Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question? Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions. If you don't see your question here, contact Customer Service.

Test selection

How do I find information on tests and prices?

A list of commonly requested tests and prices can be found on each of the individual testing services area pages linked below:

What tests should I select?

The test you select depends on what you are wanting to test for. Please contact Customer Service for advice on the appropriate test for your needs.

I can't find the test I want

If you are unable to find the test you want, contact Customer Service to discuss your specialised testing needs.

Pricing

How do I get a quote?

  • For Edible oil & oilseed or Feed quality quotations and pricing enquiries, please contact DPI AgEnviro Labs at Wagga Wagga on (02) 6938 1957
  • For Plant nutrition, Soil health or Water quality quotations and pricing enquiries, please contact DPI AgEnviro Labs at Wollongbar on (02) 6623 1103
  • For Animal export, Plant health or Veterinary quotations, please complete the online quotation request

Is there a discount for large testing volumes?

Discounts are available for larger testing volumes. Please contact Customer Service to discuss your testing requirements.

How long will my quote be valid for?

The validity of your quotation for Edible oil & oilseed, Feed quality, Plant nutrition, Soil health and Water quality testing can be negotiated The quotation timeframe can be negotiated depending on your needs.

Quotations for Livestock for export, Plant health and Veterinary testing are valid until 31 January each year and are subject to a price rise after this date.

Sampling

How do I collect a soil sample?

For Soil health analysis, the following sample collection instructions are included with the soil sample kit:

  1. Plan your soil testing with your agronomist or horticulturalist.
  2. Carefully read and follow the soil sampling instructions.
  3. Use the sample bag provided.
  4. Collect sample with clean equipment.
  5. Fill out the sample submission form.
  6. Place the sample bag and sample submission form in the mailing tube and secure lid with adhesive tape.
  7. Mail the sampling kit back to the Lab at your local Post Office.

The Fertcare Soil Sampling Guide and infographic is a useful resource.

For further assistance with collecting a soil sample, please contact Customer Service.

How do I collect a water sample?

For Water health analysis, the following sample collection instructions are included on the water sampling kit label:

  1. Check that this kit contains a sample bottle, a submission form and an information sheet.
  2. Use only the sample bottle provided. Rinse the sample bottle with the sample water before collection.
  3. Depending on the source of the water sample, use the following methods
    • Dam: collect a sample from the dam entry point or from several different parts of the dam. Avoid collecting muddy sediment.
    • Creek or river: Collect a sample from the middle of the stream if possible.
    • Bore: Collect a sample after pumping for at least 30 minutes.
    • Distributions systems (eg irrigation): Ensure system is flushed thoroughly before sampling.
  4. Fill sample bottle completely (no air spaces) and seal tight.
  5. Fill out sample submission form as completely as possible.
  6. Place bottle and form in this mailing container and secure each end with adhesive tape.
  7. Keep sample refrigerated or chilled and post as soon as possible. Do not freeze.

Sample collection for E Coli analysis has very specific instructions, these are also included inside the Micrbiological (E. coli) Water Sampling Kit kit

For further assistance with collecting a soil sample, please contact Customer Service.

Can you return my samples?

Samples can be returned at your request. Residual samples will be returned at client expense. Samples are retained for one calendar month from the date of the final report. Please indicate your request for return of sample at time of requesting test.

Sending samples to the lab

How do I send samples to the laboratory?

Samples can be sent by mail or courier to the address supplied on the sample submission form.

Please contact Customer Service for courier account details and to arrange pre-printed consignment notes. Couriers can then be contacted directly to make bookings and arrange collection of packages.

For after-hours or same day deliveries, please contact Customer Service to arrange.

Do you have a preferred courier?

DPI utilises the services of the following nominated couriers:

  • For Edilble oil & oilseed, Feed quality, Plant nutrition, Soil health or Water quality testing:  Star Track and/or Metrostate Couriers
  • For Livestock for export, Plant health or Veterinary testing:  Metrostate Couriers, TNT or TOLL. Please note Startrack do not ship biological samples.

Turnaround time

Feed quality turnaround

5 working days for NIR analyses, 10 working days for wet chemistry

Edible oil & oilseed turnaround

10 working days

Plant nutrition turnaround

5-10 working days depending on tests selected and workload

Soil health turnaround

5-15  working days depending on tests selected and workload

Water quality turnaround

2-10 working days depending on tests selected and workload

Livestock for export turnaround

Turnaround times vary. Please refer to individual test/disease page

Plant health turnaround

Turnaround times vary. Please refer to individual test/disease page

Veterinary turnaround

Turnaround times vary. Please refer to individual test/disease page

Results

Where can I access my test results?

Test results are sent to your nominated email address.

Contact Customer Service for assistance with accessing  results.

How do I interpret my feed anaylsis report?

Interpretation of your results should be done by a qualified professional.

Contact Customer Service if you require assistance to identify a local advisor within your region.

How do I interpret my soil test results?

Interpretation of soil test reports requires specialised knowledge of local conditions and crops. Laboratory reports are accompanied by a general guide. DPI strongly recommends you consult a local advisor (agronomist or horticulturist) or contact your Local Land Services office to interpret the results more specifically.

A copy of your report can be emailed to your nominated advisor.

How do I interpret my water test results?

DPI's water reports come with a sample specific interpretation of the Standard Analysis. A summary table of the ANZECC guidelines for stock/irrigation and Australian Drinking Water guidelines is also provided, as well as a selection of Primefacts.

Invoices

How do I pay my invoice

Payments can be made through one of the nominated methods on your invoice or via  DPI's secure online payment facility.

When/how will I get my invoice

Invoices will be emailed to your nominated email address at the conclusion of testing.

Downloads

Submission forms and sample guides

Additional submission forms and sample guides for all DPI testing services can be found on the Forms page.

Terms & Conditions

Laboratory Terms and Conditions

View DPI's testing services' Terms and Conditions.