Probenquelle

Probenquelle is a term used in German-speaking scientific and technical contexts to denote the origin point of a sample to be analyzed. It refers to the physical location, material, or process from which a sample is taken. The concept emphasizes traceability and representativity: knowing exactly where, when, and how a sample was obtained.

Applications and contexts include environmental science, biology, medicine, and industry. In environmental monitoring, the probenquelle can be groundwater, surface water, soil, or air collected from a specified site. In clinical or biological laboratories, the probenquelle is the patient material, such as blood, tissue, or urine, delivered for analysis. In industrial quality control, it may refer to a batch, lot, or production stage. In archaeology or geology, it denotes the origin of a specimen or fossil. The term thus covers both raw material sources and sampling locations within a workflow.

Sampling practice associated with a probenquelle involves a defined plan that specifies site selection, sample size, replicates, and timing. Field procedures aim to minimize contamination and preserve sample integrity, using appropriate containers, preservatives, and temperature control. Detailed documentation includes labeling, date and time, geographic coordinates or site descriptions, and chain-of-custody records to ensure traceability from collection to analysis.

Quality and standards related to the probenquelle are linked to laboratory accreditation and methodological guidelines. Standards such as ISO/IEC 17025 address testing competence, while ISO 5667-series covers water and environmental sampling practices. Adherence to these standards supports data reliability, comparability, and transparent reporting of the sample’s origin.