Sample preparation can be a grab or integrated “air” sample or a material or coupon
sample. When an odorous air sample is needed, the sample is collected in a 10-liter
Tedlarâ gas sample bag. The Tedlar bag is placed into a vacuum chamber (vacuum
case) for sample collection. If the sample is collected at a location other than the odor
laboratory, the sample is express shipped to the laboratory for evaluation.
In addition to collecting a sample for odor evaluation, the study’s protocol may require a
companion sample (i.e. duplicate) to be collected in a Tedlar gas sample bag or stainless steel
canister for associated chemical laboratory analysis (e.g. VOC’s).
Many projects require preparation of the odor sample, material, or coupon in the laboratory just
prior to analysis. For example, a study of paint odors would require the laboratory to “paint”
coupons, which would then be presented to the assessors for odor evaluation.