The TAT clock begins at the date and time of sample receipt if sample receipt occurs during normal business hours (0830 to 1730 hours Monday through Friday). If sample receipt occurs outside of normal business hours, the TAT clock begins at 0830 hours the next business day.
Bottle orders may be placed by contacting your Project Manager by email or phone. ASI can provide proper containers for the collection, storage and delivery of practically any sample. To simplify your field work and ensure sample integrity, our EPA-certified clean containers include pre-printed labels, necessary preservatives and ASI Chain-of-Custody forms. We will even provide you with sampling instructions as guidance if necessary. If you would like for ASI to coordinate transportation of your samples back to the laboratory safely then, simply request your Project Manager to arrange for this service in advance. A nominal fee may be applied for this convenience.
ASI’s normal business hours are:
We encourage at least a 24 hour notice for all pickups and bottle orders – more time for large bottle orders. However, we will make every attempt to accommodate our clients’ requests. For every bottle order, we suggest contacting a Project Manager with details of your sampling event and to ensure that your request is complete.
The cost of analysis depends on many variables including: sample matrix, prep methods, analytical method, turn-around time, data deliverables and payment terms. For cost estimates, please call or email a Project Manager to assist you in developing a list of fees based on your testing needs.
ASI offers turnaround times as short as same day for some parameters. Standard turnaround times for average projects are 5-7 working days. Large projects or those dealing with special matrix and/or non-standard testing may require more time and will be quoted on a case by case basis. Rush project handling is available for most analyses. Projects requiring rush turnaround should be scheduled well in advance with your project manager and reasonable surcharges will usually apply. ASI is committed to meeting all our clients’ deliverable deadlines and our ability to do so has contributed greatly to our 30+ years of continued success.
Simply call Analytical Services, Inc. at (770) 734-4200 or (800) 274-7227 and ask for Project Management, or complete a credit application and return via first class mail or fax to (770) 734-4201. Click here to download Credit Application (PDF).
A Reporting Limit (RL or RDL) is the limit of detection for a specific target analyte for a specific sample after any adjustments have been made for dilutions or percent moisture. Some state regulatory programs require a laboratory to prove it can reliably “see” down to its RL by setting the RL at the lowest point on the calibration curve.
In contrast, the Method Detection Limit or MDL is lower than the RL (often much lower) and is a statistical calculation. Since the MDL is below the point of calibration, results reported down to the MDL are not reliable and must be qualified as estimated values and, as such, carry a “J” qualifier designation.
ASI makes every attempt to achieve the lowest reporting limits for the provided matrix. State and federal regulatory programs often have specific action levels that must be achieved. Complex sites with their own Quality Assurance Project Plans also specify action levels and reporting limits. ASI’s Project Management with technical staff support can assist you in setting up a project that meets specific reporting limits.
Hazardous Characteristics are the parameters identified by the USEPA that define a hazardous waste. They are Toxicity, Ignitability and Corrosivity. A fourth characteristic, reactivity, was withdrawn by the USEPA. However, several regulatory agencies continue to request the parameter. A positive test for any one characteristic defines the waste as hazardous.
Toxicity is determined with a simulated leach of the waste. The leachate is analyzed for a regulated list of compounds consisting of Volatile Organics, Pesticides, Herbicides, Semi-Volatile Organics and Metals. The Toxicity of Characteristics Leaching Procedure (TCLP) is used for Pesticides, Herbicides, Semi-Volatile Organics and Metals, while the Zero Headspace Extraction (ZHE) is used for Volatile Organics.
Federal Regulations for environmental compliance typically incorporate a group of analytical chemistry methods which are specific for that regulation. These test methods are listed in SW-846 and coupled with the new MIR updates are considered appropriate for RCRA applications.
For example, if you are sampling groundwater under the Solid Waste Rules, you should use 8000-series methods for organics and 6000-series methods for inorganics. Applications for the Solid Waste reporting are groundwater, surface water detection monitoring and leachate discharge analysis.
It is always best to contact your ASI Project Manager to ensure the appropriate methods are used.
Most tests performed under environmental regulations have a method-specific holding time. This is recommended time limit window beginning from time the sample has been placed in a preserved container to the time of analysis initiation. ASI provides a Sample Reference Guide for common methods and parameters. Please contact one of our Project Managers with any questions regarding our reference guide.
Many test methods have preferred sufficient sample volumes and preservation requirements. Please see our Containers, Preservations, Holding Times table for common methods and parameters. Please contact your Project Manager for any questions regarding our reference guide.
Analytical Services provides summary data report sheets in PDF format through our ASI’s Information Management System. All electronic data transfers and data disk deliverables are generated by downloading data directly from the ASI LIMS to a requested format. As a result, all data provided electronically comes from the same data base, and is subject to the same quality control procedures, as data provided in hard copy formats. This protocol eliminates the risky practice of manually re-entering data for electronic deliverables. We can also present your data in a variety of optional electronic data delivery formats. Click here to review formatting options.
All samples submitted to ASI must be accompanied by a properly completed chain-of-custody (COC) or a purchase order that enumerates the specific analyses required.
Yes, ASI is one of the few laboratories offering field-sampling services. Many of our clients lack the resources or consistent experience to provide this service. For those clients who already have an existing field service provider, our team can offer support with direct access to laboratory resources. Our field service teams routinely travel throughout the southeast and into the Caribbean. Contact one of our Project Managers to learn more about our field-sampling services.