Probenmaterial

Probenmaterial, literally "sample material" in German, denotes material taken from a person, environment, or product to be analyzed or tested. It serves as the basis for diagnostic tests, quality control, and scientific research. Probenmaterial can be solid, liquid, or gaseous, and may be fresh or preserved to maintain its properties during transport and storage.

Common examples include biological samples such as blood, urine, or tissue; environmental samples such as water, soil, or air; and material or product samples such as metals, polymers, foods, or pharmaceuticals. Certified reference materials constitute a special class used to calibrate instruments and validate analytical methods.

Handling and processing rely on representative sampling. Procedures include labeling, documentation, and, when required, chain of custody. Preservation and transport conditions are essential to preserve integrity; cooling or freezing for biologicals, fixation for tissue, and chemical preservatives for liquids are typical approaches. Before analysis, samples may undergo preparation steps such as homogenization, filtration, or extraction.

Quality and safety: The reliability of results depends on pre-analytical factors, storage duration, and the suitability of the analytic method. Laboratories follow standardized protocols and quality systems to ensure accuracy and traceability. Handling of human-derived samples requires informed consent and compliance with privacy and biosafety regulations; regulatory frameworks include GMP/GxP and ISO/IEC 17025, among others.