Prices and Sample Submission
Make the most of your strong currency in relation to the NZ dollar when pricing for commercial isotope analysis.
$100.00 (NZD) =
GBP,
EURO,
USD |
Download price list in PDF format.
Terms and condtions here.
Sample Submission
Please contact the GNS Stable Isotope Laboratory for specific details on how to sample and to submit your samples for isotope analysis. All parcels containing samples of non-New Zealand origin for isotope analysis MUST be accompanied by an import permit, and have the permit number written on the outside of the package.
Please download the latest permit here. (100kb PDF file)
Solids
Where possible, send dry samples. Bacterial activity in wet samples can affect the isotopic signature. Samples should be dried in a low temperature oven, up to 50°C. A freeze drier is available on site if required for sample concentration or drying of heat sensitive material. Samples should be sent in small, labelled vials. We are happy to return any unused portions after analyses if required, at your cost.
Check with the laboratory to ensure your samples are in a suitable format for processing. Where ground rock is required send dry, finely ground (<200µm) homogeneous samples, ready for processing. The laboratory also offers a rock crushing and grinding service for a fee. Organic samples can be ground with a mortar and pestle, or a ball mill. Homogeneity of vegetation and tissue samples can usually be improved by a small addition of liquid nitrogen during the grinding process.
Carbonate samples such as sediments should be sent milled (between 125-250 mesh) in small labelled vials. Foraminifera samples should be picked, cleaned and sent in suitable microvials. All calcite samples are vacuum roasted at 375°C for one hour. It is important to advise the lab if samples are not pure calcite. Contact lab for cleaning procedure if uncertain.
Gases
We are able to provide a limited amount of pre-evacuated gas flasks for the collection of most types of gases. Please contact us to enquire about availability. We are also able to transfer sealed glass tubes into our gas sample bottles.
Liquids
All liquid samples must be sent in resealable leak-proof screw topped bottles. It is preferable to ensure they are well packed in a protective box. Our laboratory staff check all samples closely on arrival for any evidence of leaking and will advise immediately. Please indicate if any samples are likely to be toxic or corrosive so appropriate precautions can be taken.
Courier despatch or registered post is preferred and samples are acknowledged on receipt and assigned a SIL Order Number, a unique identifier of your samples. Couriers commonly used include DHL and Federal Express. Include on the package label "Samples for Scientific Analysis - chemical and physical - no commercial value" and send to:
GNS Stable Isotope Laboratory
GNS Science
30 Gracefield Road
Lower Hutt 5040
New Zealand
Documentation
All samples should be accompanied with sufficient documentation to identify each individual sample, identify the material and also give the full name and contact address of the submitter, with telephone and fax numbers and email address, if possible. Details of any prior treatment of the sample, such as cleaning, drying, treatment with solvents or preservatives should also be supplied.
Reporting times
Results are reported within three to four weeks of receipt of sample. All requested isotopes measured are presented in a report format, with information of international standards run with the samples.
Reporting time may be longer if large batches of samples are submitted or if the nature of the material is such that special processing methods are required. We may be able to process urgent samples within several days at a priority rate, subject to current laboratory workloads.