Last updated: August 13, 2026
These policies govern your use of HRI's website, testing services, and related interactions with HRI.
These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of Health Research Institute's ("HRI") website, analytical testing services, consulting services, sample submissions, and related interactions with HRI. By placing an order, submitting samples, using our website, or otherwise engaging HRI's services, you agree to these Terms. Any additional or different terms are binding only if accepted by HRI in writing.
HRI's website, including its content, educational materials, downloadable resources, and online services, is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. HRI makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding the availability, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the website or its content for any particular purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, HRI shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of, or inability to access, the website.
Links to third-party websites or resources are provided solely for your convenience. HRI does not endorse, control, monitor, or assume responsibility for the content, products, services, privacy practices, or policies of any third-party website. Your use of third-party websites is entirely at your own risk and subject to their respective terms and privacy policies.
The information provided on HRI's website—including educational articles, test descriptions, reports, webinars, newsletters, and other content—is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. It is not medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
HRI provides laboratory testing services and scientific education about analytical methods, environmental exposures, nutrients, and other laboratory findings. HRI may discuss the scientific significance of laboratory results, summarize published research, and explain general interpretations of analytical data. However, HRI does not diagnose medical conditions, prescribe treatments, establish treatment plans, or provide individualized medical or clinical recommendations.
Customers should consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or decisions related to their health, medical care, or laboratory results.
Scientific understanding and regulatory guidance continue to evolve. Educational information published by HRI reflects the knowledge available at the time of publication and may be updated as new scientific evidence, analytical methods, or regulatory guidance become available.
HRI respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the customer information you provide. We collect and use customer information only as necessary to provide testing services, process orders, communicate with you, conduct authorized research activities described in these Terms, and comply with applicable legal, regulatory, and accreditation requirements.
Customer information—such as names, contact information, sample information, analytical results, and related project information—will be used solely for processing orders, performing laboratory analyses, generating reports, communicating with customers regarding services, and other purposes described in these Terms.
HRI does not sell, rent, or trade customer information to third parties. Customer information will only be shared with:
Unless otherwise requested and agreed to by HRI, laboratory reports and test results are delivered by email to the email address designated by the Customer at the time of ordering. Upon request, HRI may provide printed copies of laboratory reports by U.S. Mail.
Customers are responsible for providing accurate and current contact information. HRI is not responsible for delays or failed delivery resulting from incorrect, outdated, or inaccessible email or mailing addresses provided by the Customer.
Because email is not a completely secure method of communication, Customers acknowledge and accept the inherent risks associated with electronic delivery of laboratory reports and test results.
From time to time, HRI may email customers and subscribers about new services, promotions, or educational content.
HRI retains customer information, order records, and laboratory reports in accordance with internal policies, accreditation requirements, legal obligations, and applicable regulations. Requests to delete or restrict customer information will be considered to the extent permitted by applicable law and HRI's record-retention obligations.
HRI uses reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect customer information against unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure. However, no method of data transmission or storage is completely secure, and HRI cannot guarantee absolute security.
HRI is an analytical laboratory and research organization dedicated to advancing scientific understanding of environmental exposures and human, animal, and environmental health. As part of this mission, HRI conducts research studies, including the Glyphosate Exposure Study and other population-based research initiatives.
Customers purchasing Glyphosate & AMPA testing services are invited to participate in the Glyphosate Exposure Study by completing HRI's exposure questionnaire. The information collected helps HRI better understand environmental exposures and supports scientific research and public education. Participation is encouraged for all customers.
As part of these research activities:
Participation in HRI's research activities does not involve medical treatment, physical interaction, or laboratory procedures beyond those associated with the requested testing services.
Research findings published or presented by HRI are based on aggregated or de-identified data unless the Customer has provided prior written authorization to disclose identifiable customer information or individual test results.
Testing services may be requested in one of the following ways:
Customers are responsible for providing accurate contact information, billing information, sample information, and any other information reasonably requested by HRI to process the order.
Testing will not begin until HRI has received the required samples, completed submission information, and, where applicable, payment or approved billing arrangements.
HRI encourages prepayment for all testing services to help expedite order processing and reduce administrative costs. Customers submitting samples directly to HRI are encouraged to include payment by check with their completed Sample Submission Form.
