General Terms & Conditions

1. Purpose & Scope

These Terms and Conditions apply to all analytical, consulting, and laboratory services performed by American Analytical ("the Laboratory") for any client ("the Client"), including but not limited to environmental, drinking water, healthcare, and specialty analytical testing. By submitting samples or accepting a quotation, the Client agrees to these terms.

2. Payment Policy

Payment is due at the time of sample submission for clients without an established account. Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, VISA, and MasterCard. Payments made with a Purchase Order (PO) require completion of an Application for Credit, approved prior to submission. For established accounts, terms are net 10 days. A finance charge of 1.5% per month applies to past-due balances. Credit card transactions are subject to a 3.75% processing fee.

3. Pricing, Discounts, Surcharges, & Fees

American Analytical offers discounted pricing for clients requiring long-term analytical services or those with substantial project volumes. Pricing is based on the proposed volume of work. Quoted pricing is subject to change if significantly fewer samples are submitted. The minimum invoice amount is $250 for clients without an established account and $40 for established clients with annual sales below $5,000. Signing the chain of custody upon sample submission signifies acceptance of quoted pricing and these terms.

4. Other Services & Fees

Additional laboratory fees and services may apply as follows:

• Cancellation Fee: Based on analysis status — Received (25%), Prepped/Batched/Leached (50%), Analyzed (95%), Reviewed (100%).
• Composite Fee: $10 per sample location or time period.
• Consultation/Data Interpretation: $85/hour.
• Container Return Fee: $1 per container (over ten unused containers).
• Courier Wait Time (beyond ten minutes): $20.
• Glass Fiber Filtration (Dissolved): $10 per method.
• Historical Data Retrieval: $100/hour.
• Metals Digestion (for turbid samples >1 NTU): $20/sample.
• Reanalysis Fee: List price if the original result is confirmed.
• Report Hard Copy/Fax Fee: $5 per copy.
• Report Revision Fee: $25 per report.

5. Sample Collection Policy

American Analytical provides on-site sample collection services within the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas by appointment. A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required to schedule collections. Sample collection services are billed based on technician time and mileage. Standard rates apply during normal business hours; additional charges may apply for after-hours, weekend, or same-day requests. Clients outside the Phoenix and Tucson areas may arrange for on-site collection subject to travel availability and associated costs. All samples must be properly labeled, preserved, and documented on the chain of custody form at the time of collection.

6. Turnaround Time (TAT)

American Analytical's standard turnaround time is 7–14 business days for in-house analyses and 10–15 business days for subcontracted analyses. Subcontractors may require up to 20 business days. Samples must be received prior to noon to count as a full business day. Rush services are available upon request and approval, subject to the following surcharges:

• 1 business day: +200%
• 2 business days: +100%
• 3 business days: +75%
• 4 business days: +65%
• 5 business days: +50%
• 6 business days: +25%

If a sample is turbid (>1 NTU), allow one additional business day for required metals digestion.

7. Supplies

The Laboratory provides pre-preserved sample containers, coolers, and chain of custody forms. Wet or cubed ice is recommended to maintain proper temperature during transport. Supplies can be ordered with 24-hour notice through a Project Manager.

8. Courier Services

American Analytical provides courier services within the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas by appointment. A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required to schedule pick-ups. Courier services are billed based on technician time and mileage. Standard rates apply during normal business hours; additional charges may apply for after-hours, weekend, or same-day requests.

9. Data Access, Compliance & Deliverables

Clients with active accounts may access results 24/7 via the Client Portal at https://portal.aatls.com. Drinking water compliance results can be uploaded to the Compliance Monitoring Data Portal when designated as compliance samples. Data can be delivered in PDF, Excel, or Access format. Custom EDDs are available for an additional fee.

10. Analytical and Sampling Notes

• Metals digestion is required if turbidity exceeds 1 NTU.
• If Gross Alpha exceeds 5 pCi/L, Radium-226 and -228 are required; if >15 pCi/L, Uranium is required.
• Travel blanks must accompany VOC samples and will only be analyzed if detection occurs.
• Low-level Mercury (EPA 1631E) requires a field blank.
• Field readings (pH, temperature, chlorine) should be provided if to be used in Langlier Index calculations.
• Samples must meet holding time and temperature requirements.

11. Subcontracting

To meet analytical needs, American Analytical may subcontract specific analyses to ISO 17025 or ADHS-certified laboratories. Subcontracted work will be identified in final reports. Liability for subcontracted services is limited to that assumed by the subcontractor.

12. Liability, Governing Law, and Force Majeure

The Laboratory's liability is limited to the cost of the analytical service performed. No consequential, indirect, or punitive damages shall be assumed. These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Arizona, with venue in Pima County. American Analytical shall not be responsible for delays due to natural disasters, labor disputes, or uncontrollable events.

13. Proposal Acceptance

The Client acknowledges and accepts these Terms and Conditions. By accepting a quotation, submitting a purchase order, or engaging American Analytical for services, the Client agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions set forth herein.