FAQ

 

How do I submit a sample?

Samples can be submitted in person or through a mail carrier to 3437 SW 24th Ave., Gainesville, Florida 32607. You should select the appropriate number of samples that are representative of your product(s). A minimum suggested sample size for most testing is 1 lb. (450 grams).Often it isn’t possible or convenient to send 450 grams. If you cannot provide 450 grams please call. Clearly label all of your samples with what you want to see on the final report, and fill out a sample submission form that includes the specific name of each sample. Please include any special instructions on the submission form (compositing/preparation, serving size, specific reporting units) and purchase order # if your company requires for payment. It is highly recommended that perishable items be sent overnight packed with cooler blocks or dry ice. ABC Research cannot be held responsible for samples received in a compromised manner. Also see “How should I ship my sample(s)?” listed below.

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Do I need an account to submit a sample for testing?

Yes, setting up an account is necessary to have samples analyzed at ABC Research. A credit application must be completed to open an account for your company. Please understand that an account is different from credit. Having an ABC Research account enables us to log your samples into our LIMS system upon receiving and therefore, upon completion, generate results and an invoice. If it is your desire to establish credit with ABC Research, please fill out the application completely (including signature and date) and fax it back to Dianne Rowe at (352) 378-6483. Credit approval allows us to make your results available as soon as testing is complete, with no delay. The invoice is also generated the same day and will be sent to you via US mail the following day. If you would prefer to pay COD only, please complete the top portion of the application, sign and date the bottom, then return it via fax to Dianne Rowe at the above number. If credit is not requested or not granted, it is our policy to receive payment in full for all services rendered before results can be released.

Normally, the credit inquiry process will be completed within 5 business days. Since many samples require a shorter turnaround time, it may be prudent for you to include a check or credit card information (we accept MasterCard and Visa) with your first set of samples. You may also call Dianne Rowe (352) 372-0436 Ext.306 with a valid credit card number.

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How should I ship my sample(s)?

Samples should be shipped in their natural state. If it is a frozen product - ship it frozen; if it is a refrigerated product - ship it refrigerated; if it is a shelf stable product - ship it as it would be stored on the shelf. Secure each food sample in its own container and seal completely to prevent leakage. Samples that are normally refrigerated or frozen should be shipped in a cooler with dry ice or frozen ice packs placed under, around and on top of the sample shipped for next day arrival. Label each sample individually with the identification that you would like included on the final report. Enclose a letter or sample submission form with the sample ID’s and analyses that you require. Indicate on the paperwork if you would like the shipping container returned to you (please include return courier label). Samples for Chemistry work only should be marked for the General Chemistry department. Samples sent for Microbiology, or both Chemistry and Microbiology, should be marked for General Microbiology (this ensure that aseptic sampling integrity is not compromised). All of the major carriers deliver to ABC Research (FEDEX, UPS, and DHL) so you can use whichever you prefer. Please inform us if you need rush analysis in advance so that we can prepare for the sample arrival. Call us if you would like to discuss the specific analyses that you need, or you can e-mail a list and we can prepare a quote before you call. If sending in samples for Saturday delivery, please write “for Saturday delivery” on the outside of the shipping vessel, otherwise the delivery carrier may not deliver the package to us until the following Monday.

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What are your receiving hours, contact information and shipping address?

Our receiving hours are 8:00am ~ 5:00pm Monday ~ Friday. Saturday delivery is available, but please notify us 2 days prior to sending sample.

Contact Information
Phone: (352) 372-0436 Fax: (352) 378-6483 Email: info@abcr.com

  • Accounting
    HR/Payables - Janie Scott (Ext. 305)
    Receivables or New Accounts - Dianne Gill (Ext. 306)


  • Sales & Marketing
    Ian Bessell - Sales (Ext. 351) Cell: (919) 995-0225
    Dr. Gillian Dagan - Sales (Ext. 324)
    Ivy Cho - Sales (Ext. 314)
    Dean Leaman – Sales Import/Export (Ext. 350) Cell: (954) 305-2806
    Chuck Ellis - Marketing (Ext. 312)


  • Client Services
    Larry Clement - (Ext. 333)
    Amanda Copley - (Ext. 301)
    Yuly Virviescas - (Ext. 303)


  • Research Microbiology
    Guy McWhorter (Ext. 323)


  • QA/QC
    Janelle Peele (Ext. 322)
    Jessica Oller (Ext. 336)
Shipping Address
3437 SW 24th Ave
Gainesville, FL 32607

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What is your typical turnaround time and do you offer rush service?

