[prarieschooner]

I have always extracted the sample using a Vacuum Pump that was purchased for this purpose. The reason is simple, on a Boat the Oil is not Drained but Sucked out using some sort of Pump to keep from contaminating the Bilge. I always make sure that the Samples are withdrawn after Sea Trials in order to get an Acurate Sample (I need to make sure that I am not pulling the Sample from the Bottom of the Pan).
I think that we area all doing the same thing just a little different. The concern that I would have is to let the Fluid Run for a bit to ensure an Acurate Sample of what is being Circulated. I agree with the rest of you in that the Lab Results help to identify future Concerns and are relatively inexpensive when you look at the Cost of our Machines.