Laboratory Services

There are two ways to submit samples, each with different prices:


• 1) Directly to this laboratory: either a New RSIL Submittal file or the Standard RSIL Submittal file on a 3.5-inch IBM compatible diskette (or a CD) with sample description information and samples are shipped together to Reston (see address below); isotope ratio results are returned by email to the submitter and the Standard Voucher for payment is issued by Reston. If users provide information on the New RSIL Submittal file, the QWDATA files, Sample_d.dat and Result_d.dat, will be returned by email. The District QWDATA database administrator or water-quality specialist can use these files to load stable isotope results into the District’s NWIS QWDATA base.
  
  
• 2)  Sent through the NWQL (National Water Quality Laboratory); the samples and ASR forms are shipped directly to this laboratory at the address below (not to Denver); isotope ratio results are provided by the NWQL to District computers and the Standard Voucher for payment is issued by the NWQL.


Samples and either ASR forms or Excel worksheet should be shipped to:
U.S. Geological Survey, Isotope Laboratory, 431 National Center, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston , VA 20192


• Laboratory services are provided for USGS programs and personnel. Laboratory services can be provided to other federal, state, and county agencies if specific requirements are met. Contact T. B. Coplen to discuss your needs. Laboratory services cannot be provided to private individuals or companies. Visit links to other stable isotope laboratories on the web.
  
  
• Processing time on samples is usually about 3 to 5 weeks. During peak summer season it is 2 to 3 months. Priority service is available if the lab is given advance notice. Turn-around time is 24 to 48 hours for hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios of water. The surcharge is an additional 50%. Please contact Haiping Qi at haipingq@usgs.gov to arrange. If you need to request sample processing status, please refer to the laboratory ID#, such as W-53218 or G-9857.
  
  
• For more info on prices and analyses that are offered.
  
  
• How are samples analyzed, isotope ratios measured, and how accurate are the results?
  
  
• Tips on how to collect samples.
  
  
• How are analyses performed and what equipment is used?
  
  
• Samples submitted directly to RSIL will not be entered into the NWQL database. If you submitted through NWQL and can't find your results in the database, then contact Jeanne Hatcher at NWQL about missing data.