Sample Analysis
Send samples to the EQL for preparation, analysis, quality control review, and final reporting.
Have EQL Run Your Samples
This option is for USU researchers and external clients who want EQL to run their samples.
The EQL Laboratory Technician will process and analyze samples at per-sample rates. The rate includes review of sample results and QC data, plus a final report.
There is a 10 sample minimum per analysis. If that minimum does not fit your project, please contact Joan McLean, who can guide you through your options and help determine the best path forward.
This page includes
- USU sample analysis rates
- External client analysis rates
- Sample processing protocols and possible additional charges
- Additional information about standard analyses and instrumentation
Who Runs Your Samples?
All samples are run by the EQL Laboratory Technician. There is an independent review of the QC data with generation of a final report.
Ready to plan a project?
Please contact the EQL before collecting, shipping, or dropping off samples. We can confirm the right analysis, sample containers, storage, shipping needs, and whether the samples can be accepted.
Contact the EQLSample Analysis Pricing
External client pricing is listed below. USU clients can view USU sample analysis pricing here:
External Client Sample Analysis Pricing
| Analyte Category | External Client Cost per Sample (Laboratory Technician / QC Program) |
|---|---|
| Organics | |
| Total organic carbon — water | $29.95 |
| Total carbon — water | $29.95 |
| Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — direct injection | $130 |
| Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — water samples | $308 |
| Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — solid samples | $336 |
| Microcystins — water samples | TBA |
| Anatoxin-a, cylindrospermopsin — water samples | TBA |
| Pharmaceuticals and personal care products — water samples | TBA |
| Pharmaceuticals and personal care products — solid samples | TBA |
| Inorganic, Metal / Trace Elements — Water (Dissolved / Total) or Solids | |
| Major cations | $56.49 |
| Major cations + trace elements | $62.73 |
| Digestion for water or solid samples | $24.17 |
| Rare earth elements | TBA |
| Single particle analysis | TBA |
| Inorganic anions — dissolved | $38.01 |
| Inorganic Nutrients | |
| Nitrate + nitrite — N dissolved | $22.31 |
| Nitrite — N dissolved | $22.31 |
| Ammonium — N dissolved | $22.31 |
| Phosphate — P dissolved | $22.31 |
| Total nitrogen | $36.55 |
| Total phosphorus | $36.55 |
*TBA = To be arranged. Call for a quote.
Additional Charges and Protocols
Additional Potential Charges
- An additional charge of $4 per filter (includes labor) will be applied if sample filtration is required. Please reference the chart in "Additonal Information" to see what samples might need sample filtration, or contact Joan McLean.
- An additional charge of $10 per certified sample bottle is required for non-USU clients. Please contact Joan McLean for questions regarding certified sample bottles.
- Additional charges may apply to difficult samples or matrices not commonly analyzed by the EQL.
- We work with clients to ensure samples are compatible with our analytical methods. In some cases, we may be unable to accept samples that present safety concerns or fall outside our laboratory capabilities.
Sample Processing Protocols
Submitting samples: Please call to schedule analyses and confirm sample delivery methods. Clients must provide a completed Sample Submission Form and a Chain of Custody Form, submitted either physically or electronically. If the Sample Submission Form is not submitted or is completed incorrectly, the associated sample may not be accepted.
Sample Requirements for Possible Rejection:
- The sample container is damaged or empty.
- The sample label is illegible or missing.
- The sample temperature is not 4°C.
- Samples are submitted after the required holding time for specific analyses.
QA/QC
We maintain a QA/QC program following EPA protocols to ensure accuracy and precision of reported results. However, we are not an accredited laboratory. QC sample results are included in the analysis report.
Time Sensitive
Certain analytes require analysis within 24 to 48 hours. If samples are submitted after this holding time, they are considered compromised and will not be analyzed.
Turnaround
Samples are analyzed on a first-come, first-served basis. Turnaround time varies depending on the tests required, the matrix, time of year, and the length of the queue. Priority samples are accepted at twice the standard cost.
