The sampling procedures described in this practice have been designed to ensure random sampling of salt-preserved hides and skins for physical and chemical tests. Salt-preserved hides are natural products and as such are subject to extensive variability. The physical and chemical properties vary considerably depending on location on that specific hide, side, or skin from which the test sample is taken. Random sampling of specimens from a predefined location and orientation minimizes test bias and variability. This practice defines these parameters.

In general, tests carried out upon salt-preserved hides require composite lot samples generated using the preparation methods described within this practice. Subsequent tests typically require those composite samples to be in two forms:

3.2.1 Expressed Hide Fluid-where residual hide fluid is pressed from each de-haired and cleaned individual hide sample, then equal volumes of each extracted fluid are blended together to create the composite sample.

3.2.2 Hide Material Sample-where equal quantities of de-haired and cleaned hide material are blended together to create a representative composite sample.