Knowledgebase
Testing Services
We offer full scale testing for your hemp needs.
Testing services we offer
Cannabinoid Potency
Dry Weight Potency (flower) (USDA)
Residual Solvent Analysis
Moisture Content
More Coming Soon!
Cannabinoids we test
CBC
CBCA
CBD
CBDA
CBDV
CBDVA
CBG
CBGA
CBL
CBLA
CBN
CBNA
CBT
D8-THC
D9-THC
THCV
THCVA
THCA
Solvents we test
Acetone
Acetonitrile
Benzene
Butane
Butane 2-Methyl-
Ethanol, Heptane,
Hexane, Isobutane
Isopropyl Alcohol
Methanol
M-Xylene
Neopentane
O-Xylene
Pentane
Pentane 3-Methyl-
Propane
P-Xylene
Toluene
Sample Submission Process & Guidelines
Our Submission Process
We have a completely traceable sample submission process.
Submitting a lab order takes about 10-20 minutes.
It is important to make sure your samples are submitted correctly so test results are accurate, secure and un-disputable.
Why Is Sample Submission Process Important?
Our process provides traceability of each sample from the customer to our laboratory. This protects both parties to ensure all samples are correctly documented, transported, & tested.
Size Requirements
Sample Size Requirements
It is necessary that your sample size meets our minimum sample size requirements, which varies based on the type of test requested and the sample matrix being submitted.
Potency:
Flower: 5 grams
Extracts: 1 gram (Crude, Winterized, Distillate, Isolate)
Concentrates: 1 gram: (Any terpene infused smokable product)
Edibles: 2 full pieces
Tinctures: 1 mL
Topicals: 5 grams
Seeds: 5 grams
Water Soluble Products: 1 gram
Residual Solvent Analysis:
1 gram for all sample types
*Contact our support and let us know if your product contains water.
Moisture Content
Flower: 5 grams
Shelf-Life Studies
3 months – 2 units
6 months – 3 units
9 months – 4 units
12 months – 5 units
24 months – 6 units
Units = Full Products
**Not covered under the scope of Iso 17025:2017**
Preparing Samples
Let's Prepare Your Sample The Correct Way
Please make sure your samples are in the correct amount, packaged correctly, labeled correctly, and pack well for transport.
Sample Size Requirements
Your sample will need to meet our minimum sample size requirements for each lab test you order. Each product type has different submission requirements per analysis.
Please review our requirements below to know exactly how much of the product we will need.
Sample Packging
Primary Container
- Please submit your samples in reinforced, resealable, labeled containers that are suitable for your product matrix.
- Screw-cap containers and/or luer-lock syringes
- Liquid samples must be sent in a syringe with luer-lock or sealable jar.
Secondary Container
- To prevent breaking or leaking in transit, please reinforce your primary containers properly, e.g. bubble wrap.
- Use a watertight/leak-proof container or sealable mylar envelope.
- Contact customer support is sample is perishable.
*Samples damaged in delivery cannot be tested, we contact you to request another sample in this instance.
Sample Labeling
Each sample should be clearly marked with:
- Company name
- Sample name
- Batch (if applicable)
- Amount/Weight
- Tests Requested
Pack It Well
Please pack you samples in a way to protect from damage while in transit.
Include Sample Submission Form
Please make sure to include your sample submission form with your samples.
Submitting Sample Online
Each Sample Must Be Submitted Online
You must register an account on our website toorder lab tests.
Each Sample Must Be Submitted Online
Once registered, please login to our website, and click the “lab portal” link in the site navigation.
Account Registration
To be able to submit samples you must first register your company with us at minovalabs.com/register
Login Page
To submit samples you must be logged into our website here: minovalabs.com/lab-portal
Create A New Order Request
You can create a new lab order, submit samples, and order tests by selecting “new order request” in our portal.
New Order Request | Lab Portal
Enter in the rolling info:
Order Notes – Let us know if you need anything special done with your order or samples.
Acceptance – Click the checkbox to acknowledge you are sending your samples in accordance with federal 2018 Farm Bill.
Click the “Create order request draft” button, and your initial lab-order will be created.
Add Samples To Your Order
Now you can add samples to you order.
