What essential information should a sample label include?

A sample label is crucial for ensuring proper identification and tracking in laboratory analysis. Including the location, collection time, date, and initials provides a comprehensive record for each sample, which is vital for traceability and reproducibility in testing results. This information helps analysts understand the context of the sample, such as where it was taken and when, which can be critical for assessing changes in water quality over time or in response to specific events.

While other options may contain valuable information, they are not as essential for the identification and integrity of the sample itself. For instance, sample volume, temperature, pressure, pH level, and turbidity are important parameters that might be recorded during analysis, but they do not serve the same purpose in the labeling process, where immediate identification and context are key. Therefore, the inclusion of location, time, date, and initials on the label is of paramount importance, ensuring a clear chain of custody and facilitating proper handling and analysis of the sample.