Frequently Asked Questions

A: Medallion Labs, a division of General Mills, offers multiple areas of expertise for analytical testing and product evaluation for the food and ingredient industry. Our areas of expertise include Nutritional Analysis, Microbiology, Microscopy, Specialty Fibers, Physical Testing, Allergen Testing, Sensory Evaluation and Training as well as Shelf Life Studies. Our methods are developed for the testing of food products and ingredients. Not all products are applicable to the methods we run, so please review the Test Library for the assay you require, and contact our Customer Service team for more information.

A: Medallion Labs is an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited testing laboratory.  Our accredited status means that our Quality Management System and in-scope analytical methods meet the stringent requirements of an internationally recognized standard of quality for testing laboratories in the Food and Pharmaceutical industry.  Our full scope and certificate of accreditation can be accessed by the Downloadable Documents drop down menu in the lower left-hand corner of the home page.  You can also obtain the information from our accrediting agency’s website:  www.a2la.org - certificate number 2769.01. 

A: Our standard turnaround time is 10 business days, Day One starts when your samples are entered into our LIMS system. To provide confirmation we will email you a Sample Receipt Notification the day after your samples have been received and logged by our Sample Entry team.

We also offer a RUSH service with a turnaround time of 5 business days, at double the standard price per analysis.

A few assays that we provide have a longer turnaround time due to the nature of the test and cannot be rushed. Additionally, the microbiological testing we offer cannot be RUSHED, as the microorganisms must run their natural course before results can be reported. Please review the assay information under the Test Library to verify turnaround time. If you choose to RUSH your testing request, please make sure that the “RUSH” box is clearly checked at the top of your submittal form.

A: At Medallion, we work to offer the most sophisticated and current testing capabilities, and strive to keep our website up to date with our recent test offerings. If you do not see the analysis you require, please contact our Customer Service team. If we cannot run the assay you need, we will do our best to recommend another lab that can fulfill your request.

A: The methods and limits of detection or quantification for analyses can be found under the Test Library on this website. We make every effort to keep our methods and detection limits up to date according to the latest standards and qualifications. If you have any questions regarding the limit of detection/quantification or method references, please contact our Customer Service team.

A: Samples should be sent to our address at:

Medallion Labs
9000 Plymouth Ave. N.
Minneapolis, MN 55427
USA

Samples can be submitted in person or through a mail or shipping carrier. The preferred amount of sample to submit can be viewed for each assay under the Test Library of this website. Make sure to fill out the appropriate submittal form with clear and descriptive information for the sample description, sample ID, and estimates if available. Please include any special handling instructions for preparing, draining, or compositing samples, and any specific information you would like us to know about your samples. You should review the Technical Data Sheets specific to the tests you are requesting, to see if we need any additional information. We recommend that you submit samples that are representative of your lot. If your samples are perishable, we recommend sending them overnight with dry ice or ice packs. Medallion Labs is not responsible for any samples submitted that are compromised during shipment.

A: The amount of sample that you should submit depends on the type of testing you request and the sample matrix. Under each assay listed under the Test Library there is an area that specifically states what the preferred amount of sample is for the test. Medallion Labs requires at least 200 grams if submitting samples for full nutritional analysis. We recommend that you send a sample that is representative of the product, lot, or ingredient being tested. If you cannot send the amount of sample specified, please contact our Customer Service team for assistance.

A: In order to measure an accurate antioxidant level in your sample, we weigh four different amounts of your sample and run each of them through the antioxidant assay. The results of these four different sample weights must be linear and need to bracket the mid-point of the standard curve (Trolox®). If they do not, then the result is not considered valid and the assay must be rerun again with different sample weights that will bracket the mid-point of the standard curve.

A: Yes, please provide expected levels when the information is available. Medallion provides space on both the analytical and nutritional request forms for input of expected levels. Expected levels are used in the lab as a guide for appropriate sample weights and dilution levels. Failure to provide expected levels, especially for assays such as antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, may result in multiple re-runs in order to identify the correct dilution necessary to produce the accurate result. This may cause both a delayed turnaround time and additional costs.

