What should you do with a potentially contaminated bacteriological sample bottle?

When handling potentially contaminated bacteriological sample bottles, it is crucial to prioritize safety and the integrity of any testing results. Discarding the sample bottle and using a new one ensures that no residual contaminants from the previous sample could affect the accuracy of future tests. Even after cleaning, there is a risk that some contaminants may remain, which could lead to false results or misinterpretation of data, ultimately compromising the quality of water testing or other bacteriological assessments.

By starting fresh with a new, sterile bottle, you can ensure that the testing process begins with a clean slate. This practice is a key part of quality control in laboratory procedures and ensures compliance with regulatory standards set forth by the Illinois EPA and other governing bodies.