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?
- Can I pay ahead of time?
- Do you offer a discount for large sample sets?
- Do you require a Purchase Order?
- Can I send my samples?
- How do I send samples?
- I lost my data/weightsheets. Can you send me another copy?
- 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 from the @ucdavis.edu domain, so remember to check your junk mail filters. The turnaround times listed for each analysis are approximate for properly prepared samples. Large sample sets (>500 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. Prior to shipping your samples, please contact the SIF to request a rush on your sample analysis. Rush requests made after sample delivery may be declined if the deadline is too short (i.e. < 1 month turnaround).
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 to discuss your data or funding deadlines.
Can I pay by credit card?
Yes, the SIF accepts payment by credit card only via UCD's secure payment site. DO NOT SEND ANY CREDIT CARD INFORMATION by e-mail, phone, fax, letter, or Analysis Order Form to the SIF. We do not guarantee the safety of your information.
Can I pay ahead of time?
Yes, the SIF accepts payment separate from sample analysis. Pre-payment does not lock in the analysis rate beyond 1 calendar year. Pre-payment does not guarantee the "normal" combustion rate if your samples are prepared at "difficult" combustion conditions (i.e. high weight, out of range C&N content, non-tin (Sn) capsules, etc.). Refunds are exceptionally difficult once you start to use your credit, so we ask that you put any remaining balance towards future analyses, or gift the remaining balance to collaborators/peers.
Do you offer a discount for large sample sets?
No, the SIF does not offer discounts for large orders, but we hope you will find our analysis prices to be competitive.
University of California clients should pay by UC recharge account to receive the UC rate. Request UC Price List
Do you require a Purchase Order?
We strongly encourage having a purchase order in place with your administration. Having a PO can help with invoice payment by your institution. Remember to include the PO with order account details, or email in a copy, because the PO document contains important invoicing instructions.
Can I send my samples?
First, place an order through our PPMS site. Once the order is requested, print your order as PDF hard copy for inclusion in correspondence and shipment. If you have entered text in the “comment” field, be sure to click on this field prior to printing. Next, email the order number(s), relevant sample list(s), and sample list addendum (if applicable) to sif@ucdavis.edu. Wait for an order acceptance email from ppms@ucdavis.edu. DO NOT SHIP YOUR SAMPLES UNTIL YOUR ORDER HAS BEEN ACCEPTED. If changes are made the order by SIF prior to acceptance, please print the revised PDF copy of your order for shipment to reflect those changes. Please include hardcopies of your Order Form (.PDF) and Sample List (.xlsx) within your shipment - missing paperwork and unidentified sample containers makes shipment identification difficult.
Perishable shipments must be shipped in an insulated cooler, with sufficient coolant and cushioning, and shipped expedited on a Monday or Tuesday to minimize delays with receipt and refrigeration. Do not ship samples for weekend delivery, no mail will be received on weekends or holidays.
Do not ship samples until your order has been accepted. Sample submission details, with information relevant to the use of different carriers can be found here.
The UC Davis Mail Division provides mail service to the SIF on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only. This reduction affects interoffice and US Mail (standard post). Private carriers, including FedEx, UPS, and DHL, deliver Monday-Friday during normal business hours, and will redeliver after holidays and weekends. 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. Clients are responsible for all import/export customs fees.
I lost my data/weightsheets. Can you send me another copy?
The SIF keeps all submitted paperwork, data files, and invoices for 3 years minimum, 6 years maximum. If you lose your hardcopy weight sheets or your data files, we can help you! Request Lost Data/Paperwork
Where are you located at UC Davis?
The Stable Isotope Facility is located in the Plant and Environmental Sciences Bldg, room 2251 / 2255 PES, with our trace gas and compound-specific units located 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?
Katharine Pecsok – Questions and appointments related to the bacterial denitrification preparation
Dr. Chris Yarnes – Phone: 530-754-7517 - Director, Questions regarding Compound-Specific Isotope Analysis (CSIA) by GC-C-IRMS and sulfur stable isotope analysis
Dr. Rick Doucett – Phone: 530-754-7517 - Questions regarding NO3- data, trace gas analysis, and DIC analysis.
Stacy Walker – Phone: 530-752-8100 - Requests for estimates, invoices, payments, credits, EFT wire information, and general billing.
Emily Schick – Phone: 530-752-8100 - Questions regarding bulk solid C and N analysis
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 be replied to on the next business day. On rare occasions, incoming emails are filtered as junk mail, so try resending your request if you have not received a reply within one week.
Recently UC Davis has ended up on some Real Time Blocking lists by various internet service providers. So far SBCglobal.net, ATT, and AOL have blocked e-mails from UC Davis addresses, which includes the SIF. If you use these service providers to contact the SIF, you will not be able to receive our reply. Please use a different service provider to contact the SIF, or call us directly at 530-752-8100.