In the now visible “Samples” section, please click “Add” and select the number of samples you want to add.
Now you can enter all of your sample’s data:
- Sample Name – As labeled on your submitted sample
- Batch ID – As labeled on your submitted sample
- Sample Type – Please select which product category the sample matches
- Testing Purposes – Please select the reason you are testing the product, (R&D or Compliance).
Order Tests
After you have uploaded sample data into the portal you will see a “Tests” section where you can add differs tests to your samples.
Click the “select analysis” button. and search for a test you are ordering.
- Potency – 15 or 18 – select 2 or 5 day turnaround times
- Residual solvents – select 2 or 5 day turnaround times
- Moisture Content – select 2 or 5 day turnaround times
- Shelf-Life Studies – select 2 or 5 day turnaround times
Click “Save” on the left hand side, then click “Submit” – Nice, your lab order is in our system
Delivering Samples
Make Sure To Mail Your Sample Properly
Accepted Shipping Services
You can mail your samples using USPS, UPS, or FedEx.
Include You Sample Documentation
fter entering your order online, print the sample submission receipt and include with your samples.
Consider including any documentation that you may have that will identify your samples as hemp or hemp-derived. This could be any state or international cultivation/manufacturing licenses or previous certificates of analysis. If your package gets selected for inspection, postal inspectors won’t know whether your shipment is a legal product or an illegal one without documentation.
Using The Customer Portal
Account Registration & Login
Adding Users
By request, you can add as many email addresses to the distribution list within your company as you’d like. Written approval is required by a manager to add email addresses to the distribution list. Note: It is your responsibility to notify Botanacor of changes to your distribution list.
Submitting Lab Orders
Accessing Lab Results
Downloading Lab Results
Billing
Paying For Lab Orders
Include a check with your sample submission.
Pay by phone. Our accounting department will email an invoice to the billing contact on file within 3 business days. Once you receive your invoice, call: 888-800-8223 extension 1 for accounting and they will process your payment.
Accepted payment Methods
Credit cards – Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, or Discover.
Checks
Payment Terms
Payment for all Services is due at the time of Order and must be received prior to the release of testing results.
Do you offer pre-approved credit?
Yes. For Clients with pre-approved credit from Botanacor, terms are net 15 days from the date of invoice unless otherwise stated on that invoice. Client agrees to pay a fee of 1.5% per month (18% annual rate) against all outstanding balances from the date such balance is due until paid.
There is an additional $25.00 charge for any returned checks. Client agrees that it will pay Botanacor for all costs of collection (including attorney fees and court costs) Botanacor incurs to collect amounts owed hereunder.
Lab Reports
Our CoAs include:
Reading CoAs
Lab Reports (CoAs)
The term COAs refer to “Certificates of Analysis”, which are lab reports of finalized tests. CoAs are authentication documents that confirm the analytical results of a specific test on a product batch/lot. These documents are issued by Botanacor’s Quality Assurance department.
We designed our CoA’s to be minimalistic and easy to comprehend, whether you’re a manufacturer, government official, or consumer. Our certificates of analysis have three main components:
What they look like
Overview
Laboratory reports are commonly referred to as “Certificates of Analysis” or “CoA’s” for short. A CoA is an authenticated document that presents the analytical results of a specific test on a product batch/lot. These documents are issued by Botanacor’s Quality Assurance department.
We designed our CoA’s to be minimalistic and easy to comprehend, whether you’re a manufacturer, government official, or consumer. Our certificates of analysis have three main components:
Sample Information
Test Information
Final Approval
Sample Information
The Sample Information section provides details about the sample, the type of product submitted, and the test method used.
Sample Name – This is the name of the sample that was provided by the client on our Chain of Custody form.
Batch ID – The Batch ID is provided by the client for internal tracking or GMP requirements.
Reported – The date the Certificate of Analysis was reported to the client. The date format will be DD-MMM-YYYY, for example 01-Jan-2020.
Type – The Type refers to the matrix of the sample that was submitted. The categories are: plant, concentrate, solution, or unit.
Test – This field will list the type of test that was performed, e.g. Potency, Terpenes, etc.
Test ID – The Test ID is a unique identifier for the sample and a requirement for ISO 17025.
