What sample should be provided to the lab for establishing a baseline?

Providing a baseline sample from new oil is crucial for establishing reliable benchmarks for comparison during ongoing analysis. New oil represents an uncontaminated state, free from any additives or wear debris that might exist in used or contaminated oil samples. By analyzing this "new" reference point, technicians can determine the standard levels of various parameters, such as viscosity, additives, and contaminants, which are essential for identifying changes over time in the operational oil.

This approach allows for a clear comparison against future samples, enabling technicians to identify potential issues early, such as wear or contamination, by noting deviations from the established baseline. Ensuring that the baseline is taken from new oil rather than used or contaminated oil helps in drawing accurate conclusions during the analysis process.