We implemented a suite of QA/QC procedures to evaluate the sampling protocol for proper equipment transport, sample collection, and equipment handling, and to identify the degree to which the three possible sources of FIB cross-contamination (equipment, well-bore, and ambient air) affect sampling results in IFREs.
They may not be suited to the quantification of environmental chemicals in the sample, which may require different collection equipment as well as different SOPs.
Although with some expertise this is relatively straightforward, it requires equipment for sample collection, processing, and storage, which may be lacking in rural areas, especially the most remote ones.
Although this is relatively straightforward in a clinical setting, it requires expertise and equipment for sample collection, processing, and storage, which may be lacking in community-level or remote settings.
We thank Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation, Bonn, Germany for Equipment donation, Mohammad Yusuf Afaque for sample collection without which this study won't have been feasible and Shri Khem Singh Negi for technical assistance.
An important caveat to these observations is that low levels of bacterial nucleic acids may be due to contamination of reagents and equipment acquired in the process of sample collection and processing or transient bacteraemia.
The HVS3 and associated supplies are expensive; the equipment can be difficult to use and clean, and the sample collection process is time consuming and labor intensive.
Particular care was taken with sample collection procedures to prevent cross-contamination between subjects and different anatomical sites by using disposable equipment and changing bed lining and gloves for each woman.
Sample collection was carefully performed to prevent cross-contamination between subjects and anatomical sites, by using disposable equipment, and changing bed linen and collector's gloves before sampling each subject.
The sample collection was carefully executed to prevent cross-contamination between subjects and anatomical sites by using disposable equipment and changing the bed lining and collector's gloves between each subject.
