Resources & Downloads
Chain of custody forms, fact sheets, sampling guides, preservation charts, and frequently asked questions — everything you need to prepare and submit samples correctly.
COcs
Chain of Custody Forms
All samples must be submitted with a completed COC form before analysis can commence. Use the correct form for your sample type — PFAS and drug residue samples require their own dedicated forms
General Chain of custody
Standard form for soil, water, air and general samples
Methamphetamine Screening COC
Wipe samples and water/wastewater drug screening
Urine Sample Submission COC
For arsenic in urine and biological monitoring
Air Volume COC
Workplace air monitoring and dust samples
Canister bags and TD Tubes COC
Workplace gas analysis
Sampling Equipment COC
Specialist sampling equipment
Data sheets
Safety Data sheets
Some of our sample bottles contain small amounts of chemicals that are used as preservatives. Each of the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provide health and safety information on these chemicals.
Mu
Measurement of Uncertainty
Measurement of Uncertainty (MU) represents the range of values within which the true value of a measured result lies, with a specific level of confidence. It is a vital component of quality assurance in environmental testing, ensuring that the data provided meets industry standards and client expectations. Below, you can find the MU statements for our laboratories in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia (MPL).
Western Australia
New south wales
Victoria
Policy
Corporate and Environmental Policies
Corporate governance, environmental, and operational policy documents.
Turnaround Times
Standard Turnaround by Test Type
These are standard turnaround times from sample receipt. Fast turnaround is available for most test types — surcharges apply. Contact your lab to confirm availability before sampling for urgent projects.
| Test Type | Standard TAT | Fast TAT |
|---|---|---|
| Routine contaminated site testing (soil) | 5 working days | 1 - 3 days |
| Water - potable / drinking water | 7-10 working days | Contact lab |
| Water - general environmental | 5 working days | 1 - 3 days |
| Asbestos - bulk material identification | 2 working days | Next day / same day |
| SPOCAS / SCr suite (ASS) | 5 working days | 3 days |
| PFAS - water | 5 working days | Contact lab |
| PFAS - soil | 5 working days | Contact lab |
| TCLP - metals & PAHs | 5 working days | 24 hours (max 20 samples) |
| Work health / occupational hygiene | 5 working days | Contact lab |
| Drug residue (meth wipe screening) | 5 working days | 1-2 days |
Data & Reporting
Reporting Formats Available
Results are delivered as PDF reports and are emailed directly once testing is complete. All results are available on assigned accounts in the enviroLIVE portal. Data export formats for direct upload into environmental data management systems are available on request.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Sampling & containers
Do you provide sampling bottles, eskies and ice bricks?
Yes — depending on the test required, specific containers are needed. Email [email protected] to place an order, or call 1300 424 344 for advice on what you need.
What bottle do I need for a water sample?
It varies by analyte. For example, TPH/BTEX/Lead in groundwater requires 2×40mL VOC vials (HCl preserved), 1×1L amber bottle and 1×100mL plastic bottle (HNO? preserved, field filtered). Refer to the Preservation & Holding Times chart or contact us before sampling.
What container do I need for soil samples?
Most soil samples can go into a 250mL glass jar with a Teflon-lined lid. If asbestos testing is required, provide an additional zip-lock bag containing approximately 40g of soil as a separate dedicated sample.
Why do I need a separate sample for asbestos in soil?
Asbestos contamination in soil is highly non-homogenous — it's extremely difficult to take a representative sub-sample from a jar used for other testing. To report to Australian Standard, a dedicated ~40g sample must be provided solely for asbestos identification.
What are the holding times for my samples?
Each analyte has a specified holding time set by Australian Standards and NEPM. Some must be tested the same day as sampling. Download the Preservation & Holding Times chart for the full reference, and contact us before sampling if 24-hour delivery isn't possible.
Can samples be analysed outside of holding time?
You can, but results may be unreliable and may not be accepted by an auditor. Stable parameters like heavy metals can sometimes be tested outside holding times with reliable results — but this is done at your risk. Biological parameters degrade rapidly and should never be tested outside holding time.
Results & reporting
How will I receive my results?
Results are available via the enviroLIVE portal the moment they're authorised. You'll receive an email notification with a PDF report, PDF invoice, and PDF COC. Data export formats (ESDAT, EQuIS) are available on request. SMS notification can also be arranged.
Can I get total PAH reported?
There are several ways to calculate total PAHs and no single industry standard for how it should be done. Until regulatory guidance is established, Envirolab's policy is not to report a total PAH figure. Individual PAH compounds are reported, and we're happy to discuss your specific reporting requirements.
Why has my PQL been raised?
The Practical Quantitation Limit (PQL) may be raised when the sample matrix interferes with the determination of specific components, or when insufficient sample volume was provided to perform the validated analytical procedure. Contact your lab if you need clarification on a specific result.
Technical Questions
What is the difference between TPH and aromatic/aliphatic hydrocarbons?
TPH (Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons) is typically tested first. If the result exceeds guideline levels, speciation into aromatic and aliphatic fractions can identify what portion of the contamination comes from each — which is useful for source identification and risk assessment.
What is the difference between total and dissolved metals?
Dissolved metals are filtered (0.45µm) prior to analysis to remove particulate matter — typically done for groundwater. Total metals are performed on the sample as received without filtration — generally used for surface water, trade waste, and potable water. For groundwater requiring dissolved metals, field filtration and acidification is strongly preferred.
What is the difference between mg/L and ppm?
For water results, there is no practical difference — mg/L and ppm are numerically equivalent at normal environmental concentrations. Similarly, mg/kg and ppm are equivalent for soil results.
Why doesn't my mass balance work?
Mass balance (anion-cation balance) is most reliable on clean potable water. For environmental ground and surface water samples, up to 20% difference is generally acceptable. Common causes: not all major ions were requested (e.g. iron, ammonia omitted), sediment or colloids affecting cation/anion split, or unfiltered cation samples. Contact us if you need help interpreting a specific result.
Why is there zinc in my trip blank?
Food-grade sample containers and lids contain zinc. When bottles are pre-preserved with nitric acid, the acid leaches zinc from the plastic. The amount varies between bottle batches. This is a known and expected blank contamination source — flag it in your data review but it does not indicate a sampling error.
Can I get TCLP done in 24 hours?
Yes - metals and PAHs via TCLP can be completed in 24 hours for up to 20 samples per day, with results reported late in the day. Surcharges apply. Contact your lab directly to confirm availability and book in advance for urgent work.
Can't find your answer?
Our team handles technical queries across all test types. For holding times, method questions, data interpretation, or anything not covered here — call or email your nearest laboratory directly.
Need something not listed here?
Contact your nearest lab for sampling advice, container orders, or technical queries.