Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about testing with Fidelity Diagnostics? Below you’ll find answers to the questions we hear most from Montana cannabis producers. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, reach out directly, and we’ll get you squared away.
GETTING STARTED
What is the difference between Compliance Testing and R&D Testing?
These are two distinct services with different purposes.
Compliance Testing is the state-required Quality Assurance (QA) process that every cannabis batch must pass before it can be sold or transferred in Montana. Under state law, one of our licensed field technicians must come to your licensed facility to collect the sample. Results are reported to the Montana Cannabis and Alcohol Regulation Division (CARD).
R&D Testing is optional testing you initiate on your own timeline for product development, quality control, or troubleshooting. You set the scope, the results stay with you, and all samples must still be collected in compliance with state sampling rules by a Fidelity field technician. Running R&D testing before your compliance submission is one of the best ways to prevent a failed QA test.
How do I schedule a sample pickup?
All testing, both compliance and R&D, starts with an order through Confident Cannabis, our Laboratory Information Management System. Step-by-step instructions for placing an order can be found here. Once your order is submitted, our team will coordinate pickup with one of our qualified field technicians at your licensed facility. Pickups are free of charge.
What types of products can be tested?
We test usable marijuana (flower), concentrates, extracts, infused products (edibles, tinctures, capsules, topicals), vape products, and other cannabis-derived materials. If you’re unsure whether your product type qualifies or what testing package applies, give us a call.
How do I set up an account?
Visit Confident Cannabis to create your client account. Our team is available to walk you through the process and answer any questions before your first order.
THE TESTING PROCESS
What are the sample size requirements?
Montana law requires all licensed testing laboratories to collect a percentage of each batch for QA testing. The exact sample size is determined by batch size, and no single batch may exceed 5 pounds. The full protocol is outlined in the state’s Quality Assurance Sampling Protocol for Usable Marijuana SOP. Our field technicians handle all sample collection in accordance with these requirements.
Can I drop off samples instead of scheduling a pickup?
No. Per current Montana state rules, all samples, including R&D testing, must be collected by a licensed Fidelity Diagnostics field technician at your facility as part of the required chain-of-custody process. Contact us to schedule a pickup.
What is the chain of custody, and why does it matter?
Chain of custody (COC) is the regulatory documentation that tracks a cannabis sample from the moment it is collected at your facility through the completion of testing. It’s a legal requirement under Montana’s cannabis testing rules and ensures the integrity of your test results. Our field technicians initiate and maintain the COC from the point of collection.
What tests are included in a standard QA compliance package?
Montana’s required QA compliance panel includes testing for potency (cannabinoid profile), pesticides, residual solvents, microbial contaminants (including yeast, mold, and foreign matter), and moisture content. For a full breakdown of what’s included by product type, visit our Testing & Services page or view current packages on Confident Cannabis.
TURNAROUND TIME & RESULTS
What is your standard turnaround time?
Standard turnaround time at Fidelity is 7 to 10 business days from the date of sample receipt. We often run results in 5 to 7 business days, but we set this window to account for high-volume periods and ensure we never rush accuracy. If you’re working against a hard deadline, contact us to discuss Rush Service availability.
How do I access my test results?
Results are delivered through your Confident Cannabis account. You can opt in for email notifications directly within your user portal so you’re alerted the moment your Certificate of Analysis (COA) is ready. Instructions for accessing results are available here.
What is a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
A COA is the official report generated at the conclusion of testing. It documents all tested analytes, the quantitative results, the applicable action levels, and a pass or fail determination. Your COA is the document required by Montana CARD to release a batch for sale. Understanding how to read your COA is important for compliance and quality management.
COMPLIANCE, FAILURES & RETESTING
What constitutes a failed test?
A batch fails if any tested analyte exceeds the action levels established by Montana’s Administrative Rules. Common causes of failure include pesticide residue, excessive residual solvents, foreign matter contamination, or elevated levels of yeast, mold, or moisture. For a complete reference, consult the Administrative Rules of Montana or Montana CARD.
Can I still sell my product if it fails a QA test?
No. Montana CARD strictly prohibits the sale or distribution of any product that has failed Quality Assurance testing.
Can I have a failed batch retested?
Yes. If your batch has received a failed QA result, you may request a retest within 7 days of receiving that result. A full copy of the state’s Failed Testing Requirement Guidelines is available here. We strongly recommend contacting us and your compliance inspector as soon as you receive a failed result so you understand your options. Fidelity Diagnostics also offers consulting services to help you identify the root cause of a failure and work toward a resolution.
What should I do to prevent a failed compliance test?
The most effective strategy is R&D testing before your compliance submission. Testing your product at earlier stages of production lets you identify and address potential issues before they become a compliance problem. Fidelity also offers consulting services for producers who want guidance on cultivation practices, processing protocols, or quality control programs. Contact us to learn more.
PRICING & PAYMENT
How much does testing cost?
Pricing depends on the test package and product type ordered. Compliance QA packages and R&D tests are priced separately, and pricing may be updated in accordance with state-mandated protocols. Current pricing is available directly through our Confident Cannabis portal. Contact us if you’d like to talk through which package is right for your operation.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, check or money order, credit card (please call the lab directly for credit card payments or reference your invoice), and ACH transfer.
HOURS, HOLIDAYS & CONTACT
What are your hours of operation?
Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5PM.
We observe the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and Christmas Day and the day before or after. We’ll notify clients in advance of any closures or modified hours through email, our website, and social media.
How do I get in touch with Fidelity Diagnostics?
You can reach us by phone at (406) 926-2211, through the contact form, or by visiting us at 216 Trade St, Missoula, MT 59808 during business hours. For existing orders, your account can be managed directly through Confident Cannabis.