This page outlines the circumstances under which Teklab will accept samples for analysis and provides insight into our protocol.

Teklab’s Policy for Receiving Samples

Teklab’s typical turnaround time for analytical services is about 5 business days. However, this timeframe can fluctuate depending on the volume of samples and our current workload. If you require expedited results or have a large project, please contact your project manager in advance to discuss rush priority processing or specialized analytical options.

During the holiday season, our laboratory schedule may be affected. We will post a link to our holiday schedule on this page, so please check it before sampling to ensure we are accepting samples at that time. Accurate tracking of sampling information is crucial. Please review and comply with our Chain of Custody (COC) requirements, as samples that do not meet our acceptance protocol cannot be processed.

1. Chain of Custody Requirements:
The Chain of Custody form must include required information.

Sample identification & location, plus date and time of collection.
Sample collector’s name
Sample type & preservation used
Required analytical testing
Special comments or instructions, including any specific reporting limits.
Indication if the samples are known to be hazardous or involved in litigation.
Signatures of the sample collector and all individuals who handle the sample (acknowledging the terms and conditions listed on the reverse side of the form).
Purchase order number and/or special invoicing instructions

2. Sample Labeling:
Each sample must be labeled clearly and accurately using durable labels and indelible ink. Labels must contain a unique identification for each sample.

3. Sample Quantity and Preservation:
An adequate volume of sample must be provided in the appropriate containers with the correct preservatives required for the specific analyses.

4. Sample Holding Times:
All analyses are subject to required holding times. To ensure compliance, samples should be delivered to Teklab promptly after collection. If samples are received with less than half of the required hold time remaining, a surcharge may apply, or the analysis may not be completed within the designated hold time.

5. Temperature Requirements:
Samples requiring thermal preservation at 4°C must be received with a temperature between 0.5°C and 6.0°C. For same-day deliveries, samples should show evidence that chilling has begun, such as being packed on ice.

6. Notification of Issues:
Clients will be informed if there are any signs of damage or contamination, or if the sample does not meet the outlined acceptance criteria. In such cases, analysis will not proceed without client verification, and all communications will be documented.

Data Interpretation and Reporting

Once the analysis is complete, interpreting the results and generating comprehensive reports can take time, especially if the data is complex or if matrix interference is a concern.

Together, these factors can contribute to unexpected extended timeframes needed for accurate and reliable environmental sample analysis. This is why at Teklab, our 5 to 7 day turn-around is something we take pride in and work rigorously to uphold. This laboratory has been in operation for over 40 years, throughout our tenure in the industry we have made many changes to evolve with the analytical landscape and grow over time. Yet, our core values have and always will be providing our customers with the best quality analytical testing possible, and our employees with a safe and friendly workplace of which to learn and grow their career.

Environmental sample analysis can take time due to several factors:

Complexity of the Samples: Environmental samples, such as soil, water, air, or biological material, often contain a large variety of substances, including contaminants, microorganisms, and chemicals. The complexity of these samples requires extensive preparation, extraction, and separation steps to isolate and analyze the components of interest efficiently.

Multiple Testing Procedures: Different environmental analyses often require multiple, distinct tests to measure different substances or characteristics. Testing for heavy metals, organic pollutants, and microbial contamination involves different methods. Each application has its own sample preparation and testing procedures.

Sensitivity and Precision: Environmental analyses typically require high levels of sensitivity and accuracy to detect low concentrations of pollutants or contaminants. This requires more time-consuming procedures, such as dilution, calibration, and repeated measurements, to ensure accurate results and protect sophisticated instrumentation.

Sample Preparation: Environmental samples need thorough preparation before testing. For example, water samples might need to be filtered, soil samples might require sieving, and air samples may need specific traps or specialized hermetic containers. This prep work can take hours or days depending on the nature of the sample and the analysis required.

What is a Sampling Chain of Custody?

The Chain of Custody (COC) is a critical document and process in environmental testing that ensures the integrity and traceability of samples from the moment they are collected to the point of final analysis and reporting. It is a legal and procedural framework that safeguards the credibility of the data and guarantees that the samples have not been tampered with or contaminated.

Each sample is uniquely identified with labels or tags, often including:

Date and time of collection-
Sampling location and condition
Sample ID number
Sample matrix type (e.g., soil, water, air)
Preservation Method

Documentation of Sample Handling

The COC form tracks the movement and handling of the sample, detailing:

Who collected the sample.
Date, time, and method of collection.
Transfer of custody (names of individuals and organizations involved).
Sample storage conditions (e.g., temperature).
Compliance Information
May include additional embedded metadata (Geolocation, Field Data/Notes, etc.)

Signatures and Dates

Every person who handles the sample must sign and date the COC form when they take custody,
ensuring an unbroken chain of responsibility and non-repudiation.

Sample Integrity Information:
Details about preservation techniques (e.g., refrigeration, chemical preservatives)
are recorded to confirm that the sample’s condition remains unchanged.
Testing and Analytical Instructions:
The COC includes specific instructions for the laboratory, such as the required tests,
methods, or regulatory standards to follow.

Why the Chain of Custody is Important

The COC provides a verifiable record that ensures the sample’s integrity throughout its lifecycle.

Maintaining rigorous legal defensibility and ensuring stringent regulatory compliance are paramount in environmental testing, especially in legal cases where the credibility of environmental data may be challenged. Teklab prioritizes data integrity through meticulous proper documentation, guaranteeing that analytical results accurately reflect the correct sample, thereby establishing data reliability and validity. Our robust Chain of Custody (COC) procedures are designed to provide traceability and accountability with an unbroken chain of custody, ensuring every individual handling the sample is responsible and bolstering confidence in the results. By carefully documenting handling and storage conditions, our COC protocols significantly contribute to the minimized risk of contamination or misidentification of samples.

How Teklab Ensures Chain of Custody:

We achieve this through standardized documentation with comprehensive COC forms tailored to meet both regulatory and client-specific needs. Our secure sample management includes temperature-controlled storage and secure facilities to preserve sample integrity. Our trained personnel are thoroughly versed in COC protocols, guaranteeing adherence to stringent industry standards. Furthermore, we offer digital COC options, providing streamlined electronic chain of custody forms for enhanced efficiency and traceability, ultimately safeguarding the defensibility and regulatory acceptance of your environmental data.

Sample Acceptance