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Common supplies your facility may need for routine testing include air plates, sponges, swabs, and sample bags.

Though in some cases, we may ask for reimbursements, Trelfa Labs does not purchase supplies and resell them for profit as a vendor. We are not considered a reseller by the state of Massachusetts and do not collect sales tax. 

Most supplies our lab provides, allocated for use in tests we perform on your behalf, are included in the cost. 

Our former Supply Order form has been updated to include sampling requests. Now you can use one convenient form, should you need both. This also benefits you in terms of booking time with our driver, as now you can give us multiple dates and times that would work for you instead of being forced to pick just one from our former booking system. The goals is to give our driver more flexibility to set up as-needed routes and keep logistics costs down.

• 9 am – 5 pm, M - F, except Federal Holidays

• Close proximity to both I-95 and I-495
• Plenty of free parking
• A parking lot which accommodates semi-trucks, should you prefer to send a vehicle from your fleet
• Easy ground floor access, with a vestibule stocked with Chain of Custody forms and room for multiple coolers, should the lab temporarily close

• Minimum: $30 in sales
• None of the charges below count toward the sales minimum.
• Sample Upcharge (Rush and Holiday): $25 per sample (when available)
• Supply Upcharge (Standard): Typically included in cost of the final analysis. See Quotation for details.

OPTION 2: SAMPLE PICK-UPS/ SUPPLY DROP-OFFS/ENVIRONMENTAL SWABBING (VIA LAB DRIVER)

• Sample Pick-Up Requests: 48-hours
• Supply Drop-Off Requests: 1-2 weeks
• Environmental Swabbing: 48-hours 
• All Cancellations: 24-hours

PRICING

• Minimum: $50 in sales
• None of the charge below count toward the sales minimum.

• Ships: 9 am – 5 pm, M - F, Eastern Time, except Federal Holidays)
• Notice: 1-2 weeks delivery (drop-shipping not available)
• Courier: An email with our carrier's tracking information will be sent from lab@trelfalabs.com

Pre-Payment Terms

• Most projects (particularly consulting, training, and nutrition panel preparation) require pre-payment.
• New customers must pre-pay for their first order, regardless of the products and/or services required. 
• Shelf-Life Studies may be billed as the project progresses, with reports sent monthly, if set up on a 'pay-as-you-go' pre-paid payment authorization.
• You may be required to pre-pay for lab supplies necessary to accommodate unusually high-volume testing

• EVERY SAMPLE ORDER MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A CHAIN OF CUSTODY FORM.
• Click to download our MANDATORY Chain of Custody-Order Form. Forms before 07.01.25 are no longer accepted. Not only does the new form allow for extra characters. It's completely updated, streamlined, composite-ready, and built to import.

• For routine/pre-scheduled lab driver pick-ups and customer shipments or drop-offs simply use the Chain of Custody-Order Form.
• For as needed/unscheduled lab driver pick-ups and/or supply drop-offs, use the Sample Pick-Up/Supply Drop-Off Form in addition to the Chain of Custody-Order Form.
• Create 1 form per Purchase Order or Lab report.
• Incomplete Form Upcharge: We are happy to help you fill out your Chain of Custody forms, if necessary. However, if no form is provided, or form lacks clear instructions, it will be sent to the back of the queue. If our technicians must spend additional time on your samples due to missing forms or unclear instructions, we will up-charge to your order. Charges vary based on time spent, not to exceed $25 per form.

Prepare 1 Chain of Custody/Order Form for each Lab Report and/or Purchase Order request in Excel, as follows:

