Figure 1: Agdia's Testing Services laboratory accepts samples submitted from across the globe.
Testing should protect your crops, not expose them. Confidentiality is more than a courtesy – it’s a necessity.
At Agdia, we’ve spent over four decades building trust with growers, researchers, and governments around the world. But that trust goes beyond the reliability of our testing. It’s built on our commitment to keeping your test results exactly where they belong: with you.
Ready to learn more about our confidential mail-in testing?
1. Who will see my results?
The customer (you) owns the results. Period. That means we never share your data unless you explicitly tell us to. Not with partners. Not with distributors. Not even with governments, except in the rare instance of a U.S.-regulated, actionable pest, and even then, we notify you first, so you can decide whether you want to continue with that test.
And there’s good reason for that. For growers, testing can feel like opening Pandora’s box. What if a viroid is present? What if it’s reportable? Could someone shut my operation down, seize product or impose restrictions? It’s a real fear. And it’s why many hesitate to test at all.
But ignoring the problem doesn’t make it go away.
Testing allows you to identify problems and weed out plant pathogens.
Don’t let fear stop you from protecting your plants. Contact Agdia instead.
2. How do I know Agdia’s testing is confidential?
With Agdia, you get strict confidentiality backed by ISO 17025 accreditation – the same gold-standard quality system used in calibration labs and federal facilities. That’s not just a badge. It’s a promise. One that covers everything from how we test, to how your data is handled, to how we protect your sample from ever re-entering the environment.
- All samples are destroyed once tested.
- We only share results with your designated contact.
- If you use a distributor for part of the process, they only see your results with your explicit permission.
Full transparency: There are a handful of reportable pathogens we are required to report to the U.S. We can’t share customer data unless necessary by law. You’ll always be informed if a test is reportable before proceeding with testing, giving you control over how to move forward.
3. What testing technology does Agdia offer?
Figure 2. Technologies used by Agdia Testing Services include rapid molecular testing, PCR & qPCR, ELISA, ImmunoStrips® & more.
Agdia builds a custom buffet-style panel of tests to match the crop, concern and budget. We never lock you into a a one-size-fits-all testing package. We work with you to tailor your testing panels based on your crops, symptoms or trade requirements.
Whether you need one test or twenty, Agdia can mix and match to meet their needs efficiently, making it far more economical than buying and storing individual kits or reagents for every possible pathogen.
It’s a flexible, cost-effective way to get comprehensive answers.
Agdia uses a range of advanced testing technologies to deliver fast, reliable plant pathogen diagnostics tailored to each customer’s needs. We deploy more than half a dozen diagnostic platforms, including highly sensitive molecular methods like real-time PCR and conventional PCR, as well as isothermal amplification technologies.
These technologies allow us to test for hundreds of pathogens efficiently, even combining multiple tests in a single cycle. In cases where a broad group of viruses may be present, we use group-specific PCR testing followed by sequencing to identify the exact species.
This layered approach enables Agdia to support everything from large-scale commercial operations to individual growers.
4. What if I don’t know what kind of testing I need?
Don’t know what kind of testing you need? No problem.
Many growers, especially those dealing with unexpected symptoms or an unfamiliar disease, simply send in a leaf with a note that says “Help me.”
And we deliver help, fast. Our team responds quickly (often within a business day) to help you figure out what tests make sense for your situation.
We offer crop-specific screening panels based on decades of global data and current disease trends, even for underreported crops like ornamentals.
Whether you're a grower spotting symptoms for the first time or a consultant scouting large-scale ag fields, Agdia works with you to identify likely pathogens and recommend testing strategies that balance cost and coverage.
We don’t push unnecessary testing. And you are in control of what tests gets run.
Utilizing a diverse range of cutting-edge technologies, we offer a buffet-style selection of hundreds of test options. We recommend the most relevant test for your unique submission to help pinpoint any issues in the shortest time possible.
5. How can Agdia’s decades of data help protect my crops?
Figure 3. Monitoring crops for diseases is a critical component in any agricultural or horticultural business.
Agdia’s decades of global testing data give you a powerful advantage when it comes to identifying plant pathogen trends.
With over 40 years of experience testing crops from around the world, our team can recognize emerging threats, spot regional disease patterns, and tailor test recommendations based on what we’re seeing in the field, not just what’s published in academic literature.
Because we test all plants and all tissue types for global clients year-round, we bring a breadth and depth of knowledge to bear. Maybe we’re seeing disease trends in very near neighbor plants that have not quite hit another crop. We can look for those signs and symptoms based on the disease pressure in other plants and make predictions that aid in tailoring recommendations.
This is especially valuable for underreported crops like ornamentals, where formal research is limited. For growers, it means more accurate, up-to-date testing guidance and a better chance of catching issues early, before they spread or impact trade.
Agdia’s data doesn’t just power diagnostics; it helps customers stay one step ahead.
6. How do I get started with Agdia testing?
We’re happy to work with you directly. Or if you are an international customer and prefer the convenience of working with someone more local, we have international distributors around the world.
Click here to learn the step-by-step process of working with Agdia’s mail-in testing service.
7. How long until I get results?
Once Agdia receives your samples, most test results are delivered within a week or less, often faster, depending on the number of samples and complexity of the tests requested.
- Simple, single-pathogen tests can be turned around in as little as a day.
- Larger panels or high-volume shipments may take the full week.
No matter the size of the order, Agdia keeps customers informed throughout the process.
While most customers receive their test results by email, Agdia is committed to communicating in whatever way works best for you. Whether it’s email, phone, fax, or even mailed hard copies for customers without reliable internet access, Agdia ensures that results are delivered quickly and securely.
Don’t hold on to questions about your crop.
Contact Agdia to find out more about our mail-in testing. Don’t wait and wonder. Test and know.
