Collecting Pooled Dental Unit Waterline (DUWL) Samples

Pooled or combined water samples provide a cost-effective method for testing the water quality of your dental unit.

To achieve the most accurate results, test each waterline in your unit, including the air-water syringe, high and slow-speed handpieces, and scalers. The final results will reflect the average bacterial count across all waterlines in the unit.

How to collect a pooled sample:

1. At least 24 hours before you collect water samples, place ice packs in your freezer. Do not collect samples on a Friday or the day before a holiday.
2. Completely fill out the chain of custody form.  The number on each vial corresponds to the same number on the chain of custody form. Circle “Pooled” in the Device Section next to the appropriate vial number.
3. For each waterline, collect an equal amount of water into the sample vial. For example, if you have five waterlines, fill the vial with equal portions from each waterline (e.g., 1/5 of the vial (2mL) from each waterline). 
4. Securely tighten the cap on the vial. Place ice packs and all water sample vials inside the metallic insulated pouch.

Place the insulated pouch and completed chain of custody back into the original box. Package the box in the UPS express envelope provided.

IMPORTANT: Samples must ship via next-day service. Samples must be received within 24 hours of collection. 

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