Public health laboratory - schedule of charges

Water Testing Analytes

Sample Type - Grouped Tests

NATA Scope of Accreditation

The Laboratory has NATA accreditation (Accreditation Number: 1785) for all the tests listed above, except those indicated by asterisk (e.g. *Marine Colony Count).

Sample Submission

The Laboratory is open 8:45 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday, but samples should not be submitted after 2:00 pm on Friday without prior notification. Large numbers of samples, or complex testing (e.g. Food, Legionella in water) should also be notified to confirm media availability.

Confidentiality

The Public Health Laboratory is accredited against ISO 17025, which requires that all customer information should be treated as confidential, except where required by law. The laboratory is legally required to notify the Director of Public Health of notifiable contaminants under the Guidelines to the Public Health Act 1997.

Time Required

Test duration varies with method – the minimum time indicated is for a negative result, however, any confirmation testing required to confirm suspect growth will extend the duration.

Methods

MF and MPN are different methods for the same analyte, but give equivalent results, and are used interchangeably by the Laboratory. The respective units; CFU/100mL and MPN/100mL, are not analytes and do not affect the result. If a customer requires that a result be in a specific unit, they must request this on their submission.

Food Testing Analytes

NATA Scope of Accreditation

The Laboratory has NATA accreditation (Accreditation Number: 1785) for all the tests listed above, except those indicated by asterisk (e.g. * Yeasts & Moulds). Not all food methods included in the scope are performed routinely and may require notice for media preparation (e.g. Campylobacter and Vibrio parahaemolyticus) – please contact the PHL to discuss food testing needs before sending samples.

Sample Transport from Launceston

The Public Health Laboratory has an account with Jet Couriers in Launceston (Ph: 6343 5033). Samples may be delivered to 9/1 Pipeworks Road, South Launceston, up to 5:30 pm Monday to Thursday. Samples should be packed in Eskis, with ice-bricks to keep them refrigerated during overnight transport. Jet Couriers will charge the PHL $11 (GST-incl) per package, which will be added to the testing invoice.

Packages/Eskis for delivery to the PHL should be marked as follows:

To: Public Health Laboratory
18 St Johns Avenue
NEW TOWN TAS 7008

Jet Couriers  -  Account Code : PHL              

Eski Return

Eskis/ice-bricks can be returned via Australia Post, at a cost of $6 per package. To be returned, eskis should be permanently marked with the customer’s address or have a rotatable label. The eski or submission form should include a request that the eski be returned.

Documentation

Submission forms, accreditation details and other documents can be found at Public Health Laboratory.

Opening Hours

The door to reception is open between 8.45 am and 5.00 pm.

Contact the laboratory on (03) 6166 1107 to discuss any testing issues not covered above.