Oxygen (¹⁸O) and Hydrogen (²H) Solid Sample Preparation

*Please use the expected percentage of oxygen or hydrogen for your samples to determine the proper sample weight.  The SIF does not currently analyze non-keratinous materials for hydrogen. If you have any questions, please contact us at sif@ucdavis.edu

Weigh samples into small silver capsules (3.5 x 5.0 mm) and organize into a clean 96-well tray; do not intersperse empty wells between samples. The lightweight capsules below, available in additional sizes, are less expensive, and reduce ash accumulation during analysis.

Supplies

Organization

1. Organize samples into a clean 96-well tray; do not leave empty wells.
2. For small samples, ensure they remain in the wells during shipping by placing an index card (cut to size) over the tray before securing the lid. Do not use Parafilm or adhesive tape to cover the open wells. Tape the lid securely closed using tape on all four sides. Turn the tray over and gently shake to test if samples stay in the wells or if the capsules leak sample material. Re-encapsulate any leaky capsules before shipping.
3.  Label the lid of each sample tray with a unique name. Include this tray name in the Sample List. Results will include the unique tray name and well position (e.g., A1).
4. For enriched samples, arrange samples to avoid wide fluctuations in isotope content. Place non-enriched samples ahead of enriched samples within the same tray, or place non-enriched and enriched samples in separate trays.

Shipping
Please read and follow the instructions carefully to ensure safe transit and appropriate handling of your samples.

IMPORTANT: Feathers from outside the U.S. must be accompanied with a copy of our USDA APHIS Permit. Please contact us for a copy of the permit to include with your samples. Any restricted, CITES, or other migratory bird species requiring permitting for import should be discussed in advance, as the permitting process may take months to complete.

Please complete the online Analysis Order Form and Sample List for your samples and email these forms to sif@ucdavis.edu. Please include a printed copy of these forms with your samples. The SIF uses this form to track your samples and to contact you regarding receipt of samples, data, and invoicing. For mixed analysis requests, we require the completion of a separate form for each type of analysis.

The sample list should include accurate sample weights. If more rows are required in the sample list, simply add the rows and continue the numbering in column A.

Also, please include:

• A general description of the material being analyzed including approximate elemental composition.
• The expected range of isotopic composition for enriched material.

Carefully package the sample trays to protect them during shipping. Single trays should be wrapped with multiple layers of bubble wrap and can be shipped in a padded envelope or box. Multiple trays should be banded or taped together and shipped in rigid box filled with packing material. Desiccants, such as Drierite, should not be included with samples unless contained within a spillproof, separate package.

Failure to properly package and protect trays often results in sample loss during shipping.