Invoicing
Payment is due upon receipt of results. The Business Office will issue an invoice. Payment may be made by check or credit card and is due within 30 business days.
Additional Information
The EQL performs routine analyses for a variety of parameters in water (surface water, groundwater, wastewater, stormwater) and solids (soil, sediment, plants, biosolids) (Table 4). We follow EPA and APHA protocols, including a thorough QC program.
| Analyte | Media | Analytes | Method | Instrument | Sample Preparation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major anions | Surface waters, groundwaters, drinking water, wastewaters | Cl, nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, phosphate (F, Br upon request) | Dionex Method 123 | IC Dionex Integrion IC | Filtered water samples |
| Nutrients | Surface waters, groundwaters, drinking water, wastewaters | Total phosphate | EPA 365.4 Rev 2.0 | Seal AQ2 | Persulfate digestion |
| Surface waters, groundwaters, drinking water, wastewaters | Total nitrogen | EPA 353.2 Rev 2.0 | Seal AQ2 | Persulfate digestion | |
| Surface waters, groundwaters, drinking water, wastewaters | Nitrate-N + nitrite-N | EPA 353.2 Rev 2.0 | Seal AQ2 | Filtered water samples | |
| Surface waters, groundwaters, drinking water, wastewaters | Nitrite-N | EPA 353.2 Rev 2.0 | Seal AQ2 | Filtered water samples | |
| Surface waters, groundwaters, drinking water, wastewaters | Soluble phosphate | EPA 365.1 | Seal AQ2 | Filtered water samples | |
| Surface waters, groundwaters, drinking water, wastewaters | Ammonium-N | EPA 350.1 | Seal AQ2 | Filtered water samples | |
| Major cations and trace elements — water and solids | Surface waters, groundwaters, drinking water, wastewaters Solids — soils, plants, biosolids, etc. |
Na, Ca, Mg, K, Si, P, Be, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, Tl, Pb, U | EPA 6020 | ICPMS Agilent 8900 ICP-triple quad mass spectrometer | Dissolved after filtration. Totals after digestion of water (EPA 3030E) or solids (EPA 3050B). |
| Carbon analysis | Surface waters, groundwaters, drinking water, wastewaters | Total organic carbon / dissolved organic carbon samples | EPA 415.1, 415.3, 9060A | Shimadzu TOC-L carbon analyzer | Filtered or unfiltered water samples |
| Surface waters, groundwaters, drinking water, wastewaters | Inorganic carbon | EPA 415.1, 415.3, 9060A | Shimadzu TOC-L carbon analyzer | Filtered or unfiltered water samples | |
| Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances | Drinking water | See full per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances compound list (EPA 537) | EPA 537 | LCMSMS Agilent 6495D / 1290 HPLC | EPA 537 method |
| Wastewaters and solids | See full per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances compound list (EPA 1633) | EPA 1633 | LCMSMS Agilent 6495D / 1290 HPLC | EPA 1633 method | |
| Pharmaceuticals and personal care products — water and solid samples | Surface waters, groundwaters, drinking water, wastewaters Solids — soils, plants, biosolids, etc. |
Compound list available upon request | EPA 1694 | LCMSMS Agilent 6495D triple quad mass spectrometer / 1290 HPLC | Method-specific preparation |
| Cyanotoxins — water samples | Surface waters, groundwaters, drinking water | Microcystins (MC-LR, MC-RR, MC-LA, MC-LY, MC-LW, MC-LF), nodularin | EPA/600/R-17/344 Nov 2017 | LCMSMS Agilent 6495D / 1290 HPLC | Method-specific preparation |
| Surface waters, groundwaters, drinking water | Anatoxin-a, cylindrospermopsin | EPA/600/R-17/130 Nov 2017 | LCMSMS Agilent 6495D / 1290 HPLC | Method-specific preparation |
Explore the Lab
Instrumentation
A comprehensive list of our analytical equipment and detection limits.
Ready to plan a project?
Please contact the EQL before collecting, shipping, or dropping off samples. We can confirm the right analysis, sample containers, storage, shipping needs, and whether the samples can be accepted.
Contact the EQL