IRRI SERVICE LABORATORIES

provides world class, efficient and integrated laboratory testing services and expertise

FAQs for grain quality evaluation and analytical services

Here's a compendium of all the things you wanted to know about ISL. You can submit more questions by sending an email to gqnsl@irri.org.

  • How do I avail of the services?

Answer: Follow the Send Request link at the top right of ISL page for the procedure.

  • How will I know if my analysis has been completed?

Answer: ISL will notify the customers by email once the analysis report is available.

  • Where can I get the data from the analysis?

Answer: Analysis reports are released via email. Customers around the Laguna area may opt to pick up the hard copy of the results, depending on what was agreed with ISL.

  • How long does it take to get the results of analysis?

Answer: This depends on ISL's current workload, type of analysis requested, and the number of samples. You may contact gqnsl@irri.org to request for an estimate turnaround time or the expected date of the results of analysis.

For grain quality and analytical testing, If you need it sooner, you may opt for a RUSH request with 50% cost surcharge if you need the result much earlier than the estimated turnaround time.

Note: A minimum number of 25 samples is required for the rush analysis of samples to proceed. Samples from IRRI customers are prioritized over the non-IRRI samples. However, external samples may be scheduled ahead if requested under the RUSH category.

  • What are the terms and conditions for the requested services?

Answer: All services are operated on a first come, first served basis. Every effort will be made to give adequate turnaround time for your samples.

Rush samples are also accepted but with a 50% cost surcharge to cover for the overtime work. A minimum number of 25 samples is required for the rush analysis of samples to proceed.

ISL reserves the right to reject samples for analysis if there is evidence of:

    • sample deterioration, contamination, or infestation

    • incorrect sampling

    • improper drying or storage before sample submission

External customers are advised that IRRI samples are prioritized and charging at full cost is applied to non-IRRI customers.

All excess samples are forwarded to IRRI's Seed Health Unit for destruction.

  • Is it necessary for the samples to undergo clearance from the Seed Health Unit?

Answer: Yes. As a research institute, it is important that all materials within IRRI are free from any disease and/or pests that may affect the quality of research and integrity of the institute. Thus, the Seed Health Unit (SHU) was designated as the sole entry and exit point for all rice seeds going to and from IRRI (click here for source). Samples that did not go through SHU will be automatically destroyed, so strict compliance to the SHU policy must be observed.

  • How do I get charged for the services available?

Answer: We will process the sales order based on the information provided in your email and the request forms submitted. ISL works with IRRI's accounting office for the processing of payments. You may directly deposit or transfer your payment (in US$) to our bank account OR you may pay at the IRRI Cashier in US$ using the forex exchange rate on the date of payment. Check payment should be payable to IRRI.

For international customers, payment is processed through bank transfer. The bank details will be provided via email.

Note: Send us a copy of the proof of payment once available. The samples will only be analyzed once the amount specified on the invoice is fully paid.

  • How much does an analysis cost?

Answer: Prices are available upon request. Kindly send an email to gqnsl@irri.org for quotation.

  • Does ISL charge me for the use of the facilities?

Answer: Yes, ISL charges external customers for the use of the sample preparation facilities. Kindly send an email to gqnsl@irri.org for reservation.

  • Does ISL offer discounts?

Answer: Unfortunately, no. ISL operates on a subsidized rate and is under full-cost recovery.

  • How much of the samples should be submitted for analysis and how should it be prepared?

Answer:

Rice grain quality evaluation

Follow this LINK for the rice grain sample preparation.

Grain Quality Evaluation Sample Weight Requirement.pdf

Soil

Follow this LINK for the soil sample preparation.

Soil Sample Weight Requirement v2.pdf

Plant

Follow this LINK for the plant sample preparation.

Plant Sample Weight Requirement.pdf