Oberon Bio – Terms and Conditions of Service

Last updated: January 29, 2026

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern the use of testing, sampling, shipping, and analytical services provided by Oberon Bio ("Oberon Bio," "we," "us," or "our"). By placing an order, submitting samples, or using Oberon Bio services, the customer ("Client," "you") agrees to be bound by these Terms.

1. Scope of Services

Oberon Bio provides molecular biology–based analytical services, including but not limited to DNA and RNA extraction, quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis, and microbial target detection for environmental samples (e.g., wastewater, surface water, drinking water, biofilms, sludge).

All services are provided for research, monitoring, and operational decision‑support purposes only, unless otherwise explicitly agreed to in writing.

2. Orders and Sample Acceptance

  • An order is considered accepted once Oberon Bio confirms receipt of a completed order form and sample input form.
  • Oberon Bio reserves the right to reject samples that are improperly labeled, inadequately packaged, leaked, damaged, or non‑compliant with shipping or biosafety requirements.
  • Incomplete or inaccurate documentation may result in delayed testing, invalid results, or refusal of service.

3. Sampling Responsibilities

The Client is solely responsible for:

  • Proper sample collection, handling, and labeling
  • Adhering to Oberon Bio's published Sampling and Handling Instructions
  • Ensuring samples are representative of the intended sampling location and conditions

Oberon Bio is not responsible for errors or variability arising from improper sampling techniques, non‑representative samples, or deviations from provided instructions.

4. Shipping Materials and Packaging

  • Where applicable, Oberon Bio may provide shipping materials (e.g., insulated boxes, ice packs, labels) as a convenience.
  • The Client remains fully responsible for:
    • Correct use of provided materials
    • Ensuring samples are securely sealed and compliant with courier regulations
    • Timely shipment following collection/extraction

Provision of shipping materials does not transfer responsibility for sample condition or transit performance to Oberon Bio.

5. Sample Storage, Longevity, and Stability

  • DNA and RNA integrity is time‑ and temperature‑dependent.
  • Oberon Bio's recommended storage and shipping conditions are designed to minimize degradation; however, degradation may still occur.

The Client acknowledges that:

  • Room temperature storage significantly increases the risk of nucleic acid degradation
  • Extended time between collection/extraction and shipment may result in:
    • Elevated Cq values
    • Reduced fluorescence (RFU)
    • Loss of detectable signal near assay limits of detection
    • Invalid or inconclusive results

Oberon Bio does not guarantee result validity for samples:

  • Held beyond recommended timelines
  • Stored at room temperature outside specified limits
  • Subjected to freeze–thaw cycles
  • Exposed to excessive heat, delay, or agitation during transit

6. Analytical Limitations and Data Interpretation

  • All results reflect the condition of the sample at the time of analysis, not at the time of collection.
  • qPCR‑based results are inherently influenced by sample matrix, inhibitors, extraction efficiency, and nucleic acid integrity.
  • Non‑detects, low‑level detections, or elevated Cq values may result from degradation rather than true absence of target.

Oberon Bio makes no claim that results represent absolute concentrations in the original environment.

7. Limits of Detection and Controls

  • Reported limits of detection (LOD) are determined under controlled laboratory conditions using intact nucleic acid.
  • Sample degradation, inhibition, or improper handling may effectively raise the functional LOD.
  • Negative controls (NTCs) are used to monitor assay performance; however, degraded samples may still produce ambiguous or uninterpretable results despite valid controls.

8. Use of Results

  • Results are provided solely to the Client identified on the order.
  • The Client assumes full responsibility for:
    • Interpretation of results
    • Decisions or actions taken based on results
    • Regulatory reporting or compliance submissions

Results may not be used as the sole basis for regulatory enforcement, public health determinations, or legal action without independent confirmation.

9. Data Use and Aggregation

Oberon Bio may anonymize and aggregate testing data for:

  • Method validation
  • Quality assurance
  • Internal benchmarking
  • Research, development, and service improvement

No Client‑identifiable information will be disclosed without prior written consent, except as required by law.

10. Confidentiality

Oberon Bio will treat Client information, sample metadata, and results as confidential and will not disclose such information to third parties except:

  • With Client authorization
  • As required by law
  • In anonymized and aggregated form

11. Turnaround Times

  • Turnaround times are estimates only and begin upon receipt of samples and complete documentation.
  • Delays caused by shipping, sample condition, incomplete forms, or invalid assays are not the responsibility of Oberon Bio.

12. Fees and Payment

  • Fees are based on the services requested at the time of order.
  • Orders may be non‑refundable once samples are received and processing has begun.
  • Invalid or degraded samples may still incur charges for attempted processing.

13. Disclaimer of Warranties

Oberon Bio services are provided "as is" and "as available." No express or implied warranties are made, including but not limited to warranties of fitness for a particular purpose or non‑infringement.

14. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Oberon Bio shall not be liable for:

  • Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
  • Loss of data, revenue, or operational decisions based on results
  • Sample degradation occurring prior to receipt or due to transit conditions

Oberon Bio's total liability shall not exceed the amount paid for the specific services giving rise to the claim.

15. Amendments

Oberon Bio reserves the right to update these Terms at any time. Updated Terms will apply to all future orders.

16. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the applicable jurisdiction in which Oberon Bio operates, without regard to conflict‑of‑law principles.

By submitting samples or placing an order, the Client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.

For questions regarding these Terms, contact us at info@oberonbio.com