Princeton Analytical Laboratories

Lab Related FAQ

back to top

Is your lab accredited? What certifications do you maintain?

See here for our certifications.

What is a Chain of Custody? And why is it important?

  • A written record of individuals who had physical possession of the sample.
  • The Chain of Custody is prepared when the sample is taken and, follows the sample to the lab, and tells the lab what analyses to perform.
  • Whoever relinquishes the sample and whoever accepts the sample must acknowledge doing so with their signature, time and date.
  • Without a Chain of Custody, your lab results are not going to stand up in court.  Who can say where the sample came from or whether someone with a vested interest in the results handled it.
  • Princeton Analytical's Chain of Custody

How do I submit samples?

  • Samples may be submitted to directly by the client, by a representative of Princeton Analytical who has collected the sample or by common carrier.
  • A completed Chain of Custody must accompany the sample, including the following information: 
    • Individual and/or company name
    • Complete mailing address
    • Email address for electronic delivery of results
    • Samples description, including collection date(s), time(s), preservative, if any
    • Requested analyses
  • Sample bottles must arrive: 
    • Intact
    • In temperature (2-6 degrees celsius)
    • Properly labeled to correspond to Chain of Custody

Are results available online?

Yes. We have a secure, easy-to-use online portal for access to all your reports, data, and chains of custody.

Do you provide rush services?

  • Yes. For expedited analysis and reporting, additional charges will apply
  • Contact us early to help manage logistics, sample acceptance and bench time
  • Open communication is essential!

What is the “Method” on my results report?

  • These test methods are EPA-approved procedures for measuring the presence and concentration pollutants. The EPA does not release test methods for all chemicals, but only those that it regulates.
  • When the EPA does not regulate a chemical, Standard Methods, a joint publication of the American Public Health Association (APHA), the American Water Works Association (AWWA), and the Water Environment Federation (WEF), covers all aspects of water and wastewater analysis techniques.

Where can I get details on my drinking water well?

Are facility tours available?

Yes.  Contact us to schedule a visit. 

How do I keep my well healthy on an ongoing basis?

  • Keep the area around your well clean and make sure it is always accessible
  • Limit activities such as use of fertilizers or pesticides near the well
  • Be aware of local activities that may impact your well water such as landfills, farms or construction
  • Complete a visual inspection of your well casing to detect any cracks, holes or corrosion
  • Replace a standard well cap with a sanitary well cap to keep out insects, small mammals, and other surface contamination
  • Check the wiring for the pump to make sure that it is secured in an electric conduit pipe
  • If you have not taken measures to prevent backflow, contact a plumbing supplier and get an inexpensive backflow prevention device
  • Even with proper annual maintenance, well materials and equipment will eventually need 
  • replacement. For preventative maintenance, get your well inspected at least every ten years by a qualified professional
    • Find Pennsylvania Licensed Well Drillers here
  • For added information: A Guide to Private Water Systems in Pennsylvania