1. Create a clean and sanitized environment by following food safety preparation and handling instructions.
   1. Food Manufacturers: follow your Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
   2. Food Service Professionals: follow USDA guidelines.
2. Determine the type of raw material or finished product to be sampled: liquid, dry, raw meat/poultry, fresh, frozen, etc.
3. Take a temperature using a calibrated thermometer appropriate for the sample material.
4. Record the following on the outside of each sample container. You may print labels using our standard 2″ x 4″ Sample Label Template (Avery 5163).
   1. Trelfa Labs’ Chain of Custody/Order Number – for internal lab use
   2. Name of the company shipping the sample.
   3. Name of the company responsible for payment, which may or may not be the same as the shipper.
   4. Sample Name/Description (try to limit to 30 characters)
   5. Sample Lot/Code
   6. Date and Time Sample was Pulled. We cannot be held responsible for packages in need of immediate attention upon arrival if we are not informed of the delivery date.
   7. Sample Type
   8. Temperature
   9. Sampler’s Initials
   10. Special Instructions
5. Please make sure that your samples are:
   1. clean
   2. packaged properly/tightly sealed
   3. included with ice packs, if refrigeration is required; we do not recommend dry ice
   4. included with packing material to avoid damage en route
   5. properly identified so that they can be matched to your Chain of Custody/Order
   6. no threat to laboratory operations
   7. delivered within a time frame that matches the required testing method

Delivery Address: Trelfa Labs, Inc., 6 Merrill St., Unit 4, Salisbury, MA 01952 (Between actor's studio and nail salon. No overhead sign.)

Below you will find detailed instructions for each type of sample.

DRY GOODS (Spices, Pastas, etc.)

Required sample size minimum: 100 grams

1. Whenever possible, materials and products to be sampled should remain in their original packaging. Trelfa Labs will accept individual samples weighing up to 25 lbs.
2. When a completely sealed container of dry material cannot be easily used as a sample, use a sterile sampling device which allows sample to be taken from the material’s container without coming into contact with the sampler’s hands or other unsanitary surface.
3. Transfer the sample from the sampling device into an appropriately sized seal-able, sterile polypropylene bag, such as a Whirl-Pak bag.
4. Seal the bag by folding the top over a minimum of three times and bending the wire closures in a fashion that will secure the folds.
5. Identify the sample within the container with the following information. You may use our printable Sample Label Template:
   1. Trelfa Labs, Inc. Chain of Custody/Order Number
   2. Name of the company shipping the sample.
   3. Name of the company responsible for payment, which may or may not be the same as the shipper.
   4. Sample Name
   5. Sample Lot/Code
   6. Date & Time Sample Pulled
   7. Sample Type
   8. Temperature
   9. Sampler’s Initials
   10. Special Instructions
6. Store the sample in accordance with storage recommendations from the master packaging until it arrives at the laboratory.
7. To prepare for delivery, follow these steps:
   
   1. Place sealed sample containers in an insulated box.
   2. Place packing materials, such as crumpled paper or foam packing “peanuts”, around the samples. Do not cover the tops of the samples with this packaging.
   3. Fill remaining head space with crumpled paper or other packing material.
   4. Place insulated top on the box.
   5. Seal box with packing tape.
   6. Identify box as “Lab Samples”. Include date and name of responsible person.
   7. Store the box in a refrigerated area until it is out for delivery.
   8. Ship samples same day or overnight to Trelfa Labs.

FROZEN DAIRY DESSERTS (Hard or Soft Serve Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, Gelato)

Required sample size minimum: 100 grams

The number of samples necessary for a new company is usually dictated by your local health department. If they have not given you this guidance, we recommend starting out by testing one flavor from each machine per month to show your Board of Health that your machines are clean. When they are satisfied, you can request a scale back in the number of samples from your local Health Inspector.

1. Clean the machine in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
2. Fill the machine with product.
3. Allow freezing to occur.
4. If using a disposable or cleanable cup:
   1. Dispense a small amount of product from the machine into the cup.
   2. DO NOT ALLOW CUP TO CONTACT THE MACHINE OR SWIPE THE CUP ACROSS THE DISPENSER. ALLOW PRODUCT TO FALL FREELY.
   3. Place lid on cup avoiding contact with inside.
5. If using a Whirl-Pak bag:
   1. Remove the seal from the top of the bag by tearing from one side to the other.
   2. Pull on the white tabs to open the bag. DO NOT MAKE CONTACT WITH THE INNER SURFACE OF THE BAG.
   3. Rub the lower portion of the bag between your fingers and thumb to fully open the bag.
   4. Hold the bag so that the yellow tabs with the wires inside are resting on your thumb and index finger.
   5. Place the bag under the dessert dispenser and dispense product into the bag.
   6. Continue dispensing for a count of 4 seconds. This will provide an adequate sample.
   7. Close the bag by pulling on the yellow tabs with the wires.
   8. Roll the top of the bag down three times and fold the yellow tabs over to create a good closure.
6. Identify the sample to be placed within the container or Whirl-Pak bag with the following information. You may use our printable Sample Label Template:
   
