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System Multipurpose Key (SMK) Codes
SMK stands for "System Multipurpose Key". The SMK code is used to designate different samples and/or replicates of samples collected at any one sampling station on the same date and at the same time. It is a 4-character string, made up of 4 digits, 0-9. The position of the digit in the string and the numeral in that position combine to convey information about the multiple samples. Multiple samples are collected in the following three common ways:
- Several samples may be taken from the same sample point and placed into separate sample bottles. Each individual sample of the total set will carry its own unique number.
One sample may be taken from the sample point and immediately divided in the field and placed into different sample bottles. Each portion of the original sample now residing in separate sample bottles is called a "field replicate".
One sample may be taken and not divided into separate sample bottles until it arrives at the laboratory. Each portion of the original sample now residing in sample bottles will be called a "laboratory replicate".
The meaning of the digits in each position of the four-digit SMK code is described in Table 1, below, with examples following.
Table 1: SMK Code Description
Position | Definition |
1 | Uses the numerals 0-7 to designate the presence of multiple samples, field replicates, and/or lab replicates. See the case description the following Table. |
2 | Uses a numeral to designate the sample in a set of multiple samples. |
3 | Uses a numeral to designate the replicate in a set of field replicates. |
4 | Uses a numeral to designate the replicate in a set of lab replicates. |
Table 2: Examples of SMK Codes
Type of Case | 1st Digit: Case Number | 2nd Digit: Multiple Sample | 3rd Digit: Field Action | 4th Digit: Lab Action |
| One Sample, Neither Field nor Lab Replicates | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| One Sample, Lab Replicates | 1 1 | 0 0 | 0 0 | 1 2 |
| One Sample, Field Replicates | 2 2 | 0 0 | 1 2 | 0 0 |
| Multiple Samples, Neither Field nor Lab Replicates | 3 3 3 | 1 2 3 | 0 0 0 | 0 0 0 |
| One Sample, Field Replicates and Lab Replicates | 4 4 4 4 | 0 0 0 0 | 1 1 2 2 | 1 2 1 2 |
| Multiple Samples, Field Replicates | 5 5 5 5 | 1 1 2 2 | 1 2 1 2 | 0 0 0 0 |
| Multiple Samples, Lab Replicates | 6 6 6 6 | 1 1 2 2 | 0 0 0 0 | 1 2 1 2 |
SMK Code | Significance |
| 0000 | This indicates 1 sample was taken, with no field or lab replicates. This is the most common code assigned. |
| 1004 | One sample was taken, and 4 lab replicates were split out. This is the 4th in that series. Note: For "1004" to exist, there must be a "1001", "1002", and a "1003". |
| 6202 | Multiple (discreet) samples were taken in the field and this is the 2nd in that series. The laboratory then split this sample, and this is the 2nd replicate. |
| 5310 | Multiple (discreet) samples were taken in the field. This is the 3rd of those samples. Field replicates were split out, and this is the 1st in that series. No laboratory replicates were made of this sample. |
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Point of contact: Matt Gubitosa
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Phone Number: (206) 553-4059
Last Updated: 05/26/2006
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