Effective Date: January 1, 2025
This Privacy Policy (“Policy”) explains how Lonestar Research (“Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), a division of Lonestar Services, LLC, collects, uses, discloses, and protects personal and operational information provided by laboratories (“Labs”) that engage with our services. By accessing or using our website, purchasing our products, or communicating with us, Labs acknowledge and agree to the terms of this Policy, as well as our Terms of Service, Research Use and Confidentiality Agreement, and Shipping Policy.
1. Scope and Purpose of Policy
1.1 This Policy governs the collection, use, and protection of information provided by Labs, including their representatives, during any interaction with Lonestar Research.
1.2 As Lonestar Research exclusively supplies Research Use Only (RUO) products to accredited Labs, this Policy ensures compliance with applicable laws and safeguards against the improper use or disclosure of data that could lead to violations of RUO restrictions.
1.3 By engaging with us, Labs confirm that they operate in accordance with applicable laws, including those governing the purchase, use, and handling of RUO products.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We collect information necessary to establish and maintain a professional relationship with Labs, including:
- Lab name, address, and accreditation details
- Authorized representative’s name, email, and phone number
- Shipping and billing addresses
- Payment information
2.2 Operational Information
To ensure proper compliance with RUO guidelines, we collect details related to:
- Product orders, including items purchased, quantities, and intended use (as declared in the signed Research Use and Confidentiality Agreement)
- Communication records related to product inquiries, order fulfillment, and compliance confirmations
2.3 Automatically Collected Information
We may collect non-identifying data to improve our services, including:
- Browser type and device information
- IP address and website interaction metrics
2.4 Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies for operational purposes, such as order processing and fraud prevention. Labs may manage cookies through their browser settings, but disabling cookies may limit access to essential features.
3. Use of Information
3.1 For Compliance and Regulatory Purposes
- Verify Lab accreditation and compliance with RUO requirements
- Maintain records of orders and communications for regulatory audits
3.2 To Provide and Improve Services
- Process and fulfill orders in accordance with our Shipping Policy
- Communicate order confirmations, invoices, and status updates
- Enhance operational efficiency and user experience
3.3 To Enforce Agreements
- Monitor and ensure compliance with our Terms of Service, Research Use and Confidentiality Agreement, and other policies
- Investigate and address any misuse or violation of RUO regulations
3.4 To Comply With Legal Obligations
- Retain information required under FDA, DEA, or other regulatory requirements
- Respond to lawful requests from government or regulatory authorities
4. Disclosure of Information
4.1 To Service Providers
We may share information with trusted third-party service providers for operational purposes, including:
- Payment processors
- Shipping carriers in compliance with our Shipping Policy
- Compliance auditors
4.2 For Regulatory Compliance
Information may be disclosed to regulatory authorities as required to demonstrate adherence to RUO restrictions or to address suspected violations.
4.3 In the Event of Legal Proceedings
In the event of a legal or regulatory investigation related to a Lab’s misuse of RUO products, Lonestar Research reserves the right to provide all relevant records to authorities.
5. Data Security
5.1 Security Measures
We implement robust measures to protect the integrity and confidentiality of Lab information, including:
- Encryption of sensitive data during transmission
- Access controls limiting data to authorized personnel
- Regular security audits and risk assessments
5.2 Limitations
While we strive to maintain the highest standards of data protection, no system is entirely secure. Labs are encouraged to maintain their own safeguards for shared data.
6. Data Retention
6.1 We retain Lab information only as long as necessary to fulfill operational and regulatory obligations, including:
- Compliance with RUO product restrictions
- Maintenance of audit trails for regulatory inspections
6.2 Records may be retained for a minimum of five years following the date of the last transaction to comply with regulatory requirements.
7. Prohibited Uses
7.1 Labs are strictly prohibited from using our products or services for any purpose other than lawful, in vitro research.
7.2 Lonestar Research does not knowingly collect or retain information from individuals attempting to purchase for non-research purposes.
8. Your Rights and Responsibilities
8.1 Verification of Use
By engaging with Lonestar Research, Labs affirm their compliance with RUO guidelines and their willingness to provide additional documentation upon request to confirm lawful use.
8.2 Right to Correct or Access Data
Labs may request access to or correction of their information by contacting us at support@lonestarlab.org.
8.3 Responsibility for Compliance
Labs bear full responsibility for ensuring their use of RUO products complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
9. Changes to This Policy
This Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our practices, operational requirements, or regulatory obligations. The most current version will be available on our website, and continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.
10. Contact Information
For inquiries regarding this Policy or your Lab’s compliance obligations, please contact us:
Lonestar Research
2028 E Ben White Blvd #240
Austin, TX 78741
Email: support@lonestarlab.org
SMS Support: (512) 222-8436
By accessing our website or engaging with our services, Labs acknowledge and agree to this Privacy Policy, as well as the associated Terms of Service, Research Use and Confidentiality Agreement, and Shipping Policy. Any violation of these agreements or misuse of information may result in account termination, reporting to authorities, and other legal actions.