A: It is okay! You may not have an estimate available because this is the first time you have had this type of sample analyzed. We will weigh up different amounts of the sample based on similar sample matrices and run the assay. However, if the true antioxidant level of your sample is much different from the assumptions made in choosing sample weights, then it will be necessary to re-analyze your sample at revised sample weights. This may cause both a delayed turnaround time and additional costs.

A: Once we have received and logged your samples into our Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) database, you will be emailed a Sample Receipt Notification to inform you that we have your submission. Please review this form to ensure all of your sample data (requested testing, descriptions and IDs, and testing priority) have been entered correctly. You may also want to track your sample destination through your shipping courier tracking number. If you do not receive a Sample Receipt Notification, and know that your samples are at our facility, please call our Customer Service team for assistance.

A: Medallion Labs will return samples to the submitter at their expense. If you would like the samples or shipping coolers sent back to you, a UPS or Fed Ex shipping number should be provided.

A: Medallion Labs tests and reports all samples on an “as-is” basis. Results can be emailed, faxed and/or mailed to you. Please specify your preferred method of receiving results. Our Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) will report your results in units detailed under the Test Library for the assays you request. All of your results will be reported on one Final Report unless you indicate otherwise on your submission paperwork.

A: After results have been sent, a sample retain library will be kept based on the amount of storage space available. Generally, a sample retain library is kept up to 60 days, but if our storage space does not allow, the samples may be discarded sooner.

A: Medallion Labs does offer reruns to customers who notice a discrepancy in their testing results. Our policy is that we will not charge the customer for a rerun if the second results are outside of analytical variation. If the rerun results come back and are inside our analytical variation, then the customer will be charged. If you believe that you need a rerun of your sample, please call our Customer Service team for assistance. Reruns are dependent on the type of testing requested and the amount of sample remaining after the initial analysis. In certain situations, a rerun may not be possible.

A: Medallion Labs accepts Visa, MasterCard, or check for payment. For all new customers wishing to pay by check, the completion of a Medallion Labs credit application is required and kept on file. If your company requires you to use a PO number, the PO number should be provided on the submittal form you fill out and ship with your samples. This will ensure that the PO number will be printed on both your Final Report and Invoice.

A: Medallion Labs does offer discounts. The discounts we provide are reviewed on a yearly basis for sustaining work, or are given to projects that have a minimum of 40 samples submitted. Please contact us if you have questions regarding discounts and we can assist you further.

A: An invoice for the testing we provide will be generated and mailed the week following receipt of the Final Report.

A: Call 1-800-245-5615 to discuss your study with a qualified Storage & Shelf Life Representative. We will help develop the study design based on your needs and prepare a detailed quote for your approval.

A: Throughout the study, we will pull your product and test it. The test results will be sent to you approximately 10 business days following the pull date. After all pulls have been completed, we will send you a Final Report. This includes a technical summary written by our Senior Shelf Life Scientists. If you need quicker answers, we can add a Mid-Study Report for a nominal fee.

A: It depends on the scope of your study. Our Storage & Shelf Life Representative will work with you to develop a study that maximizes your company’s dollars. Each quote includes study set-up, testing and a final report.

A: During the initiation of your study, the Shelf Life Representative will determine how much product will be necessary. The samples should be in original packaging unless otherwise determined by the representative. An unopened sample will be needed for each pull.

A: The Shelf Life Representative will help you determine which conditions are necessary to gain the most meaningful data. If you have a specific condition in mind, we can typically accommodate those requests as well.

A: Every Medallion Labs Shelf Life Study includes an accelerated aging component. It is our professional recommendation that both an accelerated study and a real time study be conducted simultaneously. This will help confirm that the accelerated condition correlates to real time.

A: Your product should undergo shelf life testing any time there has been a formulation, storage, process or packaging change.