   1. Trelfa Labs, Inc. Chain of Custody/Order Number
   2. Name of the company shipping the sample.
   3. Name of the company responsible for payment, which may or may not be the same as the shipper.
   4. Sample Name
   5. Sample Lot/Code
   6. Date & Time Sample Pulled
   7. Sample Type
   8. Temperature
   9. Sampler’s Initials
   10. Special Instructions
7. To prepare for delivery, follow these steps:
   
   1. Place sealed sample containers in an insulated box.
   2. Place ice packs on top of the samples.
   3. Place packing materials, such as crumpled paper or foam packing “peanuts”, around samples. Do not cover tops of the samples with this packaging.
   4. Fill remaining head space with crumpled paper or other packing material.
   5. Place insulated top on the box.
   6. Seal box with packing tape.
   7. Identify box as “Lab Samples”. Include date and name of responsible person.
   8. Store the box in a refrigerated area until it is out for delivery.
   9. Ship samples same day or overnight to Trelfa Labs.

LIQUIDS OTHER THAN WATER

Required sample size minimum: 100 ml

1. Whenever possible, materials and products to be sampled should remain in their original packaging. Trelfa Labs will accept individual samples weighing up to 25 lbs.
2. When a completely sealed container of liquid cannot be easily used as a sample, use a sterile sampling device which will allow the sample to be taken from the material’s container without coming into contact with the sampler’s hands or other unsanitary surface.
3. Pour the sample from the sampling device into a sterile polypropylene container and seal immediately.
4. Seal the top of the container using plastic tape applied in a counter-clockwise fashion.
5. Identify the sample within the container with the following information. You may use our printable Sample Label Template.
6. :
   1. Trelfa Labs, Inc. Chain of Custody/Order Number
   2. Name of the company shipping the sample.
   3. Name of the company responsible for payment, which may or may not be the same as the shipper.
   4. Sample Name
   5. Sample Lot/Code
   6. Date & Time Sample Pulled
   7. Sample Type
   8. Temperature
   9. Sampler’s Initials
   10. Special Instructions
7. Store samples at 41 F (5 C) or lower until delivered to the laboratory.
8. To prepare for delivery, follow these steps:
   1. Place sealed sample containers in an insulated box.
   2. Place ice packs on top of samples, if necessary.
   3. Place packing material, such as crumpled paper or foam packing “peanuts”, around the samples. Do not cover tops of the samples with this packaging.
   4. Fill the remaining head space with crumpled paper or other packing material.
   5. Place insulated top on box.
   6. Seal box with packing tape.
   7. Identify box as “Lab Samples”. Include date and name of responsible person.
   8. Store the box in a refrigerated area until it is out for delivery.
   9. Ship samples same day or overnight to Trelfa Labs.

RAW MEATS & POULTRY

Required sample size minimum: 100 grams

1. Whenever possible, fresh and frozen meat and poultry should be sent to the lab intact, in the container provided by the supplier. Trelfa labs will accept sample sizes up to 25 lbs.
2. When completely sealed container of meat/poultry cannot be used as a sample (i.e. samples over 25 lbs or combo-sized containers), use a sterile sampling device which will allow sample to be taken from the material’s container without coming into contact with the sampler’s hands or other unsanitary surface.
   1. For ground or small-piece meat/poultry, turn sterile sampling bag inside out and take grab samples from several locations within the container. Then turn the bag back through itself with sample for sterile containment.
3. Transfer sample from the sampling device into an appropriately sized seal-able, sterile polypropylene bag, such as a Whirl-Pak bag.
4. Seal the bag by folding the top over a minimum of three times and bending the wire closures in a fashion that will secure the folds.
5. Identify the sample within the container with the following information. You may use our printable Sample Label Template: 
   1. Trelfa Labs, Inc. Chain of Custody/Order Number
   2. Name of the company shipping the sample.
   3. Name of the company responsible for payment, which may or may not be the same as the shipper.
   4. Sample Name
   5. Sample Lot/Code
   6. Date & Time Sample Pulled
   7. Sample Type
   8. Temperature
   9. Sampler’s Initials
   10. Special Instructions
6. Store the sample in accordance with storage recommendations from the master packaging until delivering to the laboratory.
7. To prepare for delivery, follow these steps:
   
