Even six jars weren't usually enough - each ship could have dozens of different places to get a sample from.
Our new sampling kits are different. Designed in collaboration with a laboratory that analyses the samples, they recognise that today's technology means 'less is more'. A sample can now be as small as ten microlitres (0.01 mL or one fiftieth of a teaspoon).
Instead of just a couple of unlabelled jars, each kit now has 62 x 30ml jars, all etched with unique identifiers. This will enable us to collect a more complete set of samples on which to base a decision. The samples can also be collected dry, on new oil-loving and water-repelling Teflon swabs, where a barely visible smear is enough.
New testing kit
The new kits will be delivered to AMSA regional offices in the coming weeks. They come in a blue AMSA Evidence cool box, are easy to handle, very sturdy and completely interchangeable with the previous sampling kits. The instructions, labels, waterproof notebook and all safety gear are included.