Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to the questions customers ask us most frequently. If your query is not answered please do contact us.

How long does it take to receive my results? [TOP]

The time taken to carry out analytical work on your samples will vary depending on the nature of the samples, the current workloads in the laboratory and the complexity of the tests. It is best to check with the relevant Science Business Manager to get an accurate estimate of turn around times.

How do I submit a sample? [TOP]

Samples can be submitted with an accompanying Sample Submission Form directly to the laboratory at 125 Hay Street, East Perth Western Australia. Check with the relevant Science Business Manager regarding sample preservation, holding times and other special requirements.

Can the laboratory assist in the interpretation of my results? [TOP]

Scientists at ChemCentre can assist you with the interpretation of results. Refer to the sample collection guidelines to ensure that you are collecting the most appropriate sample.

Are my results confidential? [TOP]

All work undertaken by ChemCentre is done so in the strictest confidence. Results are only reported to the client who submitted the samples or their nominated agent. Results cannot be passed onto another party by ChemCentre without your written permission to do so. ChemCentre is a secure building which is only possible to enter via key-passed doors and several areas are under video surveillance, hence your samples are kept securely.

What are the laboratory working hours? [TOP]

Routine laboratory opening hours are 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Operations (such as sample delivery) outside these hours are negotiable via contact with the relevant Science Business Manager. Forensic Science and Emergency Response are available 24/7/365.

How do I take a sample? [TOP]

Sample taking guidelines are available for soil, plant and water samples. For other samples, specific requirements may exist. Contact the relevant Science Business Manger for details and advice.

How much sample is required? [TOP]

The quantity of sample required depends entirely on type of sample and the tests to be conducted. Sample taking guidelines are available for soil, plant and water samples. For other samples, specific requirements may exist. Contact the relevant Science Business Manger for details and advice.

How much does it cost to have a sample analysed? [TOP]

The cost of analysis depends entirely on the type of sample and the tests to be conducted. For complex work hourly charges may apply. Contact the relevant Science Business Manger for details and advice.

Minimum job charges apply. However, for many tests the unit charge decreases with increasing samples submitted in a single job. In other words, the unit cost for a single sample will be much higher than for a single submission of say 100 samples. This reflects the set-up charges and additional frequency of quality control samples for small jobs.

We do not publish price lists but we are happy to provide a written quote on specific jobs. Click to contact us.

How do I select a laboratory? [TOP]

The decision to submit your samples to a laboratory should not be made lightly. As with any service you will only receive what you pay for. If you are prepared to jeopardise the findings of your work or research by seeking the cheapest possible price (and a fittingly ‘dodgy’ result) you won't be a client of ChemCentre. If you require a result that can potentially stand up to the rigours of time, a court room or peer review you will find ChemCentre provides the best value for money.

It is important to select a laboratory that has independently verified accreditation. Laboratory accreditation means you can be assured of high quality service and accurate results that are fit for purpose. Laboratory accreditation means that the laboratory staff is audited and asked to participate in proficiency trials to routinely prove they are carrying out testing to the highest standard.

ChemCentre is the oldest NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) accredited laboratory in Australia. It has been accredited for an extensive range of chemical tests since 1950.

Can I visit the laboratory? Where are you located? [TOP]

Clients are encouraged to visit ChemCentre to see how their work is carried out. Call the Science Business Manager or Chief in the area that you are most interested and a tour can be arranged at a convenient time.

We are located at 125 Hay Street, East Perth, which is just outside Perth CBD on the corner of Plain Street near the WACA. A small car park can be accessed off Hay Street if you are heading in a westerly direction.

How do I apply for a job at the laboratory? [TOP]

ChemCentre employs scientists from many disciplines including chemistry, biochemistry, occupational hygiene, metallurgy and physics. Additional professional staff include laboratory technicians and assistants and various administrative professions. For more details see employment opportunities.

