What type of container should be used for wipe samples and why?

Using non-rigid containers for wipe samples is essential to avoid sample transfer and contamination. Wipe samples are often taken from surfaces to assess lead levels or other contaminants, and it's critical that the integrity of the sample is maintained throughout the collection, transportation, and analysis processes. Non-rigid containers allow for flexibility, which can help keep the sample intact and minimize the risk of cross-contamination with other samples or contaminants present in the environment.

When wipe samples are placed in rigid containers, there's a risk that the sample might be compressed or altered, potentially affecting the results of the analysis. Additionally, non-rigid containers can easily conform to the shapes of the samples being collected, which helps ensure that the entirety of the sample is preserved for accurate testing.

The other options introduce considerations that may not prioritize sample integrity as effectively or may inadvertently lead to complications during the sampling process. For example, while rigid containers can prevent physical damage, they may not adequately address the issues related to sample transfer or contamination that are crucial when analyzing wipe samples for lead.