Terms & Conditions

This document sets forth the terms and conditions under which ABSOLUTE LABORATORIES, INC., a Florida corporation, as indicated on the face of the Sample Submission / Chain-of-Custody form and this document, (hereinafter referred to as “Absolute Labs”), provides laboratory test service kits, consulting and sampling services to Customers. In the absence of a written agreement to the contrary, any order or delivery of goods and/or services using the Sample Submission / Chain-of-Custody document or referencing this document constitutes an acceptance by the Customer of Absolute Labs offer to do business under these Terms and Conditions, and an agreement to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. No contrary or additional terms and conditions expressed in a Customer’s document shall be deemed to become a part of the contract created upon acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
  1. Fees For Professional Services. All services provided by Absolute Labs shall be performed in accordance with the written Quotation provided by Absolute Labs to the Customer. An agreement by Absolute Labs and the Customer to proceed absent the issuance of a written Quotation shall be performed and billed in accordance with Absolute Labs published price schedule in effect at the time of the agreement of the parties to proceed. Customers may order services (specify a “Scope of Work”) by submitting a written purchase order or a written request for analysis via internet or by placing a telephone order. All telephone orders must be subsequently confirmed in writing, or in certain circumstances verbally, by the Customer. Absolute Labs will provide the Customer with information concerning the progress of the work Absolute Labs is performing for the Customer and will notify the Customer of any changes, concerns, problems or delays materially affecting performance.
  2. Samples. Customers must provide, together with the submission of their samples, a completed and signed Sample Submission / Chain of Custody form with adequate instructions describing the type of analysis requested and a complete and thorough written disclosure of the known or suspected presence of any hazardous substances. Hazardous substances are those defined as such by local, state and federal law. Customers shall be liable and shall pay all costs and damages resulting from i) a Customer’s failure to disclose to Absolute Labs that a sample contained or was suspected to contain a hazardous substance; or ii) a Customer’s failure to comply with any local, state or federal law regarding the sample; or iii) any action on the part of the Customer which interrupts Absolute Labs ability to process work, contaminates Absolute Labs instruments or work areas or necessitates any clean-up or recovery on the part of Absolute Labs.
  3. Sample Delivery Acceptance. Sample Delivery Acceptance is defined as the point in time after which Absolute Labs has received and inspected the samples and received project guidance regarding the work to be done and resolved any discrepancies in the Sample Submission / Chain of Custody Forms and made a determination that it can proceed with the defined work. Absolute Labs reserves the right to refuse or reject Sample Delivery Acceptance for any sample that it deems to be: (i) of unsuitable volume; (ii) a health, safety, environmental or other risk; (iii) a sample that will fail to meet holding times either due to the passage of more than 48 hours from the time of sampling or the passage of half the holding time for the requested test, whichever is less; or (iv) the passage of time prior to delivery, such that sample viability is not maintained.
  4. Risk of Loss. Prior to Sample Delivery Acceptance, the entire risk of loss or damage to samples remains with the Customer, except where Absolute Labs provides courier services. In no event will Absolute Labs have any responsibility or liability for the action or inaction of any carrier shipping or delivering any sample to or from Absolute Labs premises. Customer is responsible for determining whether or not the sample it is shipping contains a hazardous substance as defined by law, and for taking all actions necessary to ensure the sample it ships is packaged, labeled, transported and delivered properly and in accordance with all local, state and federal laws.
  5. Invoices And Payment Terms. Absolute Labs will issue an invoice, based upon the written Quotation or Price Schedule, whichever is applicable, upon completion of a sample project for clients with an established credit account. All other work orders will be due upon the order origination date. Payment terms are net 30 days from the date of the invoice, upon approval of a credit account. All overdue payments are subject to an additional interest and service charge of one and one-half percent (1.5%) (or the maximum rate permissible by law, whichever is lesser) per month or portion thereof from the due date until the date of payment. Absolute Labs may suspend work under this order at any time in the event Customer fails to make timely payment of its invoices. Absolute Labs reserves the right to refuse to proceed with work at any time based upon an unfavorable Customer credit report. Delinquent accounts (those with outstanding invoices over 90 days old) may be referred to an outside collection agency and/or attorney. All collection expenses, including attorney’s fees and court costs are the responsibility of the customer. With the exception of purchase orders, all work with analysis requires pre-payment.
