--- title: "Get sample collection right from the start – sometimes a pilot is worth it – Case Study – Biomcare" description: "In microbiome projects, planning is critical to getting meaningful results. Without experience in microbiome study design, important decisions around sampling and methodology may be made too early or on too little evidence." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://biomcare.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Case Studies", "item": "https://biomcare.com/cases" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Sample Collection Pilot" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://biomcare.com/#organization", "name": "BiomCare", "url": "https://biomcare.com", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://biomcare.com/favicon.ico" }, "description": "Biomcare delivers microbiome intelligence for agriculture, animal science, and translational research - from DNA sequencing to actionable insights.", "email": "info@biomcare.com", "sameAs": [ "https://linkedin.com/company/biomcare" ] }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://biomcare.com/#website", "name": "BiomCare", "url": "https://biomcare.com", "publisher": { "@id": "https://biomcare.com/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Article", "headline": "Get sample collection right from the start – sometimes a pilot is worth it – Case Study – Biomcare", "description": "In microbiome projects, planning is critical to getting meaningful results. Without experience in microbiome study design, important decisions around sampling and methodology may be made too early or on too little evidence.", "url": "https://biomcare.com/cases/sample-collection-pilot", "publisher": { "@id": "https://biomcare.com/#organization" } } ] } ] --- [![Biomcare](data:image/png;base64,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)](/) [Services](/services) [Applications](/applications) [Resources](/resources)[Cases](/cases) [Company](/company) [Contact](/contact-biomcare) Toggle menu 1. [Home ](/) 2. [Case Studies](/cases) 3. Sample Collection Pilot Methods & Consulting # Get sample collection right from the start – sometimes a pilot is worth it Client: Confidential Client Client is an organisation working within environmental or ecological research Services used: Study & Trial Support ## Problem In microbiome projects, planning is critical to getting meaningful results. Without experience in microbiome study design, important decisions around sampling and methodology may be made too early or on too little evidence. This can lead to project designs that do not produce clear or conclusive results. A common challenge is that the right sequencing method may be identifiable, while key questions about sample collection still remain unanswered. ## Question How can a project team make sure that sampling strategy and microbiome methodology are well matched to the biological question before scaling up a larger study? ## What we did Biomcare supports clients early in project planning to help define the right microbiome approach from the start. This includes advising on study design, sequencing strategy, sample collection, and sample storage. When important uncertainties remain, we may recommend a pilot study to test sampling choices before a larger project begins. For example, this can help determine which sampling depth, distance, or collection strategy is most suitable for the biological question and study system. ## Insight A pilot can provide the data needed to validate both the sampling setup and the sequencing approach before committing to a large study. While it adds time and cost upfront, it can reduce the risk of generating inconclusive results later. By resolving key uncertainties early, the larger project can be designed with greater confidence and a stronger basis for producing useful biological insight. > "We relied heavily on the experience of Biomcare for help and advice on setting up the project and storing the samples." ### Interested in a similar project? Tell us about your research goals and we'll outline how we can support your project. [Contact us](/contact-biomcare) Typical response within 1-2 business days "We relied heavily on the experience of Biomcare for help and advice on setting up the project and storing the samples." ### Related case studies [ ![](/assets/case-coral-microbiome-iWZC7Ot1.webp) Life Science & Animals #### Coral microbiome analysis during disease emergence Read case study ](/cases/coral-microbiome-disease)[ ![](/assets/Deciphering-Soil-Biology-Lzefxm1t.webp) Agriculture & Environment #### Deciphering Soil Biology across more than 100 diverse agricultural fields Read case study ](/cases/deciphering-soil-biology) ![Biomcare](data:image/png;base64,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) Leading microbiome research partner delivering cutting-edge DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, and consulting services for agriculture and life sciences. [info at biomcare dot com ](#) [+45 31 57 20 81](tel:+4531572081)Aarhus, Denmark [](https://www.linkedin.com/company/biomcare)[](https://x.com/BiomCare) ### Services - [Study and Trial Support](/services) - [Biostimulants and Monocultures](/services) - [Fungi Pathogen and Crop Rotation](/services) - [Microbiome Analysis](/services) - [Bioinformatics and Statistics](/services) - [Interpretation and Decision Reports](/services) ### Applications - [Farmers, Growers & Horticulture](/applications/farmers-growers-horticulture) - [Producers](/applications/producers) - [Advisors and Knowledge Institutions](/applications/advisors-knowledge-institutions) ### Company - [About Biomcare](/about) - [Management](/management) - [Why Choose Biomcare](/why-choose-biomcare) - [Scientific Leadership](/scientific-leadership) - [Recommendations](/recommendations) - [Contact](/contact-biomcare) ### Resources - [Resources](/resources) - [Cases](/cases) - [Key Terms](/key-terms-in-microbiome-projects) - [FAQ](/frequently-asked-questions) Member of: [![Food & Bio Cluster Denmark](/assets/food-and-bio-cluster-dk-DLB5vP6-.webp)](https://www.foodbiocluster.dk)[![IBIS – Danish Technological University](/images/ibis-dtu-logo.webp)](https://ibis.dtu.dk/) Scientific quality: [Scientific review and quality assurance](/scientific-leadership) © 2026 Biomcare. All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](/resources/privacy-policy-for-biomcare)[Cookie Declaration](/cookie-declaration)[Terms & Conditions](/terms) × [ ![](/assets/susanna-biostatistics-B9hiFsaE.webp) ![](/assets/kirill-korobitsyn-biomcare-3-C-7EUqoC.webp) Need help? Get in touch ](/contact-biomcare)