions for 24 hours after the start up of the system.
Collection Time:
- Open the vial and leave it open for 48 hours plus or minus two hours. If you are outside of this time range, call the lab for instructions (608-224-6227). Results from vials not meeting the above criteria are suspect. If you realize that your vial has not been properly exposed, please note it on the order form. A replacement kit will be sent to you within two weeks.
- The plastic bottles should be mailed immediately after collection and must be received by State Laboratory within 48 hours of the end of collection. Bottles must be received by Friday. Recommended times to begin sample collection are between Friday evening or Monday morning.
Placement of Bottle:
- Find a location for the plastic bottle that fits the following guidelines:
- The plastic bottle should be placed in an upright position in a location that will not be disturbed during the collection period.
- At least 20 inches to 5 feet above the floor.
- At least 12 inches from an exterior wall and 3 feet from an exterior opening, such as a window or door.
- At least 4 inches from other objects.
- The plastic bottle shall not be placed in the kitchen, bathroom, closet, furnace room, crawl space, attic, laundry room or garage.
- The plastic bottle should not be placed near drafts or fans; doors, windows, or outside walls; in excessively hot areas such as near furnaces or stoves; nor in direct sunlight, nor near sources of moisture.
- For non-real estate transactions, the plastic bottle should be placed in the lowest lived-in level of the home (for example, the basement if it is frequently used, otherwise the first floor).
- For real estate transactions two vials placed 4 inches apart, placed in the lowest occupyable (lowest area suitable for occupancy without major renovations) space in the home.
- Once a suitable location has been found, uncap the plastic bottle, place it in the selected location, and record the date and time on the order form in the area labeled "Start of Collection". The plastic bottle should be left undisturbed for the entire collection period (see step 3 above).
- After 48 hours, recap the plastic bottle as tightly as possible and record the date and time on the order form in the area labeled "End of Collection".
- Fold the order form and wrap around the plastic bottle, place in the styrofoam mailer, and secure with tape. Mail promptly (see step 4 above). First Class shipment by U.S. Postal Service requires $0.57.
- Your sample will be analyzed the day it arrives at the lab. You will receive your measurement results within three weeks.
Radon in Water Collection Instructions
Please read all directions before beginning test. For accurate results, it is important that proper sampling procedures are followed. For best results, a sample should be collected after the pump has cycled several times, so the water to be sampled has not had time to lose radon by decay or out-gassing to the tank. The sample should be collected as close to the WELL as possible. BEFORE OR NEAR THE PRESSURE TANK would be ideal. The nearest bathroom, laundry, or kitchen faucet is acceptable. Samples must be sent to the laboratory within 24 hours. | 
Step 1: Remove aerator |
Step 2: Run water until cold (5 min) If the sound from the pump cycling is noticeable, begin collection about 1 min after pump starts |
Step 3: Place bowl under faucet and fill minimizing aeration of the water |
Step 4: With the water still running at a trickle and the faucet submerged under the water, fill the bowl to overflowing for about 30 sec. Submerge vial in the bowl |
Step 5: Set bowl down. Place the cap on the vial while it is still under water with the open end up. Tighten firmly but do not over tighten |
Step 6: Turn vial upside down and check for air bubbles. Start from step 3 if there are bubbles. |
Step 7: Label vial with date and time and sample description. Complete the other side of this form making sure to include collection time and date. |
Step 8: Place form in plastic bag. Wrap the vials in the foam and secure with the rubber bands. Place all of the vials and paper work in the mailing container. |
Kit content:
- 2 capped, empty vials with a blank label
- instruction sheet
- plastic bag
Caution: Do not leave unattended in mailbox during cold weather. The water-filled vial can freeze and break.
Alpha/Beta, Radium, Strontium, Tritium, and Uranium Collection Instructions
If the collection kit is unassembled (not cube shaped), assemble it by placing the expanded plastic cubitainer into the cardboard mailing container.
Step 1: Assemble collection kit by placing expanded cubitainer, in cardboard mailer and extend neck of cubitainer. |
Step 2: Collect a water sample from the location specified by DNR or from an un softened tap. Run the water from the tap for about 1 minute. Fill the quart or gallon container to within an inch of the top Note: water softening removes radioactivity. |
Step 3: Complete the radiochemistry test request form and if available, DNR form #3300-220. |
Step 4: Replace the cap tightly and push the neck of the cubitainer back down. |
Step 5: Place all of the forms into the plastic bag provided. Place the plastic bag into the cardboard mailing container. |
Step 6: Attach the address label provided. Seal the package with tape. The sample must be received within 5 days of collection |
Collection of tritium |
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Step 1: Collect a water sample from the location specified by DNR or from an un softened tap. Run the water from the tap for about 1 minute. Fill the glass jar to the top. Replace the cap |
Step 2: Label bottle with date and time and sample description. |
Step 3: Complete the radiochemistry test request form and if available, DNR form #3300-220. |
Step 4: Place all of the forms into the plastic bag provided. Place the
plastic bag and sample in to the mailing container. Attach the address label provided. Seal the package with tape. |
- Extend the neck of the cubitainer by pulling up on the ring below the cap.
- Collect the sample from the location specified by the DNR or run the water from an un softened tap for approximately one minute. Water softening removes radioactivity.
- Collect the sample.
- If collecting a GRAB sample, fill the cubitainer to within an inch of the top. Continue at step 5.
- If the DNR has instructed you to collect a COMPOSITE sample:
- Add one quart of water to the gallon cubitainer.
- Carefully add 10mL of concentrated nitric acid, or the acid supplied to you by DNR personnel. Safety glasses and gloves required!
- Collect 3 more quart samples over the course of the year.
- Replace the cap tightly, and push the neck down.
- Fill in the reverse side of this sheet.
- Place this sheet into the plastic bag provided (include DNR form # 3300-220 if available).
- Place the plastic cubitainer and plastic bag into the cardboard mailing container and seal with tape.
- Attach the address label provided.
- Send to the lab within 72 hours of collection. The sample must be received at the lab within 5 days of collection, but overnight shipping is normally not required.
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