Step 1	Contact The Lab:  Please call or e-mail us, so we can assist you to determine the type of analysis needed in your situation, and to confirm that we can provide the requested service.  Our telephone number is (785) 537-9773.
Step 2	Fill out our Sample Submit Form.  No samples will be accepted without a completed submission form.  Analyses cannot begin until all pertinent information has been received.
Step 3	Package the sample; The securing, packaging and shipping of a sample is extremely important. If the sample is not handled properly prior to and during shipping, valuable information may be destroyed. Please follow these steps to insure that your sample arrives in the best condition possible.

	A	Obtain everything that has been in contact with, or associated with the sample (foreign object, remaining food product, paper wrappers, packaging, etc.)
	B	Place the sample and associated evidence in appropriate containers (sealed plastic bag, or hard plastic container with lid that seals tightly). Keep the various parts of the sample in individual containers if they are already separate. DO NOT separate or otherwise disturb an intact sample because essential information may be lost, EXCEPT when you have a liquid sample.  If you are shipping a liquid sample (ice cream, soup, chili, liquid beverages, etc.) you should remove the foreign material from the sample before shipping, so the foreign material does not dissolve or degrade in transit.  Place the isolated foreign material in a separate bag or container. NOTE:  PLEASE DO NOT SHIP SHARP OBJECTS IN PLASTIC BAGS.  Sharp objects (razor blades, needles, glass shards, etc.) should be placed inside a petri-dish, vial, small box or other container with hard sides to protect our employees from being cut or punctured.  Please mark the outside of the container "SHARP!" so we may take extra precautions.  NOTE: PLEASE USE PRECAUTIONS WHEN SENDING SAMPLES WITH POTENTIAL BIOHAZARD RISKS.  Any sample that may contain blood, saliva, urine, semen, mucus, or other bodily fluids is a potential biohazard risk.  Please make sure that all potentially dangerous samples are sealed inside Ziploc bags or plastic containers.  Label the outside of the bag or container "Potential Biohazard" so we may take extra precautions.
	C	Cushion the sample with packing material to protect it from being smashed or broken.
	D	Place the sample in a sturdy box. DO NOT ship samples in an envelope or letter-pak.  Samples can be crushed during shipping or when they pass through the cancellation machines at the postal center. Hard objects will tear an envelope and cause the contents to spill out and be lost.
	E	Samples containing perishable items must be shipped in a cooler with frozen ice-packs or dry ice.  (DO NOT use ice cubes or crushed ice)  Perishable samples should be shipped for next day delivery.  Ice cream products, frozen yogurt, popsicles and similar items MUST be shipped on dry ice to maintain sample integrity.
	F	Enclose a copy of the submit form in the box with your sample.
	G	Make sure your name, address and phone number are clearly visible on the outside of the shipping box.
	H	If you are requesting Rush service, please write "RUSH" on the package near the address label.

Step 4

Ship the sample; Use only a courier service with overnight delivery and advanced tracking capabilities (UPS or Federal Express).  We are not open to accept packages on Saturdays.  Please do not send perishable items over the weekend.   Our address is ALTECA Ltd., 731 McCall Road, Manhattan, KS  66502  USA