Submitting samples to the laboratory correctly allows us to process your samples efficiently. Here are some tips to assist you in this regard: 

All samples for analysis must be received with an appropriate Chain of Custody (COC) or sample Submission form detailing the required analysis before work can commence. 

Download the Chain of Custody

The lodgement of an order or receipt of samples constitutes an acceptance of our standard terms and conditions.

Clearly note the sample identification that you wish to appear on the analysis report along with the project number and or description. 

Specify the turnaround time required: standard turn-around time for samples is generally 5 working days. Rush work or urgent turnaround is available, please contact Jacinta Hurst for details on 02 9910 6200.

Turnaround time

Standard Turnaround Times (TAT) are as follows: 

For the purposes of determining due dates, samples received after 3pm Monday through to Friday are deemed to have been received the following working day. TAT begins when a complete COC is received.

Turnaround Time examples:

• If a sample is received at 10am Tuesday on a 5 day TAT, results will be reported by COB the following Tuesday. 

• If a sample is received after 3pm on a Wednesday, it is deemed to have been received 9am Thursday and so results will be available by COB the following Thursday. 

• If a sample is received 10am Thursday for a 1 day TAT, results will be reported by COB Friday. 

• If a sample is received at 4pm Thursday for a 2 day TAT, results will be reported by COB Tuesday. 

Please contact Jacinta Hurst if you require faster TAT’s.

Rush Analyses (Urgent work)

RUSH service MUST be approved by the laboratory BEFORE samples are submitted.  A surcharge is added to the fee if rush turnaround time (TAT) is requested.  Such surcharges range from 12.5% to 200% of the fee and depend upon the TAT and analysis to be performed.  Samples are entered into our rush analysis handling system immediately upon receipt at our facility.

Safety Disclosure

Please ensure that any safety hazards with samples are relayed to the lab staff via the COC. This may include heavily contaminated samples, pure products, asbestos or dioxins. Providing this information is not only helpful for staff safety but may result in faster results if we know what dilutions may initially be required.

Sample Preservation

Envirolab Services will provide appropriately clean and preserved sampling containers free of charge. Please contact the laboratory and allow at least 2 days for delivery.

We use a combination of APHA, USEPA & Australian Standard references.

Sample Temperatures

Envirolab Services can arrange courier pickups from your office or site. Please call our customer service teams for details of this service.

Samples should be packed in eskies with ice bricks (not ice) and wrapped in bubble wrap or foam to avoid sample breakages. Samples should not be sent to the laboratory from regional or interstate locations on Fridays or the day before NSW Public Holidays due to holding time and temperature issues.  

Sample Storage

A sample receipt advise will be will be emailed along with a scanned copy of the COC when your job has been registered and contract reviewed. The SRA details the condition of the samples on receipt, the date that the results can be expected and Envirolab reference number which can be used for tracking purposes.

Detection Limits

It is the client’s responsibility to advise if specific detection limits are required, otherwise we will perform the analysis to routine or general industry accepted limits.  Most analyses become more expensive and time-consuming as the detection limits are lowered and will incur extra charges. In some cases specified detection limits may not be achievable if the sample contains interferences or has a high moisture or salt content.  

Holding Times

Click here for a summary of recommended holding times.