Frequently Asked Questions

When can I drop off a sample?

You can drop off samples during our regular business hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM. Bacteriological Samples are accepted Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. If you need to drop off samples outside these hours, please contact us in advance to arrange a suitable time.

Do I need special containers or sampling supplies?

For many tests, we provide sterile sample bottles to ensure accurate results. If you’re not sure which container to use, call or email us, and we’ll guide you through our sampling instructions. You can also refer to our Sampling Instructions document on the Resources page.

What is the typical turnaround time for results?

Our standard turnaround time is 10 business days from the date we receive the sample. This may vary based on the type of analysis requested, current workload, and whether we need additional preparation steps. Expedited services may be available at an additional cost—please contact us if you have specific deadline requirements.

How do I receive my results?

We typically send reports via email in PDF format. If you require a hard copy, please let us know in advance, and we’ll mail your results. We can also accommodate secure digital delivery options (e.g., OneDrive) for sensitive or confidential data upon request.

How do I pay for testing services?

We accept EFTs, cheques, and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard). If you are a UNBC member, you may also be able to charge testing to an internal account. For more details on payment methods or invoicing arrangements, please email us at nals@unbc.ca.

Do I need a Chain of Custody (COC) form?

Yes. For most sample submissions, especially those that may be used for compliance or legal purposes, a completed Chain of Custody (COC) form ensures proper documentation and sample tracking. You can download a copy of our COC form from the Resources section on our website or fill out one when you drop off your sample at our main lab.

I’m not sure if you offer a specific test. What do I do?

If the test or parameter you need isn’t listed on our website, please contact us directly or complete the online inquiry form. We offer a wide range of analyses, and if we don’t perform a particular test in-house, we can often refer you to a trusted partner lab.

Are you accredited?

NALS is certified for water microbiology testing (Coliforms and E-coli) with the BC Provincial Health Officer and is accredited to ISO 17025:2017 with the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). Specific details on our accreditation scope and certifications can be found in the Accreditation section of our website.

Can I ship my samples to your lab?

Absolutely. If you’re unable to drop off your samples in person, you can ship them to our address found on the Contact page. We recommend using a reliable courier service and ensuring that samples are packaged in secure, leak-proof containers. Be sure to include a completed COC form in the shipment, and send us an email once you ship your sample(s).

Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

If you have further questions or need clarification, please email us at nals@unbc.ca or call 250-960-5713. Our team is happy to help!