Geotechnical Sample Collection Across the UK
Getting the right samples to the right laboratory, in the right condition, is critical if you want geotechnical test results you can rely on.
The Testing Lab PLC (TTL) offers a nationwide sample collection service for geotechnical projects across England, Scotland and Wales, helping you move materials quickly and safely from site to lab with minimal disruption to your programme.
Nationwide sample collection for geotechnical testing
Our sample collection service is designed for:
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Consultants and engineers who need reliable turnaround
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Ground investigation and earthworks contractors
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Housebuilders, developers and main contractors
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Local authorities and infrastructure clients
We coordinate collection direct to our laboratory, reducing the risk of delays, mislabelling, damage or deterioration in transit.
Why use a laboratory sample collection service?
Using TTL’s sample collection service helps to:
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Save time – you don’t have to organise hauliers or couriers yourself
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Protect sample integrity – materials are handled by people who understand geotechnical testing requirements
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Reduce risk – fewer handling steps mean lower chances of loss, mix-ups or contamination
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Streamline communication – one point of contact for collection, testing and reporting
For many projects, this can be the difference between a smooth, predictable testing programme and one that constantly fights logistics issues.
To book a collection, discuss sample volumes or plan logistics for an upcoming project, please contact our experienced and dedicated team:
Tel: 0800 177 7264
Email: info@thetestinglab.eu
Or please complete our online call back form by clicking on the “Call Me” button, and we’ll respond promptly.
What we collect
We can collect a wide range of samples for geotechnical testing, including:
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Soils (disturbed and undisturbed samples)
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Aggregates and granular materials
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Made ground and construction arisings
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Stabilisation trial materials
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Contaminated soils and Red Laboratory samples (by agreement)
If you are unsure whether your materials are suitable for collection, our team can advise on container types, volumes and any special requirements.
How our sample collection service works
Chain of custody and quality control
Maintaining a clear and auditable chain of custody is essential for geotechnical and contaminated land projects.
Our approach includes:
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Unique sample IDs and lab references
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Detailed manifests for every collection
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Logging of date and time of collection and receipt
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Secure storage and tracking throughout the testing process
This provides confidence for designers, contractors and regulators that the test results correspond to the correct locations and materials.
Health, safety and handling of contaminated samples
Some geotechnical samples may be known or suspected to contain contaminants such as:
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Asbestos
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Hydrocarbons or tars
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Heavy metals
Where this is the case, we:
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Review your site investigation and risk assessment information
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Confirm packaging, labelling and segregation requirements
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Route samples through our Red Laboratory workflow where appropriate
This helps protect our staff, hauliers and your own site team while ensuring contaminated samples can still be tested safely.
Why choose The Testing Lab PLC for Sample Collection services?
Integrated collection and testing
One provider for sample collection, geotechnical testing, contaminated sample handling, asbestos in soils and specialist analysis.
Experienced laboratory team
Staff who understand how sampling, transport and storage conditions affect test results and design decisions.
Flexible, project-focused logistics
Collections scheduled around your site activities to minimise downtime and avoid bottlenecks.
Independent. Accredited. Nationwide.
Supporting projects across England, Scotland & Wales from our National Control Centre in Doncaster.
Areas we cover
We provide sample collection services for projects across:
- Yorkshire & Humberside
- North East & North West
- East Anglia & East Midlands
- London, South East & South West
- West Midlands, Scotland & Wales
Recent collections have supported projects in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Swansea, as well as numerous regional and rural sites.
Frequently asked questions about sample collection
Our Accredited Testing Services
Dear The Testing Lab PLC,
Many thanks for your prompt and professional asbestos survey report service, I would not hesitate to recommend your company in this regard.
This must be an absolute record for getting a report back, considering the surveyor arrived around 3pm – very well done!
Thank you for the very quick response for the quote and scheduling the survey. There’s never any fuss, and always straight forward. Thanks again.
Thank you for offering such a prompt turnaround for ACM testing and for your courteous service in doing so – I had a nervous client to placate and knowing the report would be back with them in such a short time was very reassuring to them, and for no more than a basic service from the competition!
Bradley, thank you for your efforts at short notice today, please pass on our gratitude to your surveyor Tim who did your company proud!
Thank you very much for the air sampling results – and please accept our grateful thanks for resolving this issue so quickly and for the promptness of the report.
Your analyst, Lee, was very helpful and his suggestions and advice appreciated.
We would have no hesitation in recommending The Testing Lab and will be in touch soon with regards arrangements for a full asbestos survey for the rest of the site.
TTL have been working directly as my analyst for the last 12 months on a very complex asbestos removal scheme, they have achieved all of their KPI’s without fail and on a number of occasions surpassed their SLA in acting for us on planning issues associated with the demolition in regard to contamination which cannot be removed as part of the normal sequence of operation.
There reports are always issued within timescales and they have policed the reports by the Licensed asbestos contractor faultlessly sometimes in very difficult circumstances.
