Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 216 - Department of health › Chapter 60 - Laboratories and Medical Examiner › Subchapter 05 - State Laboratory › Part 6 - Licensing Analytical Laboratories for Sampling and Testing Cannabis › Section 216-RICR-60-05-6.18 - Sample Collection Procedures

Current through June 14, 2024
A. The analytical
				  laboratory sample collector must create a new entry for each sampling event in
				  a sample collection logbook or prepare sample collection forms for
				  documentation of sample collection. Sample collection documentation must
				  identify the sample collection date and start time, participating personnel, a
				  general description of the product type and batch number sampled, a description
				  of the sampling procedures used, and a record of batches that would potentially
				  be impacted should analysis results indicate unacceptable contamination
				  levels.
B. Samples of Industrial
				  Hemp flower must be collected according to procedures of the USDA's
				  Establishment of a Domestic Hemp Production Program  7 C.F.R. Part 990  Subpart B
				  - State and Tribal Hemp Production Plans, incorporated in §
										6.3(C)   of
				  this Part.
C. The analytical
				  laboratory sample collector must identify or determine the tracking number of
				  each finished production batch sampled and the number and amount of samples to
				  be collected for each.
D. The
				  analytical laboratory sample collector must record the number of samples taken
				  from each cultivation and/or production batch must be recorded in the sample
				  collection logbook or forms.
E. The
				  analytical laboratory sample collector must record the sample cultivation and
				  production batch identifiers (ID) for each sample. The batch IDs will be
				  included on sample labels. In addition to the batch ID, the analytical
				  laboratory sample collector must create a unique sample ID for each sample.
				  Sample identifiers must be unique for a given sample event. Record the batch
				  and sample IDs in the sample collection logbook.
F. The analytical laboratory sample collector
				  must prepare sample labels and affix them to sample containers immediately
				  before sampling. The sample label must include the analytical laboratory's
				  license number, state tracking number of the sample batch, producer's sample
				  identification, date/time of collection and by whom. The analytical laboratory
				  license number, sample collector's name, product type, collection method, and
				  other details about the product, such as cannabis infused product type or
				  production method must be recorded in the Chain-of Custody (COC) if not
				  included on the sample label.
G.
				  The analytical laboratory sample collector must wear disposable gloves, and not
				  wear perfumes or creams to mitigate potential for contamination of
				  samples.
H. Any tools that contact
				  the samples must be made of stainless steel or other inert material to avoid
				  potential contamination of the sample. Appropriate sample collection containers
				  must be made of suitable materials.
I. The analytical laboratory sample collector
				  must ensure that the sampling area is clean and decontaminated and lay out any
				  tools and equipment needed.
J. The
				  analytical laboratory sample collector must collect the samples from each
				  cultivation or production batch one at a time following the approved sampling
				  plan as described in §§
										6.11(D)  and
				   6.17(K)   of
				  this Part.
K. The analytical
				  laboratory sample collector must collect the sample using an appropriate tool.
				  Do not touch the sample with your hands or allow the sample to touch anything
				  that might cause cross contamination.
L. The analytical laboratory sample collector
				  must record the time each sample was collected and record any difficulties,
				  inconsistencies with the sampling plan, or other remarks (e.g., environmental
				  conditions) that might be relevant to data analysis or quality
				  assurance.
M. The analytical
				  laboratory sample collector must clean any tools or equipment that come in
				  contact with the finished plant material or other cannabis products before
				  collecting the next sample to avoid cross contamination of samples.
N. The analytical laboratory sample collector
				  must place all samples in clean, sealed sample collection containers that are
				  large enough to hold the prescribed sample quantity with minimal headspace to
				  preserve the chemical and biological composition. Sample containers must be
				  firmly closed and appropriately labeled.
O. The analytical laboratory sample collector
				  must maintain all samples on ice prior to and during transport to the
				  analytical laboratory in a clean locked carrier.
P. The analytical laboratory sample collector
				  must ensure that cannabis samples are secured and safe during transport.
				  Transport vehicles must have a locked storage compartment within which the
				  cannabis sample is secured. The sample collector must not stop for gasoline
				  in-route between where the samples are collected and the analytical laboratory
				  where the samples will be analyzed.
Q. The analytical laboratory sample
				  collectors must have their testing agent registration cards for the licensed
				  cultivator/compassion center in their possession while collecting and
				  transporting samples.
R. The
				  analytical laboratory sample collector must collect duplicate samples to
				  provide verification of sampling and laboratory procedures. Specifically, a
				  duplicate must be at least collected for five percent (5%) (one (1) per twenty
				  (20)) of the samples collected for each cannabis product type. Duplicate
				  samples are used to evaluate any variance in the sampling procedures. To ensure
				  authenticity, QC samples must be taken on the same day, be derived from the
				  same batch, and documented on the test results tracking sheet.
S. The analytical laboratory sample collector
				  must complete the COC paperwork immediately prior to transporting the sample to
				  the analytical laboratory. The sampler must record all sampling related
				  information on the COC including:
1. Name and
				  license number of the licensed analytical laboratory;
2. Date and time that each sample is
				  collected;
3. Identity of the
				  sampler;
4. Compassion center
				  registration number or licensed cultivator license number, as
				  applicable;
5. Address and contact
				  number of the cannabis production facility where sampling occurs;
6. State tracking number of each sample
				  collected;
7. Identification of
				  each sample collected;
8.
				  Identification of each product batch;
9. Description of each sample
				  collected;
10. Location of each
				  sampled finished product;
11.
				  Matrix of each sample collected;
12. Approximate weight or quantity of each
				  sample collected;
13. Specific
				  tests requested;
14. Printed name
				  and signature of production facility representative who relinquished the
				  samples; and,
15. Printed name and
				  signature of the sample collector.
16. DBR approved transport vehicle
				  registration number.
17. Transport
				  vehicle odometer reading when leaving lab and upon return.