Frequently Asked Questions

New Portal FAQs - Launching August 3, 2026

• What is the new CPL client portal?
• The new CPL client portal is a secure, web-based platform that allows clients to create billing accounts, request estimates, submit samples, and access results all in one place. 
• Who can use the portal?
• The portal is available to both UC Davis, UC-affiliated, and non-UC (external) clients. 
• Why is CPL launching a new portal?
• The new portal improves efficiency, transparency, and turnaround time by streamlining requests, submissions, and reporting. 

Getting Started 

• Do I need an account to request an estimate?
• No, you can request an estimate at Project Inquiry/Request Estimate. If you would like to track your estimates within the client portal, you can create a portal account at a later time.
• I’m a UC Davis user - do I need to request an account?
• Yes, all users need a portal account regardless of institution. However, UCD email holders can submit services using an Aggie Enterprise chart string without needing a CPL billing account.
• How do I access the portal?
• You can access the portal at https://portal.cpl.ucdavis.edu. A link will also be provided via the Plan Your Submission section of our homepage
• Do I need to create an account? 
• All new users must register for an account to submit requests, track projects, and access results. If you already have a login for the current web portal, it will continue to work on the new portal.
• I never received my account setup email.
• Check your spam/junk folder. If it is not there, contact CPL to confirm your request was received and your email address has been entered correctly.
• My password reset link didn’t work.
• Reset links are single-use and expire after a short time. Request a new one using the Forgot Password feature
• Can I have multiple accounts?
• Each email address maps to one portal account. If you need access under a different email, please contact CPL.
• Can there be multiple users from the same lab or organization?
• Yes. Multiple users can be associated with the same lab or billing account.

Billing Accounts

• How do I set up a new billing account if I’m not affiliated with UC Davis? 
• For new clients outside UC Davis, requesting a new billing account is performed through the portal using Billing Account Setup (My Account menu). Once the CPL billing team receives your request with the necessary information, they will create and assign the billing account that can be reused for future submissions within the portal.
• How do I provide my UC Davis billing information? (UC Davis clients only)
• UC Davis clients do not need to pre-establish a billing account. You can use the Aggie Enterprise chart strings the same way you were in our previous submission form and it will be validated at time of submission.
• I submitted a CPL billing account request. How long does approval take?
• Approval times may vary depending on the completeness of the request. Most requests are reviewed within a few business days. If you have an urgent need, please contact CPL to request expedited review.
• I have a CPL billing account but it doesn’t appear in the CPL submission form dropdown.
• Confirm the account is approved (it should be visible on your Billing Accounts page). If it is listed there but not on the submission form, try logging out and back in to refresh your account data.
• Can I use different CPL billing accounts for different sample groups?
• Yes. Each sample group has its own billing section and can use a different chart string or CPL billing account independently.
• What is the CPL Account ID?
• This is CPL’s internal identifier for your billing account. You may need to reference it when communicating with CPL about invoices or account issues. 

Estimates & Projects

• Do I need an estimate to submit?
• Estimates are only required for research project submissions. For Health Surveillance and Clinical Diagnostic submissions, an estimate is not required, however you are more than welcome to request one.
• How do I submit a project inquiry or request an estimate?
• If you already have a portal account, please visit Project Inquiry/Request Estimate. If you don’t have a portal account yet, you can request one using the Project Inquiry/Request Estimate page. Our Research Program Manager will review the submitted information and get back to you. 
• How long does it take to receive a quote?
• Turnaround times vary depending on project complexity, but most estimates are provided within a few business days. 
• Do estimates expire?
• Yes. Estimates include an expiration date to ensure pricing accuracy.
• Can I proceed directly from an estimate to submission?
• Yes. Approved estimates can be used to initiate a submission directly within the portal. 

Sample Submission

• How do I submit samples?
• All submissions must be initiated through the portal through the Submission Form button (or Request Services menu, then New Submission).
• Do I still need to include paperwork with my samples?
• Portal submissions replace paper forms, however, submission confirmations should accompany your samples.
• I have several sets of samples or animals I need to submit. Do I need to create a separate submission for each? 
• Yes. However, if these submissions are similar, you can simply click “Duplicate Submission” at the bottom of your first submission, and simply change any relevant information for the next submission. 

