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Submitting Samples

Meeting your needs is a priority at the University of Guelph, Laboratory Services, Agriculture and Food Laboratory (AFL). Customer Service is your key to unlocking the potential of our regulatory and analytical testing services. If you are a new client or this is a new project with us, please contact us. We will ensure that your project receives the most efficient and cost-effective process available for your project size and testing volumes. Our sample reception hours are Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. 

Click below to learn more about our sample submission procedure or contact us for further information:

 

 

 

Sampling and Shipping Guidelines

The following information provides guidelines for submitting samples:

 

  • When collecting a sample, ensure that it is appropriate for the analysis and the answer you need.
  • Ensure sample size and containers are appropriate by referring to our Sample Instruction Table. If your sample type or test does not appear on the table, or if you have any questions, contact Customer Service.
  • Clearly label samples with indelible ink.
  • Enclose samples individually in leak-proof containers that are able to withstand shipping. To prevent breakage, extra packaging should be used when shipping glass containers.
  • Complete the appropriate sample submission form and enclose with samples. Submission forms will be sent with quotations.
  • For moist samples, enclose the sample submission form in a separate plastic bag. Provide any critical information about sample history, expected ranges, use of results, or handling hazards on submission form. Clearly state the analysis requested.
  • Samples can be sent to the laboratory by mail or courier, or they can be hand-delivered between 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
  • Be aware that certain samples require refrigeration, freezing or extra packaging to maintain sample integrity or control offensive odours.  Ship these samples such that these conditions are maintained until they are received by the laboratory.
  • Do not ship perishable samples to arrive at the laboratory on holidays or weekends.
  • For specific Canada Post and courier regulations, please refer to their websites.

 

The laboratory reserves the right not to process samples which pose a health risk to laboratory personnel or are leaking, damaged or spoiled and are no longer suitable for analysis.

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Step-by-Step Guide For Sample Submission

To ensure that submitting samples is an efficient process for our customers, we created a step-by-step guide (shown below) on sample submission: 

 

Step 1.    Communicate your order to Customer Service: 

Tel:  (519) 767-6299

Toll Free: 1-877-UofG-AFL (1-877-863-4235) 

Email:  aflinfo@uoguelph.ca

 

Information that may be required at this time includes:

  • Number of samples and analyses needed
  • Turnaround time needed? RUSH charges may apply
  • Do you have special reporting limits or quality control requirements?
  • Name and address of invoice contact
  • How to send results? (email, fax)

Step 2: Collect and Prepare the Sample

Please use the following guidelines to prepare your sample. If you are unsure of anything please contact us for instructions.

General Sampling and Shipping Guidelines

Pest Diagnostic Clinic: Sampling and Shipping Guidelines

Soil and Nutrient Sampling and Shipping Guidelines

 

Step 3 Fill Out the Appropriate Forms

Please print out and use the appropriate form dependent on test type. If you are unsure what form to use, please contact us.

General Sample Submission Form

Pest Diagnostic Submission Form (English)

Pest Diagnostic Submission Form (French)

Water Chain of Custody Form

 

Step 4 Send Sample Along with Paperwork

Samples can be dropped off at Sample Reception (map/directions), at the rear of 95 Stone Road West, Monday to Friday,7:30 am to 6:00 pm. Alternatively, samples can be sent by courier.

  • Be aware that certain samples require refrigeration, freezing or extra packaging to maintain sample integrity or control offensive odours. Ship these samples such that these conditions are maintained until they are received by the laboratory.
  • Do not ship perishable samples to arrive at the laboratory on holidays or weekends.
  • For specific Canada Post and courier regulations, please refer to their websites.

 

Sample Reception
(rear of building)
Laboratory Services Division
University of Guelph
95 Stone Road West
Guelph, Ontario
N1H 8J7 CANADA

 

Please make sure that the appropriate paperwork accompanies all samples and samples are clearly labelled. Samples missing labels and/or paperwork will not be accepted.

 

Note: The laboratory reserves the right to not process samples which pose a health risk to laboratory personnel or are leaking, damaged or spoiled and are no longer suitable for analysis.

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SUBMISSION FORMS

Please print out and use one of the following forms.  If you are unsure what form to use please contact us.

 

General Sample Submission Form:

This submission form is used in conjunction with submitting samples to Laboratory Services excluding plant disease diagnoses (general,greenhouse, crop forms) and water microbiology testing.

General Sample Submission Form

General Sampling and Shipping Guidelines 

Pest Diagnostic Submission Form:

This form covers services pertaining to plant disease diagnoses, insect and plant identifications, nematode counts (general SCN), verticillium counts:

Pest Diagnostic Submission Form (English)

 Pest Diagnostic Submission Form (French)

Pest Diagnostic Sampling and Shipping Guidelines

  

Water Chain of Custody Form:

This form is specifically geared towards water microbiology testing.  For ease of use we have added water types that can be checked off:

Water Chain of Custody Form

Practices for Collection and Handling of Water Samples                                     Back to top