FAQs

Since each one of the samples has to undergo individual testing sequence requiring full QC checks and individual input resources, testing assignment cannot be treated as a wholesale activity.

Hence it is not possible to offer discount on testing services.

However, Polytest Laboratories ensures that you get full value of the test results with its assistance for choosing appropriate test parameters, deriving accurate results and giving prompt service.

We have a strict policy on this and thus cannot give any backdated reports. Once the sample is submitted and registered in our system, there is no scope for any alteration. Besides our policy, this is also a requirement of ISO 17025 standard to maintain sample data integrity.

Normally this is not acceptable from the technical view point owing to risk of sample degradation. There is also a defined method to accept samples at our end. However, if you call us well in advance, we can work out the solution for that particular case. As a rule it is not advisable to deliver samples beyond our working hours.

It is very convenient for customers to pay Polytest's testing charges through various payment options such as Cash, Credit / Debit card, E-transfer or a Cheque. It is our policy to accept samples only against payment. It is highly difficult to manage the credit line for such short duration low value assignments.

The collection of samples involves the cost on account of travel cost of the sampler, his salary and the overheads. The sampler is a trained person who understands and follows the correct procedures and sample handling. Sample collection facility is the extension of the service offered by Polytest to its customers to save them time and trouble. The cost of sampling is not included in the testing charges because it is applied per trip and not per sample.

Testing Turnaround time (TAT) depends on type of samples and the number of parameters selected. Typical water sample report can be delivered in 3 working days, whereas, samples with some microbiological testing requiring long incubation and analysis time may take as much as 15 days. Other factors that may impact TAT are temporary work overload at lab and sample sensitivity for interferences due to its nature itself. We will inform you the exact results delivery date at the time of sample submission.

It is always economical and quick to send the samples through a courier rather than us sending a person to collect from faraway places. Call us so that we can explain you about samples quantity, container & packaging and sample preservation. Also please enquire with your local courier if he carries liquid samples if adequately protected.

Yes we can do AQM and other on-site monitoring at faraway places if we plan properly in advance. From your side, you will need to keep necessary equipment and processes in working condition together with safe access to their sampling ports. For making a collection / monitoring service appointment please write to sampling@polytestlabs.net with your detailed requirement.

Maximum 200 g sample is required for solids testing, whereas for liquids 500 ml quantity is generally sufficient. Please enquire for specific testing.

Main requirements are: Tightly capped, clearly labeled container. Ask us specifically whether glass or plastic and other requirements. Putting the container in a zip-lock plastic bag to protect against accidental leakage. Adequate cushioning for accidental breakage during transit.

Yes, often there are more than one method to test your sample. Please discuss your requirement and application with us before actual sampling so that we can suggest you appropriate method.

At site recording of basic parameters such as TDS, pH, ORP or temperature is possible. It can be done through our trained person collecting the samples from your site. Please discuss with us beforehand.

Polytest is keen in developing various tests and will try to assist you for any analysis by evaluating various possibilities. Please enquire for specific testing.

Ordinarily it is not mandatory to collect samples in the containers obtained from us, so far as they are thoroughly cleaned. However, for the specific tests such as microbiological, etc., only the specially cleaned /conditioned or sterilized containers should be used. This ensures the testing accuracy.

Before working out the techno-commercial offer we need certain input data from you. Please write to us for more details.

As per the availability of resources, Polytest can undertake material testing to support your experiments. However, we may not be able to conduct comprehensive experiments in our lab. Please write to us for specific testing.

In such a case only a few tests can be performed. Please let us know the tests that are important for you.

Rainwater may not be used as it is for drinking. There is a possibility of mixing of atmospheric and surface pollutants. Get potability testing done on collected water to decide on whether treatment is needed.

Please see TechNotes section in which you will find compiled significances of parameters for domestic water use

The discharge standards for treated wastewater are specified by Central Pollution Control Board. Please see links here and here  as CPCB guidelines.

Conventional RO water is used for general applications like drinking, industrial use, whereas, dialysis water because of is medical application has to meet more stringent norms hence may undergo further purification stages. Otherwise, fundamental treatment strategy for both applications is the same.

Majority of the water borne diseases, such as diarrhea or gastroenteritis are due to bacterial presence in drinking water. Many a time, apparently safe drinking water is found with microbial contamination; hence it is advisable to conduct the microbial analysis on your drinking water.

