If a sample is collected on March 1st at 2 PM, what information should be recorded?

The most comprehensive and useful information to record when a sample is collected is the unique sample number along with the date and time of collection. This ensures traceability and allows for accurate tracking of the sample throughout the testing and analysis process. The unique sample number helps identify the specific sample among potentially many others collected, while the date and time provide critical context, especially if results need to be correlated with specific environmental conditions or operational changes at the time of collection.

Recording just the date of collection, the sample type and place of collection, or the name of the lab would not provide as complete a dataset for proper sample management and analysis. Each of these pieces of information is important, but without a unique identifier and precise timing, it would be difficult to handle re-sampling or comparison of results reliably. Therefore, including the unique sample number, date, and time ensures that all necessary information for sample identification and traceability is captured effectively.