What is a composite sample?

A composite sample refers to a collection that combines individual subsamples taken from specific locations or points within a defined area. This methodology is often employed in environmental assessments, including lead-based paint risk assessments, to obtain a representative snapshot of contamination levels over a larger area rather than focusing on a single spot. The practice of creating composite samples allows for the assessment of variability within the site, improving the reliability of the results by averaging out highs and lows from different locations. This can be crucial in determining overall risk and informing remediation strategies effectively.

In contrast, a single sample from one location only captures the conditions of that specific spot, potentially missing broader contamination patterns. Multiple samples from different locations, while helpful individually, do not provide the combined data that a composite sample does. A diluted version of a single sample would not serve the purpose of aggregating information over an area, as dilution changes the concentration rather than combining data from different sources.