Step 1: Contact Us

The first step in submitting samples to the lab for analysis is to contact us. Ideally, this should be done during the planning phase of your project. We may be able to offer suggestions regarding analytical method, number of samples, and type of samples required that will save you both time and money. By explaining your project goals, you will help us to better understand your project and better serve your needs.

Step 2: Assign Each Sample an Analytical ID (ANID)

We use a 6-digit identification system to uniquely identify every sample that we analyze. This number typically consists of three letters followed by three numbers (e.g., ABC001, ABC002, etc.). Before you begin assigning ANIDs to your samples, please contact us to either (1) obtain a discrete range of ANIDs, or (2) verify that your ANIDs have not been used for a previous project.

Do not write your ANIDs directly on your samples. Instead, write it (along with your last name and archaeological context) on a plastic zip-lock bag, and place your sample inside the bag. We prefer to use 6-mil White-Block reclosable bags, as these provide a stable writing surface for labeling samples. Alternatively, sample ANIDs can be written on a clean piece of paper or cardstock and inserted into the bag along with your samples.

If your samples are already in powder form, you may submit them in a screw- or snap-top vial (either glass or plastic). If you submit vials, please seal the caps with a piece of tape, and enclose the individual vials in small plastic bags. This will prevent cross-sample contamination should a vial, or vials, rupture during transit.

Assign your ANIDs consecutively and do not skip any numbers. This decreases the potential for confusion and errors, and makes it easier to track and inventory your samples.

Step 3: Prepare a Spreadsheet Inventory of your Samples

Upon receiving a project, the first thing we do is open the package and double check that all of the expected samples are present. Without an inventory of your samples, we have no way to ensure that we have received all of your samples. This also provides you with a final opportunity to verify that the information written on your sample bags is correct. A copy of this spreadsheet is useful because it saves us from having to retype the information once it arrives.

We use the Excel spreadsheet program, and we recommend that you provide either an Excel spreadsheet (*.XLS) or a dBase file (*.DBF). Spreadsheet inventories should be both emailed to the laboratory, and included on a 3.5" floppy disk or CD-Rom in your package.

Table of fields we require in your sample inventory:

• Pottery, tempers, and clays
• Chert, Basalt, Obsidian, and other geological materials

To facilitate consistency in our database, we provide the following file templates that can be downloaded and modified for your project:

• Template for pottery, temper, and clays…
• Template for chert, basalt, obsidian, and other geological materials…

Once you have created this spreadsheet, print out a copy. You will need it for the next step.

Step 4: Prepare an Information Packet to Accompany your Samples

In archaeology, there is a maxim that "Context is Everything." This applies to all aspects of the archaeological project, including laboratory analysis. To best understand your project and your samples, we need to know as much about them as possible. Have other archaeologists analyzed similar materials in your region? If so, prepare a bibliography of these projects. Are you analyzing chert, obsidian, basalt, or another geological material? If so, provide us with photocopies of regional geological reports that discuss these materials.

The types of information we request with all projects are:

• A map showing locations for each of the sites from which these samples were obtained. Please remember to include a scale, north arrow, and a common geographical landmark. If you are working in the U.S., please use a 7.5-minute topographic map of your project area, and provide the USGS quadrangle name. Visit the Mapping section on our Links page for suggestions on how you can obtain these.
• Geographic coordinates of the archaeological site/geological context from which your samples come. Coordinates should be given in Latitude/Longitude (WGS1984) and, if from the U.S.A., UTM Northing and Easting using NAD1983. If your samples are not from the U.S., please use WGS1984 Latitude/Longitude and specify what coordinate system or datum your UTM coordinates are in. Again, visit the Mapping section on our Links page for suggestions on how you can obtain these for your site.
• Background literature applicable to your project. Full bibliographic references will suffice for major journals, but please provide photocopies of CRM reports, local/regional journals, geological-service bulletins and maps, or unpublished material.
• The paper copy of the spreadsheet you created in Step 3.

Step 5: Cover Letter

Prepare a cover letter that includes:

• How many samples are being sent and their ANIDs.
• The technique by which these samples are to be analyzed (INAA, XRF, ICP-MS).
• Your email address, phone & fax numbers, and your mailing address.
• Your research questions and your goals for this project.
• The agreed-upon rate at which your samples will be processed and billed.

Step 6: Prepare your Parcel

Package your samples, computer disk, information packet, and cover letter into a single box. Envelopes are If your samples are fragile, remember to use packing material. If your samples are sharp-edged, such as rocks, you may want to double bag them. We strongly recommend that you send your samples in a durable box rather than an envelope. Our experiences have been that samples are often easily crushed (and therefore practically unusable) when shipped in an envelope, even thickly padded envelopes.

Step 7: Send your Parcel and Immediately Notify the Laboratory

Your parcel should be sent to the following address:

Attn: Dr. Michael D. Glascock
Archaeometry Laboratory
University of Missouri Research Reactor
