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Here are a few of the most common questions we hear at WOHL. If you still have questions, please call us at 800-446-0403.

Q: How much does an analysis cost? Do I have to pay for media? What types of payment do you accept?

A: Our tests cost anywhere from $18 on up to hundreds of dollars depending on the sample type, number of analytes, cost of the media needed and complexity of the analysis being performed. Please email or call the laboratory if you would like the cost to perform a specific test and we would be happy to fill you in on all of the details including shipping costs for media or pumps and other things you may want to consider in regards to sample analysis costs. We can send you a copy of our fee schedule via email (as a pdf document) or via US Mail. Request Fee Schedule

Q: How long does it take to get my results?

A: Report turnaround times vary depending on the analysis being performed. WOHL offers rush (24 hour) and priority (48-72 hour) turnaround for most types of analysis. Contact the laboratory at 800-446-0403 to arrange for expedited sample analysis or to inquire about turn around times for your specific tests of interest.

Q: How do I get a pump from you? How long does it take? What does it cost?

A: WOHL has a limited supply of equipment that customers are welcome to borrow. Please contact the laboratory for the availability of such equipment so that we can verify that we can get it to you in time for your sampling.

Q: Do I need to submit a blank sample with my other samples?

A: OSHA and NIOSH methods specify blank samples as part of the sampling protocol. Certainly a blank is required if the data collected is going to be used for issues related to OSHA compliance or other potentially litigious purposes. If the sample is being collected for screening or other less rigorous purposes, a blank may be optional depending on the analyte in question.

Q: Do I need to submit a bulk sample?

A: Bulk samples are generally not necessary to support air sample analysis. Situations where bulks are necessary are:

  1. Metal working fluid analysis
  2. Solvent analysis for petroleum blends such as mineral spirits when a result in terms of mg/m3 of the specific blend is required

Q: How do I sample for a chemical for which there are no NIOSH or OSHA methods?

A: If the chemical of interest is a solid at room temperature and does not have a specific PEL or TLV, OSHA would probably regulate it as nusiance dust. In this case the chemical can be collected on preweighted PVC filters and analyzed by NIOSH 0500 or 0600. An example of this would be powdered plaster resins. If the chemical is volatile or highly toxic, it may be possible to develop a specific method. Contact the lab to discuss the feasibility of developing a method.

Q: Can wipe samples be taken and analyzed for a specific chemical?

A: Wipe sampling protocols can be developed for most non-volatile chemicals. Wipe sampling for volatile compounds, like solvents, is generally not feasible.

 
Feedback, questions or accessibility issues: WOHLservice@mail.slh.wisc.edu

The Wisconsin Occupational Health Laboratory
2601 Agriculture Drive
Madison WI 53718
Phone: 1-800-446-0403
Fax: 1-608-224-6213

Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene
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