FAQs

Are you a certified laboratory?
We hold NELAP, A2LA and DoD ELAP accreditations and more than 40 state certifications. We participate in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Water Supply (WS) and Water Pollution (WP) proficiency programs for drinking water and wastewater analyses, respectively. Each of these programs provides test samples, which we analyze semi-annually. The test results of these proficiency samples are available for your review. Click here for our certification list

Are you an EPA CLP contractor?
In the past, Lancaster Laboratories was a major contract laboratory for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. We currently do not hold a contract in this program. Nevertheless, we continue to provide our clients with analyses generated using CLP protocols and CLP format data packages.

Which federal program approvals do you have?
Under the U.S. Department of Defense, Lancaster Laboratories has project-based approval experience in compliance with the requirements of the Naval Facilities Engineering Center (NFESC), and the Missouri River Division (MRD) of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Do you perform air testing?
Lancaster Laboratories has extensive air testing capabilities. We have been building a reputation for leadership and accuracy in air emissions testing for more than 20 years. Click here for more detail on our ambient testing, stationary-source testing, and other air quality testing services

What is your standard turnaround time?
Turnaround of samples varies depending on the analyte(s), matrix and regulatory requirements of certain analyses. In general, however, Lancaster Laboratories provides test results in about 10 working days and data packages in 25 working days. Whenever possible we try to accommodate your needs for rush analyses and data packages.

How do I open an account with Lancaster Laboratories?
You can open an account with us simply by calling our laboratory and asking for business development or client services. A trained representative will answer your questions on our capabilities and discuss your project requirements. If you have immediate needs, this person will prepare a quotation and initiate a sample-container order for you.

Do you have specific requirements for submission of samples?
All samples submitted to Lancaster Laboratories must be accompanied by a chain-of-custody form, a letter (which includes a purchase order number), or a purchase order that enumerates the analyses required. We can provide you with chain-of-custody forms and directions for completing them. Click here for a guide to sample submission

Are you able to pick up samples at my facility or job site?
Lancaster Laboratories provides several options for courier and pack-and-ship services across the United States. Our Lancaster, PA-based courier service provides sample pickup and delivery of sample kits to your office or project location all within your project’s time-sensitive requirements.

We also offer sample pickup and pack-and-ship services in a vast range of locations throughout the United States. Couriers will pick up your samples at your office or project site, pack them in coolers with ice, and ship them to our laboratory via overnight AM delivery to ensure your samples arrive on time and intact. Learn more about our extensive courier services

What are your business hours?
Lancaster Laboratories operates three work shifts around the clock; however, our business hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. During these hours your client service representative or project manager is available to discuss your projects. These people can make themselves available at other times if your project warrants communication outside of normal business hours or on weekends. Samples can be dropped off at our facility anytime, day or night, seven days a week.

Besides the telephone, mail, and fax, are there other ways that I can communicate with Lancaster Laboratories?
Yes, you can e-mail us. All of our account managers, business development representatives, project managers, client service representatives, and several of our technical professionals have Internet e-mail addresses. We would be happy to provide you the addresses for any of the people you wish to write. Our e-mail address for environmental information is env@lancasterlabs.com.

Do you receive samples from outside the U.S.?
Lancaster Laboratories analyzes samples from all parts of the world. To receive soil samples from outside the U.S., we have a Quarantine Soil Permit that is issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.