ALS offers laboratory isotope analysis of more than 20 isotopic systems. Through one of the world's most comprehensive commercial isotope laboratories, using ICP-SFMS and MC-ICP-MS instrumentation, we are trusted by researchers, environmental scientists and industry professionals worldwide.

High-precision isotope analysis

With decades of experience in isotope analysis and stable isotope testing, combining commercial testing with our own research in the field, ALS is at the forefront of isotopic ratio testing. Our specialist isotope laboratory in Sweden offers routine and custom isotope ratio analysis across more than 20 isotopic systems.

Why isotope analysis?

The isotopic composition of an element can be used as a ‘fingerprint’ providing valuable information about the processes that the element has undergone. Isotopic compositions are affected by, for example, an element’s source, the weather, biological and biochemical processes, or the geological age of the material. As such, applications where an isotope laboratory analysis can be useful include geology, geochronology, provenance studies and for tracing pollution and exposure sources. 

Isotope measurements can also be used for testing the concentration of naturally occurring harmful compounds, like radon in groundwater, and identification of increased levels of radioactive metals in connection with industrial activity such as mining and nuclear power plants. Learn more about radiological testing of water.

Isotope testing can also be used for rock characterization, as radiogenic isotopes are used for dating minerals and rock. Learn more about rock characterization.

Cutting-edge analytical instrumentation

Our highly specialized ICP laboratory for isotope ratio testing combines two complementary techniques to help deliver results matched to your precision requirements. MC-ICP-MS is used for the most demanding isotope ratio measurements, where the highest degree of precision possible is required. For example, age-dating of rocks and meteorites using isotopic ratios of samarium and neodymium requires a precision which can only be achieved with MC-ICP-MS. While there are greater uncertainties associated with the ICP-SFMS technique, it is sufficient for some applications.

Please see our analytical capabilities overview to find the typical degree of uncertainty for each isotopic system.

ALS has become the leading laboratory group globally for isotope and radiological services for the environmental industry. Our laboratories follow standard methods where available, but we also utilize many in-house developed methods in our analytical portfolio to help obtain the best results possible. Further instrumentation available for isotope testing include:

• Gamma spectroscopy
• Liquid scintillation
• Gas flow proportional counting
• Alpha scintillation methods

Why ALS?

Unique commercial capabilities

ALS operates one of the only commercial laboratories in the world offering isotope ratio analysis of heavy stable elements – including silicon (Si), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and molybdenum (Mo). These analyses are typically only available in specialized academic research settings. We bring them to you as a routine commercial service.

Short and reliable turnaround times

The typical turnaround time for our analytical services is 10 workdays. Express isotope analyses can be offered with as short as a 1-workday turnaround time upon sample arrival to the laboratory. 

State-of-the-art instrumentation

Our laboratory operates two Neptune Plus MC-ICP-MS systems – among the most advanced instruments available – alongside ICP-SFMS instrumentation. This gives us the redundancy, capacity, and flexibility to handle projects of any scale.

Driven by research

ALS actively conducts research in isotope analysis and method development. By combining commercial testing with a strong focus on research, ALS is bringing the latest advances in isotope testing to our clients worldwide. Read more about our laboratory and scientific publications here.

Global laboratory service

We accept samples from clients worldwide. Our team is experienced in working with international research groups, governmental agencies, environmental consultancies, mining companies and universities.