   1. Place sealed sample containers in an insulated box.
   2. Place ice packs on top of the samples.
   3. Place packing materials, such as crumpled paper or foam packing “peanuts”, around samples. Do not cover the tops of the samples with this packaging.
   4. Fill remaining head space with crumpled paper or other packing material.
   5. Place insulated top on the box.
   6. Seal box with packing tape.
   7. Identify box as “Lab Samples”. Include date and name of responsible person.
   8. Store the box in a refrigerated area until it is out for delivery.
   9. Ship samples same day or overnight to Trelfa Labs.

1. Use a sterile sampling device which will allow sample to be taken from the material’s container without coming into contact with the sampler’s hands or other unsanitary surface.
2. Turn sterile sampling bag inside out and take grab samples from several locations within the container. Then turn the bag back through itself with sample for sterile containment.
3. Transfer sample from the sampling device into an appropriately sized seal-able, sterile polypropylene bag, such as a Whirl-Pak bag.
4. Seal the bag by folding the top over a minimum of three times and bending the wire closures in a fashion that will secure the folds.
5. Identify the sample within the container with the following information. You may use our printable Sample Label Template: 
   1. Trelfa Labs, Inc. Chain of Custody/Order Number
   2. Name of the company shipping the sample.
   3. Name of the company responsible for payment, which may or may not be the same as the shipper.
   4. Sample Name
   5. Sample Lot/Code
   6. Date & Time Sample Pulled
   7. Sample Type
   8. Temperature
   9. Sampler’s Initials
   10. Special Instructions
6. Store the sample in accordance with storage recommendations from the master packaging until delivering to the laboratory.
7. To prepare for delivery, follow these steps:
   
   1. Place sealed sample containers in an insulated box.
   2. Place ice packs on top of the samples.
   3. Place packing materials, such as crumpled paper or foam packing “peanuts”, around samples. Do not cover the tops of the samples with this packaging.
   4. Fill remaining head space with crumpled paper or other packing material.
   5. Place insulated top on the box.
   6. Seal box with packing tape.
   7. Identify box as “Lab Samples”. Include date and name of responsible person.
   8. Store the box in a refrigerated area until it is out for delivery.
   9. Ship samples same day or overnight to Trelfa Labs.

WATER FOR BACTERIAL TESTING

Required sample size minimum: 100 ml

1. Use only the water collection bottles provided by the laboratory for bacterial testing.
2. Open the bottle without making contact with the interior surface of the bottle.
3. If testing from a faucet, allow water to run for 10 seconds before taking samples.
4. Place the open bottle under the faucet or in the water and fill to the 100 ml line marked on the side of the bottle.
5. Close and lock bottle with the tie attached to the side of the bottle.
6. Identify the sample to be placed within the container with the following information. You may use our printable Sample Label Template:
   
   1. Trelfa Labs, Inc. Chain of Custody/Order Number
   2. Name of the company shipping the sample.
   3. Name of the company responsible for payment, which may or may not be the same as the shipper.
   4. Sample Name
   5. Sample Lot/Code
   6. Date & Time Sample Pulled
   7. Sample Type
   8. Temperature
   9. Sampler’s Initials
   10. Special Instructions
7. Store bottle in refrigeration until delivery to the laboratory.
8. To prepare for delivery, follow these steps:
   
   1. Place sealed sample containers in an insulated box.
   2. Place ice packs on top of the samples.
   3. Place packing materials, such as crumpled paper or foam packing “peanuts”, around samples. Do not cover tops of the samples with this packaging.
   4. Fill remaining head space with crumpled paper or other packing material.
   5. Place insulated top on box.
   6. Seal box with packing tape.
   7. Identify box as “Lab Samples”. Include date and name of responsible person.
   8. Store the box in a refrigerated area until it is out for delivery.
   9. Ship samples same day or overnight to Trelfa Labs.

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