Frequently Asked Questions

• TAT: standard delivery time is a couple weeks as opposed to several months.
• Our access to multiple MS techniques, and highly efficient introduction systems, allows us to offer analyses in difficult matrixes and at low analyte concentrations. 

Yes, to lower the price of analysis, some customers prefer to perform sample preparation and analyte pre-concentration themselves. When information on acid matrix and analyte concentration is supplied with purified sample solutions, we offer substantial discounts.

However, for such projects there is a risk of non-quantitative analyte recovery during purification stages, which may result in artificial isotope shift that is impossible to compensate for at the measurement stage.

• Sample preparation (acid digestion or alkaline fusion)
• Matrix separation/analyte pre-concentration (if needed)
• ICP-SFMS screening of purified fraction to assess separation efficiency and analyte concentration
• Two consecutive measurements against bracketing isotope standards with matched analyte concentration
• Correction for spectral interferences and mass bias
• Duplicate (entire procedure) for each 10 samples.

 

All prices in our product search are for single-sample analysis. We offer discounts for batches and continuous projects. Please contact us for more information.

Yes, as the same sample preparation (and in some cases even the same matrix separation) can be used for several isotope systems (e.g. Sr+Nd, Sr+Pb, B+Pb), ordering 2-3 isotope ratios from the same sample will cost less than 2–3 isotope ratios from 2–3 separate samples.

As analyte isotopes can be separated from substantial sample amounts (hundreds of mL for liquids or ten g for solids), a minimum amount of analyte is a better measure of method performance at low concentrations. There are also significant differences in the minimum amount needed for ICP-SFMS and MC-ICP-MS.

If you are interested to know more about geochronology, please read more and find contact information here. 

The laboratory in Luleå, Sweden, does not offer dating as we do not have experienced mineralogists. In some cases we can offer simplified ‘whole-rock’ dating. Alternatively, customer may supply samples in the form of mineral separates and order both radiogenic isotope ratios and concentrations of parent/daughter isotopes used for age calculations. Up to 5–7 mineral separates from single whole rock samples may be needed for reliable dating.

In principle, we can offer isotope ratio measurements for elements not mentioned on this website. However, unless it is a clean synthetic solution, separation of analyte from sample matrix will be necessary prior to the instrumental stage. Therefore, such analysis usually requires additional costs, as we would likely need to develop (or adopt) and test the separation method.

Please contact us. 

Yes, we offer these services through our expert laboratory partner that has the specialised technology required for C.N.O, testing. Please read more here.