What is your ‘remit to’ address?

Our ‘remit to’ address for payments only is:
SGS North America Inc.
PO Box 2506
Carol Stream, IL 60132-2506

How can I tell if the shelf life of the media that is sent to me has expired?

There will typically be an expiration date on the media. In cases where there is no expiration date you can call us or the vendor with the media lot number and we can then provide you with the expiration date. At Galson we never send expired media – but some short-lived media could expire if your sampling event is delayed.

Can I collect metals on a preweighed PVC filter?

Yes you can, but the preferred media would be matched-weight MCE filters. See our technical bulletins for more information on collecting metals.

How do I set up an account?

Simply visit our Registration page to create a basic online account. Once verified by email, log in and you will be prompted to complete our 3-in-1 Agreement with new account details.

Can you email results?

Yes, results can be emailed to any number of addresses. The report files are in pdf file format.

I’ve heard you have a Freepumploan™ program. What are the details?

We loan sampling pumps for free. All of the details and a whole set of frequently asked questions on the pump loan program may be accessed by clicking here

I’ve heard you have a FreeSamplingBadges™ program. What are the details?

We loan sampling badges for free. All of the details may be accessed by clicking here.

I understand you rent industrial hygiene equipment. How do I find out more?

We rent the right equipment that meets your needs with benefits to you that other programs don’t have. You can find out how we do it by clicking here.

Can analytes be sampled together?

Many analytes may be sampled together when the collection medium and desorbing solution are the same. In our Sampling and Analysis Guide, we provide codes for compatibility of analytes and also a Universal Solvent GC method table Many analytes may be compatible in different situations, so please call our client centre if you have a need and we’ll be happy to evaluate your particular situation.

What flow rate do I sample at?

The flow rate that you sample at is determined by the ability of the sampling medium to collect the sample and the concentration level at which you are trying to collect in the timeframe available. Recommended flow rates from the methods are found in our Sampling and Analysis Guide for each analyte. If you do not feel you will be able to get to the detection limit you require using the recommended sampling rate over the time period you have available, contact our client service group and they will be happy to assist you.

What sample volume do I collect?

The volume that you sample is determined by the ability of the sampling medium to collect the sample and the concentration level at which you are trying to reach. Recommended volumes from the methods are found in our Sampling and Analysis Guide for each analyte. If you do not feel you will be able to get to the detection limit you require using the recommended volume, contact our client service group and they will be happy to assist you.

Where can I find the detection limit for a compound?

The level of quantitation (i.e. micrograms per sample) for each compound is found in our Sampling and Analysis Guide. The air concentration detection limit (i.e. mg/m3 or ppm) must be calculated using the level of quantitation and the volume of air that will be sampled. The greater the air volume sampled, the lower the concentration detection limit.

I would like my samples done on a RUSH TAT (turnaround time). When can I get results? Is there a surcharge?

You can, if absolutely needed, get analytical results for most compounds within hours of the time they arrive at our laboratory. The more advanced notice we have the better our ability to get you your results on a rush basis. We request samples be shipped overnight early AM delivery. We charge an additional fee for rush turnaround to cover the costs of breaking our production routines in order to analyze the samples. The additional surcharges are found in the policies of our Sampling and Analysis Guide.

Flow rates for metals samples vary with analyte. Is it OK to collect multiple metals on one cassette and use a larger air volume than the method recommends?

In most cases, it is acceptable to collect air volumes outside of the method-recommended range. Take care not to overload the sample with too much particulate, as this may affect the analysis. Modifying sampling parameters is done at your discretion and may depend ultimately on what your data will be used for.

Is it really important to collect an isocyanate sample open faced?

Yes; the treated filters used in the OSHA sampling methods should be sampled open-faced in order to allow for even sample deposit across the entire filter. If these are sampled closed-faced, the isocyanate may become too concentrated in the center of the filter, which could overload the derivatizing agent on that part of the filter.

Do you have a chain of custody form I can use?

We have a convenient and free Online Chain of Custody form which you can use from any device which has an internet connection and a web browser. Simply log into our website and you can create a COC, or complete one that we have started for you if you ordered the sampling media from us.