Customers may request invoicing. Approval of invoicing and payment terms is at HRI's discretion and may be based on the nature of the project, customer relationship, or other factors determined by HRI.
Customers approved for invoicing will receive payment terms specified on the invoice, such as Pay on Receipt, Net 10, or Net 30.
A five-day grace period is permitted beyond the invoice due date. Any unpaid balance thereafter may accrue a late payment charge of 1.5% per month until paid in full.
HRI reserves the right to suspend services or withhold results for overdue accounts.
Refunds are issued at HRI's discretion.
If an order is canceled before HRI receives the samples or begins laboratory processing, HRI may issue a full refund.
If an order is canceled after samples have been received or laboratory processing has begun, any refund will reflect the work already completed. This may include, but is not limited to:
Once laboratory analysis has been completed, refunds are generally not available.
If HRI determines that a material analytical error has occurred, HRI may, at its discretion, repeat the analysis at no additional charge or issue a refund or credit for the affected testing service.
HRI reserves the right to suspend, delay, decline, or withhold services if:
HRI may also place new orders on hold or withhold laboratory reports until outstanding invoices and applicable fees have been paid in full.
Customers are responsible for all reasonable costs incurred by HRI in collecting overdue amounts, including collection agency fees, reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, and other applicable collection expenses, to the extent permitted by law.
Customers must follow HRI's published sampling instructions when collecting and submitting samples. Samples must be properly labeled, packaged, sealed, and accompanied by all required submission information. HRI reserves the right to reject a sample or delay or discontinue analysis if the sample is incomplete, improperly collected, improperly labeled, damaged during shipment, contaminated, insufficient in quantity, or otherwise unsuitable for the requested analysis.
HRI is not responsible for determining whether a sample is representative of a larger batch or production lot. Analytical results reflect only the material received.
HRI retains submitted samples for 30 days following issuance of the Certificate of Analysis (COA). After the 30-day retention period, samples may be discarded without further notice unless extended storage has been requested, approved by HRI, and prepaid.
Requests for extended storage must be made at the time the order is placed and are subject to HRI's applicable prepaid storage fees in effect at the time of the request.
HRI does not guarantee sample viability or stability during extended storage beyond the original 30-day retention period.
Certain analytical methods, including pesticide multi-residue (PMR) testing, require a minimum of three (3) samples per batch due to instrument setup, calibration, and quality-control requirements. Customers may meet this requirement by submitting three samples of the same product or different products requiring the same analysis.
Example: For PMR testing, a Customer may submit three samples of the same product (e.g., three soybean samples) or different products (e.g., one soybean, one zucchini, and one apple).
When the minimum batch requirement is not met, HRI may hold the sample until sufficient samples are available for batch analysis. In these cases, the estimated turnaround time may extend up to 30 business days.
Methods that do not require batching, such as glyphosate and AMPA testing, may be submitted as a single sample and are generally subject to HRI's standard estimated turnaround time.
Most testing services have an estimated turnaround time of approximately 10 business days, provided all sample requirements have been met, including minimum sample quantities, complete submission information, acceptable sample condition, and any required payment or approved billing arrangements.
Turnaround time begins on the first business day after HRI has received, inspected, and accepted the sample for testing.
Turnaround times are estimates and may vary depending on sample type, testing complexity, laboratory workload, instrument availability or maintenance, staffing, sample volume, order size, incomplete documentation, shipping or sample-condition issues, or other operational factors. Larger or more complex projects may require additional processing time.
Expedited and Rush services are offered at HRI's discretion and are subject to laboratory capacity, staffing, instrument availability, and method limitations.
Rush turnaround is not available for pesticide multi-residue (PMR) testing or other analytical methods requiring batch processing.
New testing services or analytical methods requiring method development, validation, or additional quality assurance activities may have extended turnaround times. In these cases, results may take up to six (6) weeks.
Certain testing services are performed in collaboration with HRI's qualified partner laboratories. For these services, HRI may perform sample receipt, preparation, or other processing before forwarding samples to the partner laboratory for analysis.
Estimated turnaround times for partner laboratory services are based on the partner laboratory's published or estimated turnaround times and are generally calculated from the time the partner laboratory receives and accepts the sample for testing. Additional HRI processing and shipping time may extend the overall turnaround time.
Certain testing services may be performed in collaboration with qualified partner laboratories. Applicable fees may include costs associated with sample preparation, handling, coordination, shipping, and partner laboratory services.
