How to use the ISOSCAN’er kit

The contents of the ISOSCAN’er Kit

The ISOSCAN’er Kit consists 4 items: 

• The kit bag: The kit bag contains all you need to collect a sample. Please place the sample back to the bag before returning it. We have tried to make both the bag and its contents as reusable and recyclable as possible, so it is important that you return the bag with its contents (apart from the ISOSCAN’er Card) as instructed.
• Instructions: A short version of the instructions in English and Norwegian. Please return the instructions with the sample in the kit bag for re-use. More detailed instructions are below.
• Plastic tube: The clear tube a blue lid is used to collect the snow. The snow may melt inside the tube. The name on the label should be entered in the web form for registering the sample. 
• The ISOSCAN’er Card: The ISOSCAN’er Card is yours to keep. The number of the card helps you to find your sample on the map of all samples. By collecting ISOSCAN’er cards you can keep track of how many samples you have collected.  

Instructions

Here is how to take a sample. You can also watch the ISOSCAN’er video. Follow the steps below to take a sample and return it to one of the collection points:

1. Collect snow. Find a place with undisturbed snow, at least 50 meters away from buildings and roads. Snow from remote areas is the most valuable.
   • If the snow is fresh, open the tube and scrape as much of the fresh snow into it as possible, then close the lid firmly.
   • If the snow is old, remove the lid of the tube and push the tube with its opening facing down into the snow. Push the lid on and close firmly.
   • Place the tube in the bag and close the bag. The snow may melt, no need to keep the sample frozen.
   • Take your ISOSCAN’er card and keep it.
2. Register the sample. Use your smartphone with Internet connection to access the ISOSCAN webform. Provide the answers to the questions in the form. You will need to provide some information about the sampling, including your approximate location, so it is better to complete it as close to the sampling point as possible. If you cannot use the form on site, make a note of your coordinates, how deep in the snow you collected the sample, and the weather conditions. Then complete the online form as soon as possible after sampling.
3. Return the sample. Return the kit bag with the tube to one of the collection points in Tromsø, but remember to keep your ISOSCAN’er card!