📄 Introduction

The purpose of this document is to regulate the general terms and conditions of the diagnostic services provided by Equigerminal, S.A.

🏢 Company Information

Equigerminal, S.A. is a company registered in Portugal, with the number PT509756638, and headquarters at IPN Incubadora, Rua Pedro Nunes, 3030-199 Coimbra, Portugal.

The company has two sole shareholders: Isabel Fidalgo Carvalho and Alexandre Vieira-Pires.

✅ Validation and Acceptance

When a client makes a request, it is deemed that they have been duly informed of the general terms and conditions and that they fully accept these conditions.

🛒 How to Order

You can place an order through one of the following options:

• Ordering Online:
• Find the service/product on our SHOP.
• Add items to your shopping cart.
• Complete the additional information requested.
• Proceed to checkout.
• Send your sample to our laboratory.

Once we receive your order, the laboratory will wait to receive your sample before proceeding with the test service.

• Ordering Offline (PDF Form):
• Download the PDF sample submission form:
• Hair Roots Submission Form
• Other Samples Submission Form
• Fill in the form.
• Print it and send it with the sample, or send the digital format to our email address: info@equigerminal.org

Attention: All samples must be accompanied by their respective order form (online or PDF order).

🚫 Right to Termination

• The right of withdrawal is only legitimate if the test of the sample in the laboratory has not yet begun.
• This right of withdrawal shall expire with the registration of the sample in the laboratory database.
• Once the sample is registered, Equigerminal Laboratory has the right to charge for the service(s) requested despite any objection.

💳 Payment

• Payment should be made preferably through our online platform.
• Payment by bank transfer is also available for offline orders:

IBAN: PT50004530204024200487738
BIC/SWIFT: CCCMPTPL

• Other forms of payment may be discussed directly with our financial department: alexandre@equigerminal.pt
• Tests are only carried out after payment.
• Proof of payment should be sent directly to the email address:  info@equigerminal.org

🧪 Sampling

Equigerminal provides its clients with the EquiSample system for sample collection, which includes the necessary materials for the collection, packaging, and dispatch of biological samples. However, to promote sustainability and reduce unnecessary transportation, we recommend the following:

• Genetic Tests: Hair roots should be plucked and taped directly onto the printed submission form using adhesive tape. This method eliminates the need for additional kits and ensures the safe shipping of the sample.
• Other Tests: Sample collection should be performed by a veterinary professional, who usually has the necessary materials for the collection. If the professional does not have the required materials, Equigerminal can send the necessary items at no additional cost throughout Europe.

📦 Sample Shipment

• Equigerminal Laboratory is not responsible for any anomalies that occur during the transport of the samples.
• Samples must be sent by mail or appropriate carrier, complying with the shipping times indicated by the Laboratory.

🧊 Maintenance of Samples

• Subject to prior agreement, after completion of the tests requested by the customer, the Laboratory is not required to keep stored samples.
• If the client agrees and it is in the interest of the Laboratory, the samples may be maintained and used for research and development purposes. The information generated will be treated with total confidentiality, without any indication of the client or animal associated with each sample.
• In the case of DNA extracted from the samples, Equigerminal Laboratory maintains a “cryo-DNA bank” service free of charge. Through this cryo-bank, the customer can re-test horses without needing to collect a new sample.

📧 Sending Results

• Results are made available according to the times indicated in the description of each analysis/test.
• Results are sent in electronic format to the email address provided by the applicant. Results will only be reported to the applicant of the sample.

📅 Claims

• The deadline for complaints is 30 days after the submission of the test report to the client.
• Complaints must be formalised through our Customer Care page.
• Upon receipt of the complaint, the Laboratory Quality Manager will contact the customer within 72 hours.

🔒 Confidentiality and Data Protection

Please see our Privacy Policy and Data Handling terms.