HRI may use qualified partner laboratories for analytical services that are not performed in-house or when additional laboratory capabilities are required. Partner laboratory services are subject to the analytical methods, sample requirements, quality procedures, and estimated turnaround times of the laboratory performing the analysis.
Analytical testing performed by a partner laboratory is conducted under that laboratory's procedures and quality systems. HRI may coordinate sample preparation, submission, communication, and reporting; however, HRI is not responsible for errors, delays, or other circumstances attributable to the partner laboratory and outside HRI's reasonable control.
When a testing service is identified as being performed by a partner laboratory, the Customer authorizes HRI to submit the sample to the applicable partner laboratory by ordering that service. Partner laboratory testing may be subject to additional sample, documentation, or other requirements established by the laboratory performing the analysis.
HRI requires prior authorization from a licensed healthcare provider before accepting human biological samples from California for testing.
The healthcare provider must complete and sign HRI's designated authorization form before the sample can be accepted for testing. Testing kits requiring such authorization will not be shipped, and submitted samples will not be processed, until the required authorization has been received and verified by HRI.
HRI does not hold a New York clinical laboratory permit and therefore is not able to accept human biological samples from New York for testing, regardless of where the sample is shipped from.
Customers are responsible for complying with applicable state requirements when submitting samples to HRI.
HRI regards confidentiality as fundamental to its operations. HRI will not disclose Customer identities, sample information, test results, or other confidential Customer information to third parties except:
Test results and analytical reports are released to the authorized contact(s) designated by the Customer at the time of ordering, on the Sample Submission Form, or through other instructions accepted by HRI. HRI will not knowingly release results to unauthorized third parties without Customer authorization.
Information identified by the Customer as Confidential Business Information (CBI) will be treated as confidential and will not be disclosed externally except as necessary to perform the requested Services, as authorized by the Customer, or as required by law.
Access to Customer information is limited to HRI staff and contractors who require such access to perform testing, process samples, administer orders, provide customer or technical support, maintain HRI's information systems, conduct authorized research activities, or fulfill legal, regulatory, or accreditation obligations.
As part of its mission to advance scientific understanding and public education, HRI may use de-identified and aggregated analytical data derived from testing projects in educational and informational materials, including blog articles, newsletters, scientific publications, presentations, webinars, case studies, and other communications.
Unless the Customer provides prior written authorization, HRI will not identify the Customer, manufacturer, brand, product name, or any other information that could reasonably identify the Customer or the submitted sample(s).
With the Customer's prior written authorization, HRI may identify the Customer, reference the testing project, identify the products or brands tested, discuss project findings, and link to or reference the Customer's related publications, reports, websites, or other public communications. Such identification is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by HRI of the Customer, its products, services, or marketing claims unless expressly stated otherwise in writing by HRI.
HRI may discuss testing methodologies, de-identified analytical findings, observed trends, and generalized conclusions derived from testing projects, provided such information is presented accurately and does not disclose identifiable Customer information or Confidential Business Information.
Customers who wish to delay HRI's public discussion or publication of project-related information must notify HRI in writing before testing begins and specify the requested embargo or public release date. HRI will make reasonable efforts to honor such requests. Any embargo or publication restriction is effective only upon HRI's written acceptance. In the absence of an agreed-upon embargo, HRI may publish de-identified educational content at its discretion following completion of the project, subject to the confidentiality provisions of these Terms.
HRI may disclose Customer information as necessary to comply with applicable laws, court orders, subpoenas, regulatory requests, or other legal obligations.
These confidentiality obligations survive the completion of Services, delivery of results, and any termination of the Customer’s relationship with HRI.
If HRI determines that a material error attributable to HRI occurred in the performance of Services, HRI may, at its discretion, repeat the affected analysis or service at no additional charge or refund or credit the amount paid for the specific service in question.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, HRI’s total liability—whether in contract, tort, negligence, strict liability, or any other legal theory—shall not exceed the amount paid by the Customer for the service that gave rise to the claim.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, HRI shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential damages, including lost profits, lost revenue, loss of business opportunity, delays, or other economic losses arising out of or related to the Services.
HRI's reports and test results are prepared for the Customer and authorized recipients and reflect only the samples submitted. HRI is not responsible for interpretations, decisions, claims, or actions made by the Customer or any third party based on the results.