Results & Reporting

• How will I receive my results?
• Results will be available directly in the portal. Once a report is finalized, you will receive an email with a link to view it. 
• Will I still receive PDF reports?
• Yes. Reports can be viewed online and downloaded as PDFs.  
• Can I still access past results?
• Yes. The portal maintains a history of your submissions and reports. 

Project Tracking

• Can I track the status of my samples or project?
• Yes. The portal allows you to monitor project progress in real time.
• Will I be notified of updates?
• Yes. You will receive email notifications for key updates, including report availability.

Technical & Support

• Is the portal mobile-friendly?
• The portal is optimized for desktop, tablet, and mobile use. 
• What if I experience technical issues?
• Please contact CPL at [email protected] or 530-752-2832 for assistance.  
• Can I still contact CPL directly?
• Absolutely. Our team is available to discuss your needs. 

Miscellaneous

• I keep getting logged out. 
• The session timeout is set to 15 minutes of inactivity. If you are being logged out frequently, ensure you are not leaving the browser idle. Clicking Stay Logged In on the warning dialogue extends your session. 
• Does the portal change CPL services or pricing?
• No. The portal simply enhances access and efficiency. It does not change the services we provide. 
• When will the portal go live?
• The new portal is scheduled to launch on August 3, 2026. 
• Will training or demonstrations be available?
• Yes. CPL will provide guidance materials and optional demonstrations to help users get started.

General Questions

• How much do your services cost?
• Our rates are competitive, compared to industry standards. Please contact us by sending an email to [email protected] or call (530) 752-2832 to obtain a quote.
• How do I use your services?
• Contact us to confirm services, obtain a quote, and schedule submissions. You will be assisted in setting up a billing accounts and will be provided with the necessary submission forms.
• How do I set up an account?
• To set up an account, please provide the following information.
  1. Scientific contact –Name, Phone number, Email and Mailing address
  2. Billing contact –Name, Phone number, Email and Mailing address
  3. Federal Tax Identification Number (FEIN)
  4. UC Davis Recharge Number or UC Billing Chart String of Accounts
  Your billing contact will be able to help you with (3) and (4) if you do not have that information readily at hand. With this information, we will generate a 4 letter code for your account to track samples and process billing.
• How do I submit samples?
• It depends on what sample you would like to submit and what service you would like to request. Contact us for more information.
• How do I transfer animals?
• Animals can be delivered by TRACS or you can deliver animals in a climate-controlled vehicle.
  
  No change to your IACUC protocol is required.
  Request delivery to
  attn: Melea Hunrath
  Comparative Pathology Laboratory
  1000 Old Davis Rd, Bld. R-2Submissions Questions
• Do I need to bring my online RLE submission with me when delivering samples or sentinels?
• Yes. For sample and sentinel/clinic case submissions, please print out your online RLE submission after completion and bring it with you for reference.
• What if I make an error on the Online RLE form?

• For sentinel/clinic case submissions, if you make an error on your online submission, please email the CPL necropsy team at: [email protected]

  Then on the printed copy of your online RLE, please write your corrections and depending on the case, bring the RLE with you to the lab or ship along with your submissions.

  For sample submissions, if you make an error on your online submission, please email the CPL team at: [email protected]

  Then on the printed copy of your online RLE, please write your corrections and depending on the case, bring the RLE with you to the lab or ship along with your submissions.

• If I am submitting multiple cages of sentinels at one time, can I just fill out 1 online RLE?
• No. For sentinel submissions, please submit multiple RLE’s based on the pairings and cage cards. Please do not submit 1 online RLE with the total number of animals you will be submitting.
• For sentinel submissions do I have to start the online RLE from the beginning for every sentinel?
• No. Once you complete you first online RLE, click submit.  Then you will be directed to the “Thank You” page. On the bottom left of this page there is an option that says “Return to Form for Another Similar Request”. Click this option to go back to create more RLE’s for your sentinels without having to renter all of the information and make the appropriate edits.

Additional Helpful Tips

• If submitting sentinels, only the “# of animals” field needs to be filled out. The “# of samples” field does not need to be filled out.
• For the building field, please enter the building name the sentinels or samples are coming from.