oil analysis sample

Our X3 just hit 30K miles, (owned it since 23K), the oil change light still isnt on. According to the carfax, the original owner had it changed at 16K. I'm gonna make an appt to have it changed now but want to get a sample of it to send to blackstone for analysis. How can i get a sample of the oil out without pulling the drain plug? Any tips?

The oil filter?

On a cold engine, unscrew and remove the top, remove the element, siphon the required amount for a sample out of where the bottom of the element was sitting.

Need not be a messy exercise.

Re-using the rubber ring/gasket should be O.K., at least while you wait for the analysis results.
(Doesn't need much torque at all.)

Still having a dipstick would be nice, wouldn't it?