Sediment elutriates can be prepared through extraction with either distilled water, saline water, or an organic solvent such as methylene chloride, or hexane.[12] To run an elutriate test a soil sample is mixed with an extractant for a period of time, then allowed to settle and a sample is taken from the extract. If particulate matter is in the sample that was collected, it may be necessary to centrifuge the sample for optimal clarity. Additionally, the pore water of sediments can be collected by centrifugation and tested without extraction.[12]