Subsample

SUBSAMPLE, n - a portion of an original sample (which may be in any of three phases - gas, liquid, or solids or a mixture of all). A smaller portion of the original sample created by trimming, subdividing, splitting or discrete collection of the orginal sample. The term subsample differentiates and denotes the method and source by which a specimen, or sample is obtained, collected and prepared for the purposes of laboratory and/ or field analysis and testing. A "subsample" infers a representative nature to that of the original sample, thereby assuring equivalency in results from tests and analysis either upon the subsample or the original material, independent of their size. Descriptions that refer to discrete subsample, distinct subsample, separate subsample, individual subsample all refer to a subsample not necessarily representative of the original and which may differ widely in any number of characteristics from that of the original sample.