Method – Each of our testing methods has a number that links to our SOPs. For example, “TM14” is our Cannabinoid Potency method. This number is also listed on our Scope of Accreditation for ISO 17025.
Test Information
The second section of our Certificate of Analysis will contain the data for the type of test that we performed.
Cannabinoid Potency
Terpene Profile Analysis
Residual Solvent Analysis
Microbial Contamination
Pesticides
Heavy Metals
Cannabinoid Potency
Donut Chart – This chart displays several data points. The donut ring will display each cannabinoid reported. Inside the donut we provide either the total cannabinoids reported in a percentage or for finished products, it will report the total milligrams of CBD.
Bar Chart – The bar chart is mainly for compliance purposes. It presents delta-9 THC, THCA, CBD, and CBDA.
LOQ – LOQ means, “Limit of Quantitation”. This is the lowest level that we can accurately quantitate (or count) for each analyte that we report. The LOQ varies from sample to sample based on the weight and the dilution factor used for testing.
Result (%) – This column displays the analyte reported in a percentage format.
Result (mg/g) – This column displays the analyte reported in a milligram per gram amount.
Result (mg/mL) – When provided the density of the sample, we can display results in milligrams per milliliter.
Total Cannabinoids – The total cannabinoids section will display two values, Total “Potential” THC, and Total “Potential” CBD. This contains the theoretical conversion of THCA into delta-9 THC and CBDA into CBD.
To calculate the total potential for each, use the following equations:
[delta-9 THC] + [(THCA * 0.877)] = Total Potential THC
[CBD] + [(CBDA * 0.877)] = Total Potential CBD
Terpene Profile Analysis
Donut Chart – This chart visually displays each terpene reported and inside the donut chart will be the total terpenes reported in a percentage.
Bar Chart – The bar chart will list the 10 predominant terpenes.
LOQ – LOQ means, “Limit of Quantitation”. This is the lowest level that we can accurately quantitate (or count) for each analyte that we report. The LOQ varies from sample to sample based on the weight and the dilution factor used for testing.
Result (%) – This column displays the analyte reported in a percentage format.
Result (mg/g) – This column displays the analyte reported in a milligram per gram amount.
Residual Solvent Analysis
Reportable Range – Each solvent that we test has an upper and lower range of detection that is reported in ppm or parts per million.
ppm – Parts per million. The unit of measure for residual solvent analysis.
Microbial Contamination
CFU – Colony Forming Unit. The unit of measure for microbial contamination testing.
Q: How do I read my results?
A: We report microbial results in colony forming units per gram (CFU/g). The result is reported using scientific notation.
Examples:
10^2 = 100 CFU
10^3 = 1,000 CFU
10^4 = 10,000 CFU
10^5 = 100,000 CFU
Sample results:
1.3 x 10^4 = 13,000 CFU
2.2 x 10^5 = 220,000 CFU
Q: What is a safe limit of microbials?
A: Each state/country will have guidance on what is considered a safe limit of microbials. It is best to consult your state/country’s regulations to determine the allowable limit. The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has a document that provides guidance for allowable limits of microbials. [link]
Pesticides
We report pesticides in parts per billion (ppb).
PPB – parts per billion
Limit of Detection – 50 – 2500
Q: What is a safe limit?
A: Each state/country will have guidance on what is considered a safe limit of pesticides. It is best to consult your state/country’s regulations to determine the allowable limit.
Heavy Metals
We report heavy metals results in parts per million (ppm). Some laboratories will report in micrograms (μg.)
PPM – Parts per million.
Reporting limit – 0.01ppm
Q: What is a safe limit?
A: Each state/country will have guidance on what is considered a safe limit of heavy metals. It is best to consult your state/country’s regulations to determine the allowable limit. The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has a document that provides guidance for California’s Prop 65. Heavy Metals guidance is on page 10. [link]
Final Approval
The third section of our Certificate of Analysis is the Final Approval.
Prepared by/Date – The signature and name of the analyst that performed the test.
Approved by/Date – The signature and name of the quality assurance analyst that reviewed the test data.
Our laboratory ensures the highest level of testing standards and confidentiality though our chain of custody practices, online privacy policies, and data retention plans. Learn more by viewing all disclosures here: