Submitting your sample
- Preparing your sample
- Where to send your samples
- Pricing and payment
- Turnaround times
- Receiving your results
- Tracking your results
- Further information
Preparing your sample
How to select your sample
The sample you send provides the key for diagnosis, so please consider the following points:
- Try to send a sample that is representative of the problem - we need to see the full range of symptoms.
- For diseases, try to include the boundary between healthy and diseased tissue and where possible, include healthy material for comparison.
- If symptoms on leaves or shoots show general discoloration or dieback, suggesting possible root damage, then please send us a whole plant (where possible) and include the roots and surrounding soil.
- If you suspect the problem is due to nematodes, please include separate soil samples from both the affected area and the edge of the affected area.
How to package your sample
| Whole plants | Enclose moist root ball in a plastic bag sealed around the plant stem. Place the whole plant in a second plastic bag, inflate slightly and seal. |
| Soil samples | For nematode analysis. Place about 500g of soil in a strong plastic bag and seal |
| Fleshy items | For example: fruit, vegetables, tubers (except potatoes), bulbs, corms, etc. Wrap in dry, absorbent paper. Place in a plastic bag, inflate slightly and seal. |
| Leaves and shoots | |
| Virus diagnosis: | Place in a plastic bag, inflate slightly and seal. |
| Other / unknown diagnosis: | Wrap sample in slightly moist absorbent paper, place in a plastic bag, inflate slightly and seal. |
| Invertebrate pests | Samples of invertebrate pests (insects, spiders, mites etc.) should be put in a sealed plastic container. |
| Potato tubers | |
| Invertebrate diagnosis: | Wrap in dry, absorbent paper. Place in a plastic bag, inflate slightly and seal. |
| Other / unknown diagnosis: | Wrap in dry, absorbent paper. Do not place in a plastic bag . |
For potato samples - please download, complete and send with your samples an Application form for post-harvest testing of potato tubers.
All samples should be put in a strong cardboard box and packed securely with screwed up paper. Include your sample submission form in a separate bag and seal the box.
Where to send your samples:
Plant Clinic
Room 04GA03
Central Science Laboratory
Sand Hutton
York
Y041 1LZ
UNITED KINGDOM
Ideally, samples should be dispatched by either express courier service or first-class post to arrive at CSL next day. Try to avoid sending samples over the weekend or a bank holiday.
Contact details
Customer helpline: +44 (0) 1904 462 324
Email:
Courier Service and Business Reply Service For UK customers
A 'next day' courier service is available through Parcel Force. Packages from 2 kg up to 30 kg can be sent to CSL for £7.20. Packages can be dropped off at Parcel Force depots or at Post Offices that have a Parcel Force collection. Alternatively, they can be collected from your premises - simply telephone 08708 501 150 and quote contract reference R758069 A . You will need to call before 12 noon to guarantee a same day collection. We can supply you with pre-printed contract consignment dockets if required.
Pricing and payment
We will invoice you once you have received your results. Our price lists for 2008-09 can be found on the Plant Clinic prices page.
Turnaround times
We undertake to get back to you in under 72 hours from receipt of sample. In most cases we can give an indication of the problem within 24 hours
Accelerated services
We can provide more rapid diagnostic solutions, if required, at extra cost. Contact us to discuss your accelerated diagnostic needs and schedule.
Receiving your results
Results can be sent to you via post, fax, e-mail or via SamTrack. Please specify preference on sample submission form.
Tracking your results
SamTrack - on-line sample tracking - Up-to-the-minute information, 24 hours a day
SamTrack is a newly developed secure Internet site that gives you quick and easy access to information about your samples. There is no extra charge for using SamTrack.
- Enter your sample details on-line
- Check when we have received your sample
- Check who is dealing with your sample
- Check what pests and diseases have been identified
- See a summary of all the samples you've sent to us
- Access information outside normal working hours
How to register
Visit the SamTrack website and complete your details. Once you've registered, we will send you a unique username and password along with instructions on how to use the system
For more information on any of the Plant Clinic services, please contact