Testing doesn’t have to be complicated.

Whether you’re dealing with a sudden plant issue or planning regular pathogen screening, Agdia makes the process simple and stress-free. From collecting your samples to shipping them safely, we’ll walk you through every step, from leaf to lab.

This guide covers exactly what to expect, how to prepare, and how to get fast, confidential results you can trust.

Step 1:  Choose whether to use a distributor or contact Agdia directly

We want you to have the most seamless plant pathogen testing experience possible. That’s why we are happy to work with you directly or through your local distributor.

If you’re a new customer and want to work with Agdia directly, contact us or fill out our Customer Account Registration Form.

If you are located outside the U.S. and prefer to work with a distributor, we have a network of distributors worldwide.

Working with our distributors offers many benefits, including:

• Localized support. Distributors often speak your language, understand local regulations, and can simplify the paperwork, especially for international shipments.
• Easier shipping logistics. They can help navigate customs and routing through required USDA Inspection Stations, reducing the chance of delays or destroyed packages.
• Convenient communication. Distributors act as a go-between, handling time zone and language differences and passing along information quickly to and from Agdia.
• Familiarity with Agdia processes. Our trusted distributors are experienced in Agdia’s testing protocols and requirements—they know how to avoid common mistakes.

Going through a distributor may add an additional step to the process, which could slightly delay direct responses from Agdia. Additionally, distributors only see your test results if you give us permission to share them. They won’t be looped in automatically without your permission.

Step 2: Get in touch

When you contact Agdia using the Contact Us button below or by emailing us at testing@agdia.com, you’ll typically get a response within 1 business day.

If you already know which tests you need, great.

If not, Agdia’s team will use our decades of worldwide data on plan pathogen trends to assess symptoms, review photos, and recommend a testing strategy based on your plant type, trade requirements, or goals.

Customers can also request a free quote during this step.

Step 3: Prepare your samples

Follow these collection guidelines to ensure the highest test accuracy:

• Choose. Choose symptomatic leaves if possible; if no symptoms are present, send both young and old leaves. Up to ten leaves per sample.
• Collect. Collect fresh tissue, preferably on the same day you plan to ship.
• Package. Use a heavy-duty plastic Zip-Loc® bag – no paper towels or moisture inside the bag. Do not freeze samples or ship with ice packs. Instead, refrigerate them if needed before shipping.
• Label. Label each bag clearly to match the identifiers you’ll list on your Sample Submission Form.
• Ship. Place your sealed bags in a sturdy cardboard box for shipment.

If you’re unsure what tissue to send or what part of the plant is most likely to carry the pathogen, contact Agdia before shipping. Our team can provide crop-specific guidance to avoid false negatives caused by improper tissue selection or seasonal movement of the pathogen.

Step 4: Complete your forms

Include a completed Sample Submission Form with your package. Missing paperwork can delay testing.

If you’re a first-time customer, also complete the Customer Account Registration Form.

To pay for your testing, choose one of the following options:

• Include prepayment (credit card or check) with your shipped sample.
• Include a note with your shipment indicating that you would like to pay by credit card, and we will send you a secure link for payment once the package arrives.
• Or call us at 574-264-2615 to pay by credit card. 

Step 5: Decide how to ship

How you ship depends on where you are and what you are shipping.

It’s your responsibility to ensure that the material you’re shipping complies with all local, state, and federal regulations. For example, it is not legal to ship cannabis, soil, or insects to Agdia for testing. If you’re unsure whether your plant material can be legally shipped, check with your local regulatory authority or contact Agdia before sending.

• If you’re based in the U.S. or U.S. territories: Ship samples directly to Agdia using an overnight courier like FedEx or UPS. (For hemp, use USPS.)
• If you’re outside the U.S.: Your shipment must go through a USDA Inspection Station. Do not ship directly to Agdia. Contact Agdia or your regional distributor to obtain the correct shipping documents and labels. Distributors in India, Colombia, and Europe can assist with translation, invoicing, and logistics.

Agdia holds USDA permits that allow us to receive international plant samples that many other labs cannot. All incoming samples are destroyed after testing, in accordance with strict USDA biosecurity regulations.

Step 6: Approve final pricing

When your samples arrive:

• Confirm receipt. Agdia will confirm receipt and match your submission form to your samples.
• Pricing. Submit your payment if you haven't already done so. Agdia offers volume discounts for larger sample sets and multi-pathogen test panels, helping you keep costs low while increasing your testing coverage. 
• Testing begins. Most results are returned in one week or less, depending on sample volume and test complexity.

Step 7: Receive your confidential results

Results are delivered via email by default, but if email doesn’t work for you, Agdia can also provide results by phone, fax, or postal mail.

• Small batches. Simple, single-pathogen tests can be turned around in as little as a day.
• Larger batches. Larger panels or high-volume shipments may take the full week.

You’re in full control of who sees your data. Results are never shared without your permission, even if you use a distributor.

Don’t wait and wonder. Test and know.

Contact Agdia or your local distributor to get started on your mail-in plant pathogen testing program.