  6. Confidentiality. Absolute Labs will exercise all reasonable efforts to maintain the Customer’s confidentiality with regard to business or technical information it receives in connection with its performance for the Customer. Absolute Labs will use the information it receives about Customers solely for the purpose of providing services to the Customer. The Customer shall treat all information and data it receives about Absolute Labs as proprietary and confidential. The Customer shall maintain in strict confidence all such information, including but not limited to information concerning technology, procedures, and methods used by Absolute Labs, proprietary methods, formulas, trade secrets, ideas, computer software or programs and inventions. The Customer shall not disclose, and shall prevent disclosure of, confidential information to any third party without express written permission being granted by Absolute Labs. This provision does not prevent either party from disclosing and/or using information or data (i) known to the receiving party before being obtained or derived from the transmitting party; (ii) that is available to the public without the receiving party’s fault at any time before or after it is acquired by the transmitting party; (iii) that is obtained or acquired in good faith by the receiving party from a third party who has the same information in good faith and who is not under obligation to the receiving party with respect thereto; (iv) where a written release is obtained by the receiving party from the transmitting party; (v) after five (5) years from the receipt of such information; or (vi) when required by process of law; provided, however, upon service of such process, the recipient thereof shall notify the other party and afford it an opportunity to resist such process.
  7. Record Retention. Absolute Labs will retain records pertaining to the work performed for the Customer for a period of five (5) years following the issuance of a work report. Should Customer desire Absolute Labs maintain the records in excess of five (5) years, the Customer must notify Absolute Labs in writing. The Customer, in accordance with Absolute Labs fee schedule, will owe an additional record retention charge in effect at the time of the request.
  8. Change Orders. Changes to the Scope of Work, including but not limited to increasing or decreasing the work, changing test and analysis specification, or acceleration in the performance of the work may be initiated by the Customer after Sample Delivery Acceptance. Such a change will be documented in writing and may result in a change in cost and turnaround time commitment, which equitable adjustment will be made upon agreement by Customer. Absolute Labs acceptance of such changes is contingent upon technical feasibility and operational capacity.Changes to the Scope of Work, price, or result delivery date may be initiated by Absolute Labs after Sample Delivery Acceptance due to any condition which conflicts with analytical, QA or other protocols warranted in these Terms and Conditions. Absolute Labs will not proceed with such changes until an agreement with the Customer is reached on the amount of any cost, schedule change or technical change to the Scope of Work, and such agreement is documented in writing.The Customer may direct Absolute Labs to suspend a portion or all of the work to be performed. In such case, the Customer will remain responsible for all work performed up until the time Absolute Labs became aware of Customer’s desire to discontinue the services. Any uncompleted analysis will be billed on a prorated basis, as determined by Absolute Labs. All directions by Customer to suspend work must be issued to Absolute Labs in writing.
  9. Professional Practice. Absolute Labs employees will perform in accordance with accepted industry practice and to accepted industry standards. Absolute Labs seeks to insure that all services will be performed in a timely and professional manner and that all findings are technically valid. Any failure on the part of Absolute Labs to perform in accordance with industry standards will be corrected, provided such failure was a direct result of acts or omissions by Absolute Labs concerning factors deemed to be in Absolute Labs scope of work pursuant to this Agreement and under Absolute Labs exclusive control.
  10. Methods. Where the services to be provided by Absolute Labs require the use of analytical methodologies, Absolute Labs will use those analytical methodologies which conform with methodologies set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, or other such appropriate methodologies. Absolute Labs may deviate from these methodologies where, in Absolute Labs judgment, it is necessary or appropriate to do so. The nature or compositions of a sample are examples of factors that may require Absolute Labs to deviate from these methodologies. Any deviations from the analytical methodologies set forth above will be made in accordance with recognized industry standards, Quality Assurance Plans and/or referenced Standard Operating Procedures.
  11. Reports of Results. Absolute Labs offers the Customer several reporting formats to meet their intended needs. By request, the Customer may decide to receive results with or without Absolute Labs cover page. Opting out of receiving the cover page will result in the Customer not receiving a complete report as described by the AIHA. Absolute Labs recommends that Customers use the default setting and accept the cover page.
  12. Holding Times. Absolute Labs will initiate preparation and/or analysis within holding times, provided Sample Delivery Acceptance occurs within forty- eight (48) hours of sampling or one-half (1/2) of the holding time for the test, whichever is less. For analyses which do not have holding time requirements, Absolute Labs shall use its best efforts to process samples as soon as practicable, while the sample is viable. In cases where Sample Delivery Acceptance is not made within these time periods, Absolute Labs will use their best efforts to meet the holding times. The holding time commitment shall be satisfied if an initial analysis is performed within the holding time and reanalysis, to comply with Quality Assurance Requirements, is performed outside the holding time. Absolute Labs will remedy any failure to meet a holding time commitment where such failure is due to Absolute Labs negligence. Absolute Labs shall not be responsible where sample viability is reduced due to shipping time or conditions in transit.
