Packing and shipping samples so nothing is rejected
IRIS intake team · Sample receiving · 5:20
Ice, overnight courier, seals, and which of our three addresses your samples actually go to. Water does not go to Union.
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Every package needs a completed chain of custody (COC) inside it. Beyond that, how a sample travels depends on the test.
Before you seal the box
- Put the completed COC inside the package.
- Check that every container label matches the COC exactly.
- Ship overnight.
How each test travels
| Test | Temperature | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Asbestos air and bulk | Ambient, no refrigeration | AHERA clearance: ship within 24 hours of collection |
| Mould spore traps and tape lifts | No refrigeration | Overnight |
| Coliform and E. coli | 0 to 10°C, do not freeze | Ship immediately; public water systems allow no more than 30 hours to incubation |
| Legionella | 4°C, do not freeze | Ship the same day as collection |
| Drinking water metals | Cool to 4°C | Do not delay; 6-month hold once preserved |
| PFAS | 4°C, with ice packs | Overnight; turnaround starts on lab receipt |
| TCLP and waste | 4°C | Ship the same day; VOC holding time is 48 hours |
Printing a prepaid FedEx label
- Open the shipping label page and enter your access code. The code comes from the lab: if you do not have it, email support@irislaboratories.com.
- Add your package details and create the prepaid label.
- Print the label, seal the package with the COC inside, and attach the label to the outside.
- Hand it to any FedEx location or a scheduled pickup.
The portal shows the lab address for each form. If you are unsure whether the prepaid label suits your shipment, contact the lab before you send it.
No label account yet? Contact the lab and they will set you up to print prepaid labels, or arrange a pickup.
Dropping off instead
Bring samples with a completed form to 2333 US-22 West, Union, NJ 07083, Monday to Friday before 4 PM ET.
Chain of custody
Pick the form that matches your test.
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