NPAL

Frequently Asked Questions We are happy to answer questions from our customers and others who visit our website. Here are answers to the more frequently asked questions. If you can't find an answer to your question here please contact us via email at NPAL@purina.nestle.com.
Q: Is NPAL USDA approved for testing of products for export to the European Union? A: On May 20, 2003, NPAL received approval from USDA-APHIS for aerobic and anaerobic bacti testing of products for export to the European Union.
Q: Are you a GLP laboratory? A: GLP guidelines generally apply to pharmaceutical testing and are not typically used by food and feed testing laboratories. NP Analytical, however, maintains an extensive quality program based on many of the principles incorporated into GLP guidelines. Our comprehensive quality program is based on qualified personnel, validated and documented test procedures, independent proficiency testing, long-term record retention, automated sample tracking, and an independent quality unit.
Q: Is your laboratory accredited? A: Unlike other industries, food and feed laboratories are not governed by regulatory agencies or accrediting bodies at this time. NP Analytical is accredited by the State of Florida and by USDA for testing of chlorinated pesticides, PCB’s, salt, moisture, and fat in meats.
Q: Can you tell me the method precision for the tests I am requesting? A: We continually evaluate the precision of methods used in our laboratory and will share that information on request. Method precision, however, depends on a variety of factors such as analyte concentration and matrix. As a result, we cannot give assurance that our precision data will necessarily be relevant to your samples.
Q: Can I get a copy of the method you use? A: Detailed copies of our methods are proprietary and are not available to our customers. We can, however, provide method summaries describing the principle of any method and appropriate references to compendium methods relevant journal articles.
Q: Do you have labs in other locations? A: We maintain a single centrally located laboratory in St. Louis, MO. This allows us to maximize our efficiency while concentrating all available expertise at one site. Samples can reach us overnight from most locations around the world.
Q: How long will my data be kept in your files? A: Hardcopies of all raw data, including charts and chromatograms, are maintained in storage for at least five years. Electronic copies of final reports will also be retained. There may be a charge for recovery of this information from storage depending on the volume of material requested and the storage location.
Q: Can I get an electronic copy of my report? A: We do not currently provide electronic copies of customer reports. To maintain the authenticity of your report and insure that information and report layout are retained, the printed hardcopy is considered our official report. For large studies we will happily provide data summaries that may be transmitted electronically. These summaries are in addition to our official report. Call or email us to discuss your needs.
Q: Can I get my report Faxed to me? A: We fax copies of most reports at no extra charge, then send your originals via the US Postal Service Please provide your FAX number when submitting samples.
Q: Can I get discounts if I submit a large number of samples? A: We are happy to offer discounts when the number of samples submitted affords efficiencies that reduce our costs. The number of samples required to obtain a discount depends on a variety of factors including which assays are requested and the turn-around time required. Please call or use this web site to submit a quote request.
Q: What if I can’t find one of the tests I need in your fee schedule or on this web site? A: NP Analytical offers a wide range of chemical and microbiological testing and it isn’t practical to list all tests in our fee schedules. Call or email us to request any assay you are unable to locate. If we can’t meet your needs, we will gladly suggest other laboratories that might be able to fulfill your request. We also may, with your acknowledgment, subcontract certain tests when we can meet most, but not all, of your needs.
Q: Can I get faster service and, if so, what is the extra cost? A: We encourage our customers to let us know when they need their data. We will do whatever we can to meet that requirement. While there is no set cost for priority service, there may be extra charges if we incur additional costs to meet your requirements for faster service. If there are extra costs, we will let you know before proceeding.
Q: How long will it take to complete testing of my samples? A: This varies depending on which tests are requested, the number of samples submitted, and the number of samples in the queue. Typically, samples submitted for protein, moisture, fat, and ash, are completed within 2 or 3 days of receipt. Mineral assays are completed in about one week. Most vitamin assays are finished in one to two weeks. Complex assays like amino acids and fatty acids may require up to three weeks.
Q: Do I need to include a purchase order with my samples? A: We do not require purchase orders, but they are often helpful for linking invoices to samples that were tested. You should receive an invoice by the second week of the month following completion of testing. Please enclose complete billing information with your order, including name, address, and phone number of billing contact. NP Analytical Labs reserves the right to require advance payment prior to initiating testing. You can download a copy of our sample submission form from this web site.
Q: How much sample do I need to send? A: That depends on which tests you request and we are happy to discuss your sampling and sample size requirements. Many of our tests require of 10g or less per test, but a few require more. Most importantly, be sure your sample is large enough to be representative of the product or ingredient you are testing. If you are sampling a bulk material (grains, premixes, powders, etc.) avoid taking a sub-sample from off of the top or bottom. Mix before sampling, if possible, and composite several small sub-samples. If you are sampling a packaged product, submit multiple packages selected at random from the batch to be tested. Proper sampling is the key to meaningful test results.
Q: Where do I send samples for testing? A: Samples should be sent to: NP Analytical Laboratories c/o Sample Entry 824 Gratiot St. Louis, MO 63102

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