A Introduction and guidance for planning field studies -- B Sample collection -- C Thermal desorption and GC/MS analysis -- D Permeation tube preparation and calibration -- E Tenax-GC[registered trademark] sample trap preparation and screening This introduction to the NEIC air sampling and analysis procedures provides background information on air sampling by various means and the reasoning behind the selection of procedures for use at NEIC. Any environmental analytical data can be no better than the sampling plan and the protocols used to collect samples. This is especially true for air sampling for organic compounds. The objectives of a field study (for example: great interest in one or a few known compounds) can indicate, if not require, the use of modifications to standard sampling protocols. States more explicitly, air sampling and analytical methods need to be tailored to the objectives of the field study. Therefore, is is important that both field and laboratory personnel understand the basic physical processes and principles of organic air pollutant analysis.