  13. Licenses and Certifications. The Customer shall provide Absolute Labs with notice in writing, prior to Sample Delivery Acceptance, of all licenses and certifications that it will require Absolute Labs to hold during performance of services by Absolute Labs for the Customer. Absolute Labs will notify the Customer of any revocation of a required license or certification.
  14. Warranties. The warranty obligations set forth in Sections 10, 11, and 13 are the sole and exclusive warranties given by Absolute Labs in connection with any services performed by Absolute Labs or any Results generated from such services, and Absolute Labs gives and makes NO OTHER REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. No representative of Absolute Labs is authorized to give or make any other representation or warranty or modify this warranty in any way.
  15. Remedy. Customer’s sole and exclusive remedy for the breach of warranty in connection with any services performed by Absolute Labs, will be limited to repeating any services performed, contingent on the Customer’s providing, at the request of Absolute Labs and at the Customer’s expense, additional sample(s) if necessary. Any reanalysis requested by the Customer generating Results consistent with the original Results will be at the Customer’s expense. In the case of any finding of liability, by a court of competent jurisdiction, on the part of Absolute Labs for damages incurred by Customer, Customer agrees, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to limit an award for damages, to one hundred dollars ($100.00) or to the fee charged to the Customer by Absolute Labs for the relevant services, whichever is greater. This limitation applies regardless of the cause of action or legal theory pled or asserted. All claims, including those for negligence, shall be deemed waived unless suit thereon is filed within one year after Absolute Labs completion of the services. Under no circumstances, whether arising in contract, tort (including negligence), or otherwise, shall Absolute Labs be responsible for loss of use, loss of profits, or for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages occasioned by the services performed or by application or use of the reports prepared. Indemnification, releases from liability and limitations of liability shall apply, not withstanding the fault, negligence, or strict liability of the party to be indemnified, released or whose liability is limited, except to the extent that there is willful misconduct. In the event either party shall be successful in any suit for damages for breach of this Agreement, including nonpayment of invoices, or to enforce this Agreement or to enjoin the other party from violating this Agreement, such party shall be entitled to recover as part of its damages its reasonable legal costs and expenses for bringing and maintaining any such action.
  16. Force Majeure. If Absolute Labs is delayed at any time in performing Services by an act, failure to act or neglect of Customer or Customer’s employees or any third parties; by changes in the scope of work; by unforeseen circumstances including acts of force majeure, including, but not limited to, acts of God, acts of Customer, acts or orders of any governmental authority, strikes or other labor disputes, natural disasters, accidents, wars, civil disturbances, equipment breakdown, unavailability of supplies from usual suppliers, difficulties or delays in transportation, mail or delivery services, or any other cause beyond Absolute Labs reasonable control; by delay authorized by Customer and agreed to by Absolute Labs, then the time for completion of such Services shall be extended based upon the impact of the delay. Absolute Labs shall receive an equitable compensation adjustment if the delays caused by any of the above result in changes, require additional Services, or result in additional costs to Absolute Labs.
  17. Ownership of Data. Data or information provided to Absolute Labs by the Customer shall remain the Customer’s property. Upon full payment to Absolute Labs for all services provided by Absolute Labs, data or information generated by Absolute Labs for the Customer shall become the Customer’s property. Absolute Labs will retain exclusive ownership of any and all analytical methods, QA/QC protocols, and equipment developed by Absolute Labs for performance of work by Absolute Labs.
  18. Challenge to results. The Customer shall pay Absolute Labs for all services performed on their behalf and for all results utilized by the Customer or the Customers Customer, regardless of any allegation on the part of the Customer or Customers Customer that the results issued by Absolute Labs did not conform with Absolute Labs responsibilities as set forth in these terms and conditions. In every instance, Absolute Labs shall be given the opportunity to defend its data directly with any person or entity challenging its results. Should Absolute Labs be prohibited or hindered from directly defending its data, all sums owed to Absolute Labs by the Customer shall be immediately due and payable and no refund for sums paid by the Customer will be issued by Absolute Labs.
