FAQ

We hope that this section of our website assists you with any inquiries you may have about IATL. Please Contact Us for questions not answered here.

Turnaround Times

IATL realizes how important timely results are to our clients. It is important that the client clearly note the requested turn-around time on their paperwork to avoid any unnecessary delays. Turn-around times are based on business days and not calendar days. Please be aware that some tests/matrices can not be completed in a RUSH turn around due to requirements of the analytical method (ex. TCLP must be in prep for 18-24 hours before proceeding to analysis) and to comply with regulatory authority terms for certification.

We typically default 'no turn-around' submittals as five day. By the end of the fifth business day, results are communicated (faxed, verbally, emailed, etc.) before 18:00 EST. Rush turn-around can also be provided. Please confirm rush samples in advance by contacting our Customer Service Contacts, Submit Samples online or use the Analytical Request Form. IATL defines the following turn-around:

Sample Submission

All samples sent to IATL should be accompanied by a Chain of Custody (COC) Form. IATL encourages our clients to employ their own documentation and forms. IATL can supply approved forms for various asbestos and lead analyses.

Collection Media

Standard filter media and collection containers should be supplied by the client in accordance with established protocols. Our customer service representatives can advise clients about the correct media for the tests that IATL performs. For samples received that are not in compliance with the established methods, the client will be notified and disclaimers may apply to any results that are released. Furthermore, minimum sample volumes (amount of matrix submitted) must be attained for our laboratories to produce legally defensible analytical data under our accreditations. Lack of sample may void your analytical request and require a qualifier noting any deficiencies. Please contact our staff for more details.

Blanks

In accordance with established protocols, a minimum of one blank should be submitted for each type of analysis requested in a given batch of samples, even if the batch consists of only one sample. If blanks are submitted, but the client desires that they not be analyzed, regardless of analytical method, this must be clearly written on the client's sample log or chain of custody. Blank samples are charged at the normal sample rate.

Analytical Procedures

For Industrial Hygiene analyses, IATL follows the current NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods, OSHA Analytical Methods Manual, and other state or federal procedures. In addition, proprietary method and non-method development protocols are available.

Reporting

Results are faxed (or emailed if requested) throughout the day at IATL. Electronic Data Deliverables (EDD) are available in certain formats. The hard copy report is mailed within 3-5 days of the faxed results. Expedited Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are available with advance confirmation.

Subcontracted Analyses

IATL does not sub-contract any analyses. We may recommended that our clients utilize other laboratories for analytical services outside of our domain and certification.

Fees, Terms, and Discounts

Please contact our Customer Service Representatives for a current price schedule. Prices are valid for the calendar year (or period) issued. Terms are net 30 days. Discounts may be available for turnaround times that extend beyond 5 days and for large volume projects.

Confidentiality

All sample results and laboratory reports are strictly confidential. Results will be provided only to the client specified on the COC form submitted with the samples. IATL requires written permission from the addressee to release results to a third party.

Sample Disposal

Unless previous arrangements are made, samples are archived, then disposed of according to the following schedule:

Liability / Warrants

IATL warrants the test results to be of a precision normal for the type and methodology employed for each sample submitted. IATL disclaims any other warrants, expressed or implied, including warranty of fitness for a particular purpose and warranty of merchantability. IATL accepts no legal responsibility for the purpose for which the client uses test results. Any analytical work performed must be governed by our Standard Terms and Conditions. Prices, methods and detection limits may be changed without notification. Please contact your Customer Service Contact for the most current information.

Payment Terms

A completed Credit Application must be on file for IATL to extend credit beyond a nominal limit. Payment terms are net 30 days. IATL reserves the right to charge 1% finance charge per month on invoices that reach 31 days. In absence of an established credit arrangement or authorized purchase order, all analyses must be prepaid. IATL accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

Limits of Quantitation

The quantitation limits, reporting limits, method detection limits, lowest standard determined etc. are routinely examined and recalculated using current Quality Assurance guidelines (ISO 17025, 40 CFR 136 Appendix B). Many reports have disclaimers that offer information to clients about matrix dependent interferences. Please contact your Customer Service Contact if exact limits of quantitation are required for your project.

Analytical Methods

Many clients request information on field sampling requirements (e.g. filter media, flow rates, minimum volumes, etc.) and Analytical Methods.

Please request the following methods by clicking on the area of your inquiry.

• Asbestos Request
• Environmental Lead Request
• Industrial Hygiene Request

Data Interpretation

IATL is not an environmental engineering or consulting firm. We do, however, seek to assist clients who request information on certain methods, limits of quantitation, threshold values, and general information relating to the interpretation of their analytical data. To receive information about the following subjects, please select the indicated link.

MCLS

Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) are published by various regulatory authorities for many analytes. Results in excess of these values may warrant remediation or other actions by clients, building owners, occupational industrial hygiene and professionals, etc. A one page summary with MCLs is available for each topic below.

MDLs / LOQs

Limits of Quantitation (LOQ) vary from Method Detection Limits (MDLs), Limits of Detection (LODs), and Reporting Limits (RLs) according to definitions through the American Industrial Hygiene Association and recent ISO17025 guidelines. IATL performs annual MDL studies for most of its analytes.

To request MDLs / LOQs for Asbestos, Lead and Industrial Hygiene, click here.

Asbestos Settled Dust

IATL can provide references and a brief overview of Asbestos Settled Dust issues. This five page summary is available through Acrobat Reader.

Point Counting, Trace Level, Layers and Compositing, & TEM vs PLM

Various questions persist around the topic of bulk asbestos quantitation by PLM and other means. This technical summary can be downloaded. It has explanations, definitions, and references on Point Counting, Trace Level Reporting, Layers and Compositing, and the use of TEM vs PLM.

PCM vs TEM

Many environmental professionals still inquire about the efficacy of PCM and TEM methods for airborne investigations. This technical summary provides information and references on PCM vs TEM issues (download).

QA/QC

Clients often inquire about our Quality Assurance and Quality Control Program (QA/QC Program) at IATL. Sometimes sections of our QA/QC SOPs or other information documenting our performance in proficiencies etc. is requested by our clients.

To request QA/QC Program information, click here.

Recent News