Frequently Asked Questions

Submitting Samples

• How do I set up an account with the ISU Seed Laboratory?
• What type of bags do I submit samples in and how do I get them?
• How much seed should I send?
• How and where do I send my samples?
• What tests are available?
• Who do I contact for more information on submitting samples?

Getting Results

• How do I check on my test's progress?
• What are my options for receiving my results?
• Can I make some samples priority samples?
• Can I print test reports off of the web?

Online Services

• What information can I get through Online Services?
• How current is the Online Services information?
• Is Online Services secure?
• How long is my information available on the web?
• How do I sign up for Online Services?

Testing

• What tests does the ISU Seed Laboratory offer?
• How long do the tests take?
• What tests are required for labeling purposes?
• Who do I contact to answer questions on testing methods and results?
• Who regulates the procedures used in preforming these tests?
• What does "ISO 9001:2000 Certified" mean?

Test Results

• How do soybean warm germ results typically compare with sand germ results?
• What do cold test results in corn tell me about my seed lot?
• Is the cold test the preferred method for determining soybean vigor?
• Why do I sometimes get high warm results and low cold results?
• How do saturated cold results compare with regular cold results?
• What is an acceptable soybean accelerated aging (AA) result?
• Why do I sometimes get higher soybean AA results than warm germination results?
• What do the tetrazolium results mean?
• Can tetrazolium results be used for labeling?