LTR - Ep 4 - Field Measurements vs Lab Analytics; The BEST Approach is Using BOTH!

Let's Talk Remediation

During this episode we discuss the best approach is not using Field Measurements OR Lab Results, but instead using BOTH!

It's important to use RELIABLE Field Measurements to monitor the cleanup or remediation work, to know when to send samples off for Third Party Lab Analytics, which are then Confirmatory Samples, confirming what you already know from having performed Reliable Field Measurements.

Using Lab Analytics alone, is not recommended because of the time delay from taking the sample to receiving the results back from the Laboratory. During this time delay, the contamination spreads, making the locations where the samples were taken, no longer the same. While the results returned are accurate for the samples that were sent, the locations where they were taken has changed, so the stale results are no longer a true picture of those locations.

This is why the best approach is to use both. First use reliable Field Measurements, then use Third Party Laboratory Results as "Confirmatory."

One of the best ways to get RELIABLE Field Measurements, is by utilizing Field Test Kits like the ones manufactured by our ongoing Sponsor Hanby Environmental, who produces Field Tests for Soil and Solid Surfaces and Water. These Field Test Kits provide Fast (4 minutes for Soil and Solid Surfaces and 6 minutes for Water), Accurate (within 10% of a Lab Result) and Economical ($35 for Soil and Soil Surfaces and $45 for Water).

Doing both and understanding why and being able to explain this to the Responsible Party; Typically the Insurance Company who is paying the bill, helps them to understand why you have both on your bill. This is in everyone's best interest, as it keep the project moving forward and eliminates the demobilization and remobilization (thinking you are done, only to find out that you are not) of equipment and the operators thereof, from having bad (stale information).

It's important to note, that just because Field Measurements are cheaper than Lab Analytics, doesn't mean they are less valuable. The thought process is, the lower price per sample, is to encourage more samples, that provide a better understanding and coverage area. Because of the higher cost of Lab Analytics, by default, the choice will be to do less sampling. Which is why the lower cost of Field Measurements is key, because it provides the means to cover more data points for better understanding prior to sending for the higher cost Lab Analytics.

Also, the Lab Analytics higher cost is not because the Laboratories are price gauging, it is because The Lab Analytics provide much more in depth results about the samples. They also break out the concentrations for individual contaminates of concern, which is typically not the case with a Field Measurement. Typically Field Measurements are more focused on a single type of measurement, where as a Lab Result will cover several measurements in the report returned.

So remember, it's the BEST APPROACH, not to use Field Measurements OR Lab Analytics, but instead to use BOTH!