Behind any such symptomatic complaints there are various causes and not necessarily the one of the water alone. For hair fall and skin irritation, consult your dermatologist for proper treatment and proper advice. However, it is generally believed that it is mainly due to fungal infection transmitted through skin contact or usage of unhygienic swimming pool. Visit the link herefor further reading. Polytest laboratories can test water for presence of fungus and other parameters for your dermatologist.

Yes. You can add a parameter or two if the sample is not disposed off and the quantity is adequate. Generally such parameter addition must be requested within 72 hrs from the date of test report dispatch.

You should go for our abridged 13 parameters potability check drawn from IS:10500 and additionally COD to find out the presence of organic contamination that may cause smell. Additionally, algae can cause bad smell too but is recommended to be checked consequently.

Technically speaking no two samples are alike until they are a subpart of one single sample. There are so many variables involved in the total process from sampling to actual analysis that test results rarely replicate. The best way to cross check the testing integrity is to submit a subsample to various labs.

Please see Technotes.

According to your application and scale of usage there are different water treatment methods employed. Please see TechNotes for an overview.

Yes. There are specific tests suggested by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) that gives conclusive answer. Polytest Laboratories undertakes testing of various foodstuffs, including milk and milk products for their adulterant identification.

In my test report I see some values highlighted which indicate crossing of the standard range / limit. How can these parameters brought within limit? The purpose of sample testing is to compare the test results with some guiding values / limits. At the time of sample acceptance we ask you specifically about such standard. We highlight those test results which do not comply with the standard range. To understand the significance of exceeding parameter or to offer you the remedy, you will need a consultant. It is beyond scope of testing assignment of Polytest to offer solution, if any, as it needs a thorough study of the process.

Yes, as per Lab-specific ISO 17025, specifying the test method is mandatory. Accordingly Polytest gives the method of testing in your test report. When you study the method further, it provides all the details such as the instruments used, techniques and level of detection and interferences.

Please talk to us. We may need the MSDS and analysis methods for evaluation of Purity.

It is always better to compare your used oil with virgin (fresh) oil to know how much in reality the degradation has taken place. This will be done only once for the same oil lot. Thereafter it is useful to get the machine oil tested periodically with details such as no. of hours, special conditions etc. The trending of oil degradation can be effectively done this way.

We face respiration problem in our working area, can you guide as to the cause of it? There are way too many variables responsible for suffocation or respirational problems of the building occupants. One of it could be sick building syndrome manifested by lack of fresh air, cramped layouts, lack of sunlight, lack of ventilation, pungent odours generated from various sources, etc. A systematic survey of Indoor Environmental Quality can be undertaken for this.

You will need an agronomist to understand and use the test results of soil sample to advise you how best to manage a particular crop with given parcel of field, and to tailor a solution. Polytest does not offer this service.

This is your choice whether to get print standard values printed. Sometimes it is also useful since you will need them to compare with the obtained results. It will help you to check the efficacy of your process. Statutory submission of test report also warrants that the standard values are printed against the obtained test results.

Simply put only a single sample - collected randomly or systematically - from the source is a grab sample. The composite sampling entails aggregation of many time weighted subsamples taken from the source. E.g. If you take one sample every hour for 12 hours from a water stream and mix them together, it will be a 12-hr composite sample. Composite sampling gives more representative results. For commodities or other types, systematic sampling plans are followed.

Please see Technotes.

Although we have a comprehensive offering of most frequently requested tests, many a time we cannot offer all requested tests. There are various reasons such as our inability of method establishment or standardization at our facility, unavailability or probable unreliability of such tests from our partner subcontractor lab, economic infeasibility, and so on. In short, we regret those test requests that cannot be validated by us. Yes, we can definitely suggest you the labs which we think might be in a position to offer you the test.

The source of domestic water supply is generally the surface or ground water. When rainwater, which is slightly acidic, seeps through limestone rock, some of it gets dissolved. These dissolved minerals give hardness to water. Hard water forms scales onto the vessel and piping surfaces thereby clogging it, make washing ineffective by generating scum out of soap rather than the lather.

The foaming occurs mainly due to contamination by detergents. It is generally harmless and a temporary phenomenon.

You can choose from our Environmental related test groups. Click here