What happens to my sample once testing is completed? [TOP]

For many routine samples the procedure is to retain the samples at ChemCentre for a minimum of 60 days after the issue of your final report. For samples that deteriorate this period may be shorter. You may request to have the samples returned to you (at your cost) after analysis has been completed. All samples are disposed of in an appropriate manner. For samples that require special quarantine disposal, to AQIS specifications, additional charges may apply.

Does ChemCentre collect samples? [TOP]

Generally, samples are delivered by customers for analysis and examination. ChemCentre scientists can advise you on the most appropriate way to collect samples, preservation and treatment as well as recommending testing requirements and assisting you to interpret your results.

There may be specific instances where it is advisable to have ChemCentre specialists collect the sample for you (for example, for litigious samples). For advice, please contact the Chief or Science Business Manager in the appropriate area for advice.

How will I get my results? [TOP]

You will be posted a signed, written report at the completion of the scientific work. Many reports are also available electronically (pdf, excel or csv file).

Do you charge for analysis? [TOP]

ChemCentre operates on a commercial basis. As such work carried out will incur a cost to the person or business submitting samples. Written authorisation may be required if the business submitting samples is not the business to which the invoice is directed.

What does laboratory accreditation mean? [TOP]

Laboratory accreditation, combined with a highly skilled team of professional scientists, means you can be assured of high quality service and accurate results. Laboratory accreditation means that the laboratory staff is audited and asked to participate in proficiency trials to routinely prove that they are carrying out testing to the highest standard.

ChemCentre is the oldest NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) accredited laboratory in Australia. It has been accredited for an extensive range of chemical tests since 1950. It has been internationally accredited for forensic science tests since 1996. ChemCentre’s quality management system complies with AS/NZS ISO9001:2000 and has been certified since 1995. We regularly participate in National and International proficiency trials as well as assisting accreditation bodies by providing scientists to audit other laboratories.

Appropriate accreditation is an assurance that the laboratory can provide a quality result on your samples. Accredited laboratories regularly subject their procedures and quality systems to external scrutiny.

I have a question about the invoice I have received. Who should I speak to? [TOP]

Please contact our accounts department, telephone +61 (0)8 9422 9800.

I have a number of plants on my property that have died. Can you test to see if they have been poisoned? [TOP]

Plants may die for many reasons. If you suspect your plants have been sprayed with an herbicide it is important to take a sample as soon as possible. If the commonly used herbicide glyphosate (sold as Zero® or Roundup®) has been used you may not notice significant health issues in the plant until several weeks after application. In this case the herbicide may already have degraded to an extent that it may be impossible to detect. Additionally, even if the herbicide can be detected it is normally difficult to prosecute the person who has sprayed the plant. Another consideration is the cost of the test versus the cost of the plant. As the test may cost several hundred dollars which may exceed the cost of purchasing new plants.

What do mg/kg, µg/L and all the other funny terms mean? [TOP]

Symbols, units, methods and acronyms are generally explained in a footnote on your results report. Generally metric units and standard abbreviations are used.

How do I participate in research that is happening at ChemCentre? [TOP]

ChemCentre carries out contract research and many collaborative, externally funded research projects with businesses and institutions. Click for details of our research services.

For research to attract ChemCentre funding it must have an identifiable benefit to Western Australia and be approved by the ChemCentre Executive. Within these guidelines we undertake research in many areas including, but not limited to, agronomy, forensics, biotechnology, environmental science and occupational health. To participate in any of the existing research programs, or to develop a new proposal contact the Chief or Science Business Manager in the relevant area.

Can I have samples from overseas tested? [TOP]

Yes. We are registered by AQIS (Australian Quarantine Inspection Service) to accept many types of samples from most overseas locations. This means your samples can be sent directly to ChemCentre after clearing Customs. Procedures are in place to ensures any hazardous materials (such as pathogens or disease agents) are treated appropriately either prior to or after analysis to protect local people and produce.

A Customs Declaration form will be required for the samples to be released.

Scientist at work at ChemCentre