Sample Submission Guidelines

• Approval is required to submit samples to the laboratory.  Contact 406-994-3383 to obtain approval before shipping any sample(s) to the laboratory. 
• Complete the Pesticide Sample Submission Form 
• Provide all information requested
• Ensure each sample submitted is uniquely identified

 

Sample Size

• Vegetation: gallon size Ziploc bag ~ 3/4 full
  • Do not include soil or roots of vegetation
• Water: ~2x500mL amber glass bottles 2/3 full
• Soil: ~ 2 to 3 cups in a secure container
  • Note: Out of State customers submitting soil to Montana must complete the following: double bag the soil; print and read the USDA Soil Compliance document; mail USDA Soil Compliance document with samples.
• Other: Contact the laboratory for instructions

 

Shipping

• Freeze soil and vegetation samples prior to shipping
• Refrigerate water samples prior to shipping
• Use care when packaging to ensure no damage occurs during shipment
• Ship OVERNIGHT on ice or blue ice in a cooler so samples remain refrigerated during shipment
• Ship Monday - Thursday so that samples arrive on a weekday
• DO NOT SHIP ON FRIDAY OR DURING A HOLIDAY

 

Sample Security

• Sample security is recommended for regulatory or litigation situations
• Fee is $25 per sample
• Notify the laboratory of sample security by checking the box located on the sample submission form
• Sample security insures strict chain-of-custody procedures are followed and a chain-of-custody report is included for each sample with the analytical report