Section 475.20  Submission of Samples or Specimens

Each sample or specimen submitted to the Laboratory for any analysis must be delivered or shipped in a container and manner to preserve the sample/specimen from contamination or destruction and allow it to reach the Laboratory in a condition that permits a reliable laboratory analysis.

a)         It is the responsibility of the person submitting the sample/specimen to deliver it to the Laboratory or to send it in a package approved by the U.S. Postal Service, or another commercial carrier to be used, for such shipping. Any sample/specimen that is submitted in a package that violates the U.S. Postal Service's guidelines (or another commercial carrier's guidelines if an alternative carrier is used), is damaged in transit, is not received within the prescribed time frame for analysis, or is otherwise received in a condition that does not permit a reliable laboratory analysis, will be discarded.  When this occurs, the laboratory result will be reported as indeterminant or unsatisfactory and the submitter will be notified so that another sample/specimen can be collected and submitted for analysis.

b)         For those laboratory services offered, the Laboratory shall provide, upon request, sample/specimen collection materials or devices and mailing containers that meet the U.S. Postal Service regulations.

c)         Prior to delivering or shipping any sample/specimen to the Laboratory, it is the responsibility of the person submitting the sample/specimen to confirm the availability of the desired laboratory service/analysis; to identify which Laboratory site(s) (e.g., Chicago, Springfield, Carbondale or a contract laboratory site) perform the desired service/analysis; and to determine to which site the sample/specimen should be submitted.  Sample/specimens shall be delivered or sent only to a specific Laboratory site designated as performing the requested laboratory service or to an alternative site agreed to in advance.

d)         It is the responsibility of the person submitting the sample/specimen to pay for the postage or transport fee of the package unless alternative arrangements are made with the Laboratory in advance of mailing or shipping a sample/specimen to the Laboratory.

(Source:  Amended at 20 Ill. Reg. 6958, effective May 5, 1996)