It normally takes 10 working days to complete an analysis, provided that the laboratory was informed 2 weeks in advance about the delivery of the samples and the matrix/analyte combination is known to the laboratory. Batch sizes of between 8 and 12 samples will also get priority above batch sizes of between 1 and 6 samples. See also “How to improve the Turn around time in the laboratory” on the Sample submissions page under Contact us.

The FDA laboratory specializes in the analysis of small organic compounds. We make use of top-of-the-range chromatographic equipment only. Instrumentation available includes GC & LC-TOF (time of flight) MS, LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS (tandem MS). The FDA laboratory specializes in the areas of veterinary drugs, pesticides, medicated feeds and contaminants in food and feed in general.

The laboratory holds SANAS technique accreditation as per schedule. The certificate is available on the SANAS website under T0410. SANAS (The South African National Accreditation System) is a governmental body that monitors the implementation of the ISO 17025 Quality system within the laboratory.

The preparation of composite samples takes time, care, and consideration on the part of the owner of the samples. The laboratory does not take responsibility for the sampling procedure that may influence the final results of an analysis

For Sample submissions: reception@fdalab.co.za
For account, price structure and formal quotations: accounts@fdalab.co.za
For Technical information and price structure: azel@fdalab.co.za
The Laboratory work schedule for the completion of samples can be obtained from any of these contact email addresses.

Contact accounts@fdalab.co.za for the most recent certificate/letter.

As part of ISO17025, a complaint process is available. It is seen as constructive in the sense that it improves the service to the client. For the Laboratory to understand a complaint and act on it, it must be submitted in writing to the Quality Manager or any member of Management at quality@fdalab.co.za, labman@fdalab.co.za, reception@fdalab.co.za and accounts@fdalab.co.za.

In order for the laboratory to ensure a fast turnaround time, each requested method should be on a separate submission form. The sample submission form may not be altered by FDA staff members unless the client has sent an email with instructions to do so. This is to prevent any misunderstandings that may arise due to changes in the forms. Separate test certificates are released for different analyses as they become available and by separating them on the sample submission form completed certificates will not be delayed by outstanding results as they will be released on their own certificate on completion. Results are withheld until all work requested on the sample submission form is completed.

Confidentiality of the results obtained by the laboratory is an ISO17025 requirement. It is therefore the policy of the laboratory that reports may only be sent to the email addresses indicated on the sample submission form. This serves as an authorization on the part of the client to whom the results may be released. Be sure to indicate all email addresses on the sample submission form.

The FDA policy is to keep samples for a month, after a month the sample is destroyed. If you request that a sample be returned, it has to be collected from the laboratory within a month after you received the report. Thereafter, it will be destroyed. The laboratory does not have the facility to keep samples indefinitely.