  19. Choice of Laboratory. Unless the Customer has specified, in a timely manner, a particular location where Absolute Labs is to perform its services for the Customer, Absolute Labs may perform services for the Customer at any laboratory in its network provided that for the samples being subcontracted, the subcontract lab has the same requested services on its Scope of Accreditation as the lab to which the samples were originally sent. Absolute Labs retains the right, at its discretion, to subcontract services ordered by the Customer to another laboratory or other laboratories within the Absolute Labs network. If Absolute Labs intends to use subcontract services to a laboratory outside the Absolute Labs network, Absolute Labs shall attempt to first obtain written consent from the Customer.
  20. Liability. Absolute Lab’s maximum liability is limited to the purchase price of the product and/or service and in no event shall Absolute Lab’s be liable for any consequential, indirect incidental or special damages of any nature arising from the sale or use of a product or service whether in contract, tort or otherwise.
  21. Sample Disposal. Where samples are not consumed in the analytical process, Absolute Labs shall dispose of the Customer’s samples 14 days after the analytical report is issued, unless instructed to store them for an alternate period of time, in a manner consistent with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations or other applicable federal, state or local requirements. Any samples for projects that are canceled or not accepted, will be returned to the Customer at his own expense.
  22. Equipment Maintenance. Routine maintenance of your personal air sampling pump is required for accurate and precise results from samples acquired using your personal air sampling pump. Absolute labs recommends regularly checking flow rate and sample duration. If issue arises with your personal air sampling pump within the first 6 months of ownership we will perform equipment repairs, replacements, and re-calibration services free of charge. After 6 months of ownership there is re-calibration fee of $35.
  23. Litigation Services. The Customer will be required to pay and/or reimburse Absolute Labs for all costs incurred, including the time spent by Absolute Labs employees and officers, should Absolute Labs be required to respond to legal process related to services it has provided to the Customer or should the Customer request file searches, additional reporting, or a consultation that is above and beyond that usually offered in the normal course of business. Customer will pay for all time expended by Absolute Labs employees and officers in accordance with their hourly rate as set forth on the fee schedule published and in effect at the relevant time. In addition to the above enumerated charges, Customer will pay all legal costs incurred by Absolute Labs in obtaining legal advice, preparing a response and issuing a legal response to the legal process, and in preparing and issuing legal testimony, whether oral or in writing. Customer’s agreement to pay and/or reimburse Absolute Labs for the litigation services and costs referenced above shall remain in full force and effect for 10 years from the last date that Absolute Labs completes providing services for the Customer.
  24. Insurance. Absolute Labs shall maintain in force during the performance of services under these Terms and Conditions, Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability Insurance in accordance with the laws of the states having jurisdiction over Absolute Labs employees who are engaged in the performance of the work. Absolute Labs shall also maintain during such period, Comprehensive General and Contractual Liability and Professional Liability Insurance. An Insurance certificate can be furnished on request.
  25. Entire Agreement. These Terms and Conditions, together with any duly authorized and executed addendum, embody the whole agreement of the parties and provide the only remedies available to the Customer. These Terms and Conditions supersede all previous communications, representations, or agreements, either verbal or written, between the Customer and Absolute Labs. These Terms and Conditions, and any transactions or agreements to which they apply, shall be governed both as to interpretation and performance by the laws of the state where Absolute Labs services are performed. No modification or waiver of any provision of these Terms and Conditions shall be binding on either party unless made in writing and executed by the Customer and Absolute Labs.
  26. Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability, in whole or in part of any provision, term or condition hereof shall not affect in any way the validity or enforceability of the remainder to these Terms and Conditions, the intent of the parties being that the provisions be severable. The section headings of these Terms and Conditions are intended solely for convenient reference and shall not define, limit or affect in any way these Terms and Conditions or their interpretations.
  27. Waiver. No waiver by either party of any provision, term or condition hereof or of any obligation of the other party hereunder shall constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach or other obligation. All waivers must be in writing.
  28. Compliance with Laws. Absolute Labs and the Customer agree to comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, codes and regulations.
  29. Revisions. Absolute labs may at any time revise these Terms and Conditions by updating this posting. You are bound by such revisions and should therefore visit this page to review the current Terms and Conditions from time to time. Note that these terms and conditions apply only to this site, other websites provided by absolute labs may have different terms and conditions that apply to the use of those sites. you are responsible for reading and understanding the terms and condition of those sites.
  30. Returns/Exchanges. Test Kits may be returned, unused, unopened and with all supporting materials and documentation, within 30 days of the original purchase date, for a refund (minus a 10% restocking fee for shipping, handling and payment processing costs). We accept exchanges for Test Kits, within 30 days of the original purchase date. Test Kits must be returned, unused and unopened, with all supporting materials and documentation, for an item of equal or lesser value (the difference will be refunded for exchanges with a lower cost item).