Our typical turnaround time varies on the department, test you request, test method and number of samples. Microbiology samples are typically started the day they are received with completion in 2 to 3 days, yet some tests do take up to 10 days for completion. Chemistry projects are normally completed within 5-10 days, and nutritional analysis can take up to 12 business days. Rush analyses are available on a limited basis for chemical and physical tests, but not for microbiology. If you need rush analyses, please call in advance for details and specify “rush” on your sample submission form. The fees for rush samples are typically twice the list price. Water lab analysis performed on Saturday is twice the list price. Call for pricing information. Discounts do not apply on rush analyses.

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How do you report results?

Results can be reported and reviewed in multiple formats. Our cutting edge Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) allows you to receive and review your results 24 hours a day seven days a week via the Internet. Another benefit of our LIMS system is that you can review your testing history with ABC Research back to the original date of LIMS implementation. Results can also be emailed, faxed and/or mailed to you. If you are sending multiple samples and need separate reports, please indicate it on your sample submission form. We tailor what works best for you.

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What analytical testing methods do you use?

Unless otherwise notified, all analyses are performed as per AOAC, AACC, APHA/AWWA, ASTM, BAM, PAM, FDA, USDA, EPA or other such testing procedures as deemed applicable for our clients needs.

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Do you offer volume discounts?

Volume discounts may be available when large numbers of samples are submitted for the same test at the same time. Our Sales Representatives will be happy to assist you with more information about discounts.

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Are there other ABC Research locations?

We maintain a single centrally located laboratory in Gainesville, Florida. This allows us to maximize our customer service and testing efficiency while concentrating all available expertise at one site. Samples can reach us overnight from most locations around the world.

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Do you offer other services not mentioned on your website?

ABC Research offers a wide range of chemical, microbiological and physical testing, making it impractical to list all tests on our website. Call or email us to request any assay you are unable to locate. If we can’t meet your needs, we will gladly suggest other laboratories that might be able to fulfill your request. We also may, with your acknowledgment, subcontract certain tests when we can meet most, but not all, of your needs.

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How long do you keep my results on file?

Hardcopies of all raw data are maintained in storage for at least five years. Electronic copies of final reports will also be retained. There may be a charge for recovery of this information from storage depending on the volume of material requested and the storage location.

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What does ABC Research do to ensure quality control?

ABC Research considers quality control and quality assurance an integral part of customer satisfaction and one of the most import aspects of our business. We are proud of our reputation as one of the best independent food testing laboratories in the country and work hard everyday to give you results you can count on. We have an independent QA/QC department that ensures our proficiency, methodology and quality are at the highest level possible.

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Is ABC Research accredited and what does it mean?

ABC Research is an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited microbiology and chemistry food testing laboratory. We are also accredited by FLDOH/NELAP for water testing.

ISO/IEC accreditation is given by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). This is a non-profit, professional membership society committed to the success of laboratories through the administration of a broad-spectrum, nationwide laboratory accreditation system. This organization is the tool currently being utilized by food testing laboratories to achieve ISO / IEC accreditation in biological and chemical testing.

Accreditation equals quality. You can go to A2LA's website (http://www.a2la.org) to learn about the stringent requirements for obtaining this accreditation as well as our current scope of accreditation.

Using an accredited laboratory such as ABC Research Corporation for your food safety needs can assure the best possible quality as well as unequivocal results which are backed up by a comprehensive quality system with specified policies, procedures and records. This is important for all food industry members.

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