Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions about our services, processes and requirements.
Here you will find clear and practical information about the ifp-labs Group, our services and processes. Whether you are an existing or prospective customer, partner or applicant, this section brings together relevant information to support your needs. If you require additional information not covered here, please feel free to contact us.
We are a European group of laboratories and kit manufacturers, delivering analytical solutions for the food, water, feed, pharmaceutical and packaging industries.
Discover our full range of services or book a consultation today.
We provide a comprehensive range of testing and analytical services designed to ensure quality, safety and compliance across multiple industries.
Explore all our analytical services for detailed information and specifications.
We work with a wide range of sectors, including food, water, feed, pharmaceuticals and packaging.
Explore all industries we serve for detailed information.
Our laboratories are located across the UK and Germany.
All our laboratories are accredited. Our accreditation covers a wide range of analytical methods and is regularly audited to maintain quality and integrity.
View our accreditations and certificates for full details.
You can reach us easily via phone, email or our online form.
Visit our support page for all contact details.
We are unable to display general prices on the website, as they may vary by country and matrix.
Feel free to reach out to us – we’ll be happy to provide pricing tailored to your specific requirements.
Visit our support page for all contact details.
Each test type has specific requirements to ensure accurate results.
Please contact us for tailored instructions.
Yes. Please make sure to contact your customer service team in advance – either by phone or in writing.
The notification must be submitted by 15:00 on the previous day.
Visit our contact page for details.
Turnaround times vary depending on the product and type of analysis. Standard processing takes 3–5 business days, and express services are available for urgent cases.
Please contact us for express options.
Yes. You can access our customer portal to track your sample status in real time, or contact your dedicated customer service manager for updates.
Please contact us for access to the customer portal or visit our contact page for assistance.
Yes, in the UK. We offer bespoke software that makes the sample submission process quick, easy and efficient.
Please contact us to learn more about our submission software.
Yes. We have a fleet of refrigerated vehicles and can cover all areas of the UK. Additionally, we partner with several trusted third-party couriers in Germany and the UK to provide flexible collection solutions that meet all requirements.
Contact us for details.
Yes. Our team of experts covers all areas of our services and can assist with technical advice, results interpretation and even training to ensure you get the most out of your analysis.
Yes. Our South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire sites hold RSA aproval. Our West Yorkshire site is also DEFRA approved.
First, please submit an enquiry containing the following information:
- Type of water to be tested (e.g. drinking water or cooling water)
- Address of the property to be tested
- List of parameters to be tested
- Number and designation of sampling points (e.g. first floor, room 123, bathroom, washbasin)
- Contact person for the test report and invoicing
You will then receive a non-binding quote for sampling, laboratory analysis and any additional costs, if these have not already been provided. Once you have confirmed the quote, we will forward your order to our scheduling team, who will arrange a suitable sampling appointment with you. Our trained samplers will collect the samples at your property and take them to our laboratory. Once the analysis is complete, our account managers will prepare a test report and send it to you in PDF format by email.
No, we do not offer these services. Our expertise focuses on analytical testing and evaluation of water samples.
Sampling points must be determined in accordance with the generally accepted technical rules, in particular DVGW Code of Practice W 551 and the Federal Environment Agency’s recommendations on Legionella.
For a systematic investigation, the following applies: At least one sample must be taken per riser (vertical water pipe within the building). Two additional samples are required: at the outlet of the drinking water heater (DWH) and at the return point into the DWH (circulation line). In practice, this means that three samples per hot water system are often sufficient. However, we strongly recommend sampling all existing risers to ensure a comprehensive assessment of water quality.
Important: The responsibility for defining the sampling points lies with the operator of the drinking water installation. As a testing laboratory, we are not permitted to determine sampling locations independently – neither in advance nor on site. Alternatively, a qualified expert can be appointed to define the sampling points.
A systematic examination, as defined in §31 TrinkwV, is used to monitor the entire drinking water system. It is carried out to identify potential Legionella contamination. The term “orientating examination” refers to the same as a systematic examination.
Extended examination: An extended examination is typically carried out without delay after a positive finding in a systematic examination. It provides a more detailed assessment of the extent of Legionella contamination. The number of samples depends on the size and complexity of the system. In addition to previously tested sampling points, further samples are taken downstream of affected outlets. Cold water may also be included if required.
Follow-up examination: If a positive result is identified during a systematic examination, several follow- up examinations with the characteristics of a systematic examination are required. The intervals are defined in accordance with Table 1b of DVGW Code of Practice W 551.
