Sample Submission:  Sample containers are provided with the assumption these items will be returned.  The laboratory reserves the right to bill clients for un-returned containers at replacement costs.  Sample containers are routinely shipped by ground delivery United Parcel Services (UPS).  If air express is requested, the client will be billed for this service.  Sample transportation to the laboratory is the responsibility of the client.

Chain of Custody:  Chain of Custody forms are provided at no additional charge.  Chain of custody forms should be legible and complete.  It is recommended that a separate form for each sample type (e.g. metals, organics, dusts, asbestos) be used.  Include the following information when submitting samples to the laboratory:

1.      Client name, address (if not using pre-printed form)

2.      Telephone number, fax number

3.      Project name/number

4.      Date and time of sample collection

5.      Number and types of samples

6.      Type of analysis requested on each sample

7.      Sample identification, including time and air volumes

8.      Purchase order information

9.      Signature of person submitting samples

10. Sample identification numbers clearly marked on each sample submitted are necessary for cross-referencing and sample tracking throughout the laboratory.  The number chosen to identify your samples should also be written on the chain of custody form submitted with the samples.

11.  Indicate any special instructions

Providing this information will help eliminate delays.  Please submit the top two copies of the chain of custody form with your samples and retain the bottom copy for your records.

Turn Around Time:  Standard turnaround time for most environmental analyses averages seven business days from sample receipt in the laboratory until results are provided by the close of the business day.  Priority analysis is available with advanced notification and provides results within two business days of sample receipt.  In most situations, a 75% additional charge is applied.  Samples requiring weekend analyses must be pre-arranged prior to sample submission (please see Weekends below).
 
Sample Retention and Disposal:  Unless otherwise requested in writing, the laboratory will retain samples for thirty days after receipt.  Non-hazardous or low level hazardous samples will be disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner by the laboratory and in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and/or laws.  The laboratory, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to return hazardous samples to the client or to charge for their disposal.

Blanks:  Good laboratory practice includes the use of blanks to monitor contamination at various sampling and testing stages.  All samples for volatile analyses should be accompanied by a trip blank, supplied by the laboratory with sampling media, carried to the sampling site, and returned to the laboratory.  Field blanks and equipment blanks should be collected by the sampler to monitor contamination from ambient conditions as well as sampling devices.  Method blanks are prepared by the laboratory and run as methods require.

Weekends:  Schneider Laboratories offers same day turn-around on Saturday testing (except TEMS and send-out/referral tests). Two day advanced notice of sample arrival is required and pre-approval by the Laboratory Director is needed in order to receive Saturday results. Rush turn-around-time requests remain the same for weekends and weekdays.  

Data Package Levels and Associated Costs: