EXAMINATION

1. Remove the sample from the kit envelope and examine it to determine physical condition, type of material, and freedom from disease, and extent of contamination, if any.
2. Remove petioles, stems, and other foreign material, if included in the sample.
3. If the sample is a whole plant, remove the roots and/or select the proper plant part for the species involved (Refer to the "Plant Analysis Sample Guide").
4. If the sample is for petiole analysis, remove any leaves that may be attached.
5. If the material is covered with soil or dust particles, wash it in running water and blot dry with a paper towel, in order to remove excess water.
6. Discard any decayed or moldy material. If this results in insufficient sample for the analysis requested, notify the client that a new sample will have to be submitted.
7. Return the sample to the kit envelope.
8. Assign a laboratory number to the sample and mark the kit envelope with the assigned number.
9. Log in the kit number and the assigned laboratory number.

DRYING

1. Place the sample in an oven and dry overnight at 80 °C.
2. If the sample is submitted in something other than a kit envelope, place it in a marked paper bag before drying.
3. Do not dry any plant tissue in plastic or wax coated bags.

GRINDING

1. Grind large samples in the large Wiley mill to pass a 20 mesh screen.
2. Grind small samples in the smaller bench top Wiley mill to pass a 20 mesh screen.
3. Grind all of the sample.
4. Place the ground sample in marked coin envelopes.
5. Clean the mills with a brush and vacuum cleaner between samples.