EA/TCEA Sample Loading Instructions

Treatment and Organization of Samples

• Samples should be thoroughly dried, ground and well mixed. Samples pretreated with acids need to be given at least 5-8 rinses with distilled water to get rid of all the acid in the sample. Please test acidified samples with ph paper to ensure neutralization.

• If you have enriched samples or decide to load your natural abundance samples yourselves, please use 96 well plastic trays. Samples should be loaded according to the tray loading templat that matches your sample size and analysis. Please leave the wells marked for lab standards empty.

• Group samples of similar material together, e.g., keratin with keratin and plants with plants.  If different types of samples e.g., keratin, chitin, plant, are all in the same tray, label what type of sample they are in the loading template.

• A soil permit must accompany any soils mailed to SIF.  If submitting soil samples, please contact SIF before sending samples, for permit and instructions.

• If sending samples for us to weigh; fill out only the sample ID column in the tray loading template.  Samples can be sent in eppendorf tubes, glass/plastic vials, or envelopes.  They should be dried and ground(unless we are performing the grinding).  Clearly label the container with the same label used on the tray loading template.

• The sample ID each sample should be unique, regardless of whether we weigh samples or they are sent to the lab already weighed. Do not repeat sample IDs.  The names should be less than 20 characters long. Do not include special characters  (e.g. ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) . / \ +.";'). Only hyphens ( - ) are acceptable.

• Secure the tray and lid with two pieces of tape on opposite sides of the tray and label and number the tray accordingly.  Do not use parafilm or completely wrap the tray in tape.  If sending weighted samples through the mail, it is advised to cut a piece of card stock or thin cardboard and place it in between the tray and the lid to prevent samples from moving between wells during shipment.  Turn the lidded tray over and gently shake to make sure no samples move from well to well.

• Pack shipment boxes well enough to prevent breakage or loss of sample.  Shipping envelopes are not suggested because damage can occur during shipment and samples can be lost.  UWSIF is not responsible for sample loss due to packaging and shipping.

• If submitting samples for solid hydrogen analysis, please contact SIF before sending.  Hydrogen analysis can be complicated because sample hydrogen readily exchanges with atmospheric hydrogen.  Special procedures must be followed in order to get accurate results.  Special preparation charges may apply.