HRI is not responsible for analytical results affected by improper or non-representative sampling, contamination or alteration prior to HRI's receipt of the sample, sample degradation during shipping, improper storage or handling before receipt, or other conditions outside HRI's reasonable control.
HRI does not guarantee any particular outcome from its Services and makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Analytical results apply only to the sample tested and should not be interpreted as representing a larger batch, lot, population, product, or other material unless supported by an appropriate sampling design.
The Customer agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless HRI and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and contractors from third-party claims, demands, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) arising out of or related to:
The Customer's indemnification obligations do not apply to the extent a claim results from HRI's gross negligence or willful misconduct.
This indemnification provision survives the completion of Services, delivery of results, or termination of the relationship between the Customer and HRI.
HRI is not liable for delays, disruptions, or failure to perform Services resulting from circumstances beyond HRI's reasonable control. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to:
HRI may suspend, reschedule, modify, or extend Services and estimated turnaround times as reasonably necessary in response to circumstances beyond HRI's control.
Customers may accurately identify HRI by name as the laboratory that performed testing and may reference results contained in HRI's official analytical report, provided such references are accurate and not misleading.
Customers may not attribute statements, conclusions, opinions, or claims to HRI that are not contained in or supported by HRI's official report or other written communication from HRI.
Use of HRI's logo, trademarks, or other proprietary branding requires HRI's prior written permission.
Customers may not alter HRI's analytical reports, selectively present or redact information in a misleading manner, or present results out of context in a way that misrepresents the findings or HRI's analytical work.
HRI reserves the right to correct or publicly clarify inaccurate or misleading representations of its reports, data, methodologies, or conclusions.
Use of HRI's Services or reference to HRI as the testing laboratory does not constitute an endorsement, certification, or approval of any product, organization, service, practice, or claim. Customers may not state or imply that HRI endorses, certifies, approves, or guarantees a product, brand, production practice, health claim, or other Customer representation unless expressly authorized by HRI in writing.
Customers are responsible for ensuring that claims, advertising, labeling, publications, or other public communications based on HRI testing comply with applicable laws and regulations.
HRI is not responsible for the Customer's interpretation, representation, regulatory compliance, or use of HRI's test results beyond the information provided in HRI's official report.
These provisions survive completion of the Services and apply to subsequent use of HRI's name, reports, data, and test results.
HRI offers an affiliate program through which approved affiliates may earn commissions on eligible testing services purchased through their affiliate links. Participation in the affiliate program is subject to the program terms and eligibility requirements provided through HRI's affiliate platform.
Affiliate commissions may be earned on eligible orders in accordance with HRI's affiliate program terms. Affiliate commissions may not be combined with bulk discounts, negotiated pricing, promotional discounts, or other special pricing unless otherwise approved by HRI.
Affiliates are responsible for complying with applicable advertising, endorsement, disclosure, and other legal or regulatory requirements when promoting HRI or its Services.
HRI reserves the right to review, withhold, adjust, or reverse affiliate commissions, including for refunded or canceled orders, disputed transactions, fraudulent or invalid activity, violations of affiliate program requirements, or pricing or system errors. HRI may modify or discontinue the affiliate program, eligibility requirements, commission structure, or program terms at its discretion.
If HRI does not enforce any part of these Terms, it does not waive HRI’s right to enforce that part or any other part in the future.
If any provision of these Terms is found unlawful, invalid, or unenforceable, that provision will be deemed severed, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.
These Terms, and any dispute arising out of or relating to HRI's Services or website, are governed by the laws of the State of Iowa, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Any legal action arising out of or relating to these Terms shall be brought in a state or federal court of competent jurisdiction located in Iowa.
HRI may update or modify these Terms from time to time. Updated Terms become effective upon posting on HRI's website unless otherwise stated. Continued use of HRI's website or Services after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
These Terms, together with applicable order forms, quotes, proposals, project scopes, service-specific requirements, and other written agreements between HRI and the Customer, constitute the agreement between the parties with respect to the Services provided.
If a written agreement specifically entered into between HRI and the Customer conflicts with these Terms, the terms of that agreement will control with respect to the applicable Services.
For questions regarding these Terms or HRI's Services, please contact:
Health Research Institute
505 Dimick Dr, Suite 111
Fairfield, Iowa 52556
