Paragon Scientific: Also referred to as the Company; “Our”; or “Us”.
Client: The individual or entity who placed the order with Us.
epg: eggs per gram of faeces
ep5g: eggs per 5 grams of faeces
opg: oocysts per gram of faeces
g/100g: grams of sand per 100g of faeces
lpg: larvae per gram of faeces
Animal: Includes any Horse, Donkey, Pony, Sheep, Goat, Cow, Chicken, Rabbit, or any other animal or bird tested.
Terms and Conditions For When Using Paragon Scientific Products and Services
Terms of Sale and Service:
Refund and Cancellation Policy The purchase price is an all-inclusive fee that covers the physical Test Kit, full (or if selected, one-way) courier costs, return packaging, a non-refundable processing fee, and the reservation of a specialised analytical slot in our laboratory. Consequently, all sales are considered final once the Test Kit has been dispatched to the address provided by the Client. No refunds, credits, or exchanges will be provided after dispatch. This policy applies regardless of whether the Client completes the testing process by returning a sample to Our laboratory.
Cancellation Prior to Dispatch: Should a Client wish to cancel an order, they must contact Paragon Scientific directly. If the cancellation request is received and confirmed by Us before the Test Kit has been dispatched, a partial refund may be issued. This refund is subject to a standard, non-refundable processing and administration fee of ZAR 200.00. For orders with a total value of less than ZAR 200.00, no refund shall be applicable.
Test Kit Validity Period Each Test Kit is valid for a period of six (6) months from the original date of purchase. This validity period is in place to ensure the integrity of Test Kit components and Our quality control standards. Samples received that correspond to a Test Kit purchased more than six months prior will not be eligible for testing. No refund or replacement will be offered for Test Kits that have expired. It is the Client’s responsibility to ensure samples are returned within this timeframe.
Receiving the Test Kit:
Test Kits will be couriered to the address provided by the Client on the website order form.
Paragon Scientific accepts no responsibility for non-delivery resulting from an incorrect, incomplete, or inaccessible address, nor for any delays, damage, or loss incurred by the courier service.
The Client is fully responsible for any individual directly or indirectly making use of the Company’s products, services, or results relating to the Client’s order. This may include, but is not limited to:
Any and all staff, farm hands, or handlers who may come into contact with Our products
Animal owners
Anyone relying on Our results to make treatment or management decisions for an animal
The Client must ensure that all such individuals are made aware of the terms, conditions, and risks involved in using the products and services provided by Paragon Scientific.
Collecting Samples:
The accuracy of the results supplied by Paragon Scientific depends entirely on the quality and integrity of the samples provided by the Client.
It is the Client’s responsibility to ensure that samples are:
Fresh
Correctly collected
Clearly labelled
Properly sealed
Delivered to Us in a timely manner
Paragon Scientific reserves the right to refuse or decline testing of any samples that are:
Incorrectly packaged
Non-viable upon arrival at the Laboratory
Not fully paid for prior to arrival
No refunds will be provided in these cases.
Returning Samples to the Laboratory:
Clients are requested to contact Us when they are ready to return their Kit. Upon notification, We will arrange for a courier collection by The Courier Guy on the date specified by the client.
The same address will be used for delivery and collection unless otherwise specified by the client.
Collection time slots are approximate, and delays may occur due to courier scheduling.
While We cannot accept responsibility for courier delays, our team remains available for assistance and communication throughout the process.
Once the collection order has been confirmed, the Client will receive tracking updates from The Courier Guy via WhatsApp and/or email.
It is the Client’s responsibility to ensure that their Kit is appropriately packaged and ready for collection at the scheduled time of the courier’s arrival. Paragon Scientific accepts no liability in instances where the Client is not prepared for collection or cannot be reached by the courier, and will not be responsible for the cost of any additional courier bookings.
To prevent weekend transit delays, collections will not be scheduled on Thursdays, Fridays, or over weekends.
The collection fee is included at checkout, unless the Client selects to return the Kit themselves.
If the Client has chosen to return their Kit themselves, they take full responsibility in ensuring that their Kits arrive at Our Lab in a timely and efficient manner.
Drop-offs can be made by prior arrangement.
Paragon Scientific accepts no responsibility for lost, delayed, or damaged packages.
Receiving Results:
Laboratory results:
May not be used as legal evidence
The results provided pertain exclusively to the sample submitted and reflect the animal’s parasite status on the date of collection. Parasite burdens are dynamic and can change. Therefore, these results should not be interpreted as a guarantee of future health status. Paragon Scientific accepts no responsibility or liability for changes in the animal’s condition after the sample was collected.
Results will be emailed to the address provided by the Client on the website order form.
Paragon Scientific accepts no responsibility for:
Results not received due to an incorrect or inaccessible email address
Any unauthorised access, sharing, or viewing of results by unintended recipients
Paragon Scientific will make reasonable efforts to ensure secure transmission of results, but cannot guarantee absolute data security during electronic communication.
By providing an email address, the Client accepts all risks associated with digital communication, including but not limited to interception, loss, or unauthorised access.
Data retention:
Test data and records are retained indefinitely for internal tracking, quality control, and reference purposes
Individual test reports are stored for a maximum of six (6) months from the date of testing, after which copies may no longer be readily available
It is the Client’s responsibility to download, store, and back up their reports
Requests for additional or replacement copies of reports after this period will incur an administrative fee
General Use, Treatment, and Liability:
Negative results indicate only that no eggs, larvae, or sand were detected in the s; animals may still require treatment.
Some animals may require multiple treatments and follow-up tests to adequately manage parasite infestations.
The Client is responsible for scheduling regular testing and ensuring treatments are carried out responsibly and on time.
Animals may respond negatively to treatment products or procedures—particularly those:
With an unknown deworming history
Untreated within the last 24 months
With compromised health
Appropriate precautions should be taken when treating:
Pregnant or lactating animals
Animals used for food production
Test results may vary due to environmental or management factors beyond Our control, including but not limited to:
Seasonal variations
Manure and pest management
Feed or water quality
Animal stress
General farm or yard management
Strongyles may encyst in the gastrointestinal lining and remain dormant until conditions are favourable.
In rare cases, deworming may trigger Strongyle emergence, leading to complications or infection.
Tests cannot determine the level or presence of encysted infestations.
All deworming is performed at the Client’s own risk.
The Client agrees to follow all dosage and usage instructions for parasite and sand treatment products exactly as stated.
Products for the treatment of fluke are not registered for equines.
The Client accepts the risks associated with extra-label product use and assumes full responsibility.
A licensed veterinarian should be consulted for dosage advice and in the event of complications.
Liability & Legal Disclaimer:
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Paragon Scientific accepts no liability for inaccuracies, complications, or losses arising from:
Interpretation of results
Administration of treatment
Selection or use of any products
Furthermore, the Company shall not be held responsible for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages, including but not limited to:
Loss of income
Loss of livestock
Business interruption
Veterinary expenses
Paragon Scientific shall not be held responsible for delays or failures caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including:
Courier delays
Power outages
Strikes
Disease outbreaks
Extreme weather
Acts of God
All recommendations are informational only and do not replace veterinary advice.
Clients are strongly encouraged to consult a licensed veterinarian before administering any treatment or medication.
Paragon Scientific accepts no liability for consequences arising from treatment decisions made without professional veterinary guidance.
The Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Paragon Scientific, its owners, employees, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from the use or misuse of the Company’s products, services, or results.
By using Our products and services, the Client acknowledges that they do so at their own risk and confirms that they understand and agree to all terms and conditions.
Paragon Scientific will not be held liable for any loss, damage, or adverse outcomes incurred by the Client or associated parties.
Updates to Terms and Pricing:
Paragon Scientific reserves the right to amend or update these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice.
The latest version will always be available on Our website or upon request.
Continued use of Our products or services constitutes acceptance of any revised Terms.
Paragon Scientific reserves the right to amend or update Product Pricing at any time without prior notice.
