Procedures:
Whenever possible, tests are performed by approved official methods derived
from regulatory and government procedures and monographs as well as published
methodology.
Custom Analyses can be performed and new methods developed to satisfy specific
testing needs on request. We can develop unique, custom tailored protocols to
accommodate almost any test requirements, utilizing specialized panelist bases
including but not limited to age, skin conditions, ethnicity, and gender.
Test Results:
A signed and dated Final Report describing all results together with photography,
PhotoGrammetrix™ in digital or print media, if applicable, is submitted upon completion
of testing. Raw data is always available on site or in duplicate for your records. Special
arrangements can be made to receive interim results if necessary. Our unique Graphic
Arts Department can assist with imaging from miniature, website and brochures to
poster and billboard files. Images suited for commercial reproduction taken directly from
scientific studies conserve marketing costs.
Confidentiality:
Client confidentiality is a top priority at AMA. The company is always willing to sign
specialized mutual NDA’s (Non–Disclosure Agreements) and targeted confidentiality
agreements.
Sample Submission:
The AMA Sample Submission Form must accompany all samples. Perishable products
should be packed in dry ice and shipped during the early part of the week. If necessary,
AMA will advise you on the quantity of material needed to meet specific testing requirements.
Generally, a minimum of 120 grams is required; Repeat Insult Patch Testing
(RIPT) and Photoallergy Studies require 400-gram samples. Please note that sample
submission forms can be downloaded directly from the AMA website and sent in with
your product:
https://www.amalabs.com/get-started/submission-forms/
Sample Preparation:
Because the matrix of many products varies considerably, special sample preparation
and compositing may be required. In such instances, the fee is approximately $25 –
$75 per sample, per day. An additional charge will be assessed to samples requiring
excessive extraction, heating, formulating or other procedures.
Prerequisite Safety Data:
All samples submitted for presentation to human skin must have completed safety
assessments prior to study commencement. Studies must include:
• USP or PCPC (formerly CTFA) Preservative Efficacy Test (PET) – preferably 56 day
double challenge – anhydrous samples excluded
• In-vivo Skin Irritation Tests (example: RIPT, Comedogenicity, Phototoxicity, etc.)
• In-vitro Eye Irritation Tests, if applicable (example: ‘no tears claims’, ophthalmologist/
optometrist tested studies, etc.)
• 90 Day Accelerated Stability and Container Compatibility Study
Responsibility for conducting the above studies belongs to the Sponsor. In the event
requested tests are not received in a timely fashion prior to study commencement our
assurance of compliance with these requirements will be covered by a section in the
Final Report indicating:
“Sponsor purports the following tests have been conducted with no adverse events
and that the test data are on file on their premises and have not been made available to
AMA personnel followed by a listing of the applicable test titles.”
Sample Retention Policy:
Unless advised otherwise we retain samples for the following time periods:
• Perishables – 2 months beyond study completion
• Non-perishables – 3 months beyond study completion or up to 3 years if the sample is
known to be in support of a government application
• Return of sample request must be received prior to study commencement
Rush Analysis:
AMA will accommodate special emergency situations whenever possible at the costs
listed below. Notification must be communicated in advance.
Rush Fee: 50% of full study cost
Interim Results: $ 2,500 per interim reporting
Archiving:
All original samples, raw data sheets, technician’s notebooks, correspondence files,
copies of final reports and remaining specimens are maintained on the premises of
AMA Laboratories, Inc. in limited access marked storage files for a period not to exceed
two years. A duplicate DVD copy of final reports is separately archived in a bank safe
deposit vault. Sponsors are encouraged to keep all original, signed, dated and certified
reports. AMA will not be responsible, and it will not be possible to provide duplicate
original hard copies of reports once the documents leave our premises.
Terms:
Net on presentation. 2.0% monthly service charge on past due balances.
Discounts:
Discounts are available based on project volume.