F.A.Q.
Table of Contents
- Where is my dataset?
- Can you rush my samples?
- What is the turnaround time for sample analysis?
- Can I pay by credit card?
- Do you require a Purchase Order?
- What is the FED ID#?
- I lost my data/weightsheets. Can you send me another copy?
- How do I send samples?
- Where are you located at UC Davis?
- I have a question. Who do I contact?
- Did you get my e-mail? I haven't heard a response.
Where is my dataset?
Sample data is processed in the order it was received. We do make an effort to meet our posted turnaround times for each analysis type. Data is sent via e-mail in an Excel file by Joy Matthews or Chris Yarnes, so remember to check your junk mail filters. The turnaround times listed for each analysis are approximate for properly prepared samples. Large sample sets (>1000 samples), poorly prepared samples, wood, salts, large filters, highly enriched, or samples that exceed our normal sample size range will delay sample analysis and data processing.
Can you rush my samples?
“Bad planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.” -Proverb
"You rush a miracle man, you get rotten miracles." -Miracle Max, "The Princess Bride"
In general, yes, we can expedite the analysis and data processing of an average sample set, but please do not make it a habit! Please make reasonable requests that apply to the rules of space and time! Medium to large sample sets (>250 samples), poorly prepared samples, wood, salts, large filters, highly enriched, or samples that exceed our normal sample size range generally cannot be rushed. Please contact the SIF to request a rush on your sample analysis.
What is the turnaround time for sample analysis?
Samples are run in the order they are received. The average turnaround time for your data depends on the type of analysis and can be found on each isotope's analysis pricing page. Please contact the SIF for more information or for rush orders.
Can I pay by credit card?
Yes, the SIF now accepts payment by credit card. However, please be aware that invoices for credit card payments are generated using a different system than check and wire transfer invoices. It is a lot of paperwork to switch payment type once an invoice is produced, so please select your payment type ahead of time. DO NOT SEND ANY CREDIT CARD INFORMATION via e-mail, phone, fax, letter, or Analysis Order Form to the SIF. We cannot guarantee the safety of your information. (Repeat offenders will be buying Emily some cute new shoes!) To pay by credit card for new orders, please indicate your intention to pay by credit card on the newest version of the Analysis Order Form.
Do you require a Purchase Order?
We do not require a Purchase Order to analyze your samples, but we do find that having a PO can help with invoice payment by your institution.
The SIF invoicing system requires the FED ID# of US customers to set-up an account. Your institution's FED ID# is 9-digits, is also known as a Tax ID# or EIN#, and is often reported on your institution's W-9 form. Individuals wishing to be directly invoiced, with the intention of paying by personal check ONLY, should enter their SSN# (optional). International customers can enter your VAT# or other tax ID# that your institution requires for invoice payment.
The SIF keeps all submitted paperwork, data files, and invoices for 3 years minimum. If you lose your hardcopy weight sheets or your data files, chances are very good we can help you! Request Lost Data/Paperwork
Complete an Analysis Order Form and Sample List with your sample and billing information. E-mail the completed files to sif@ucdavis.edu and include a hard copy with your shipment. Any shipments containing soil, forest litter, wood or plant compost, humus, and earthworm castings require a soil permit. Ship your samples and paperwork to: UC Davis Stable Isotope Facility; Department of Plant Sciences; One Shields Avenue, Mail Stop #1; Davis, California, 95616 USA.
Effective August 1, 2011, due to campus wide budget reductions, the UC Davis Mail Division will provide mail service to the SIF on Tuesdays and Thursdays only. This reduction affects interoffice and US Mail (standard post). This reduction does not affect private carrier delivery, including FedEx, UPS, and DHL. The SIF highly recommends that shipments requiring special handling, including gas and refrigerated samples, should be shipped using a major carrier such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL. Customers are responsible for all import/export customs fees.
Where are you located at UC Davis?
The Stable Isotope Facility is located in the Plant and Environmental Sciences Bldg, room 2255, and our trace gas and compound specific lab is in 3112/3116 PES. The PES Bldg is on the north side of campus. Visitor parking can be found in Lot#15, Lot#17, and the North Entry parking structure. Our normal lab hours are 8am - 5pm Monday thru Friday. You are welcome to drop off your samples in person. Please contact us ahead of time if you would like a tour of our lab.
I have a question. Who do I contact?
Sylvia Duncan - "Where's my data?", "Can you rush my samples?", data requests, sample status, and turnaround questions
Irene Yen - "Have my samples been received?", data requests, sample status, turnaround, and other general sample questions
Elvira Delgado - Questions regarding analysis of water 18O and D/H by Laser-Absorption Spectroscopy
Katharine Pecsok - Questions related to DIC+DOC analysis, scheduling bacteria denitrification preparation, and 13C-FAME Compound Specific Isotope Analysis (CSIA) by GC-C-IRMS
Chris Yarnes – Questions regarding LC-IRMS, trace gas analysis, sulfur analysis, and DIC analysis.
Shaoneng (River) He – Questions regarding Compound Specific Isotope Analysis (CSIA) by GC-C-IRMS
Emily Ngo Schick - Phone: 530-752-8100 - Requests for estimates, invoices, payments, credits, EFT wire information, and other general billing, paperwork, or website questions
Joy Matthews – Manager
All other questions - Phone: 530-752-8100
Did you get my e-mail? I haven't heard a response.
The employees at the SIF try to answer e-mail questions within 1-2 days. More complex questions may require time to research the answer. E-mails received after hours, on weekends, and on holidays will delay a response. On rare occasions, customer emails are filtered as junk mail, so try resending your request if you have not received a reply within one week.
e-mail: sif@ucdavis.edu | phone: 530-752-8100 | fax: 530-752-4361 UC Davis Stable Isotope Facility | Department of Plant Sciences One Shields Avenue, Mail Stop #1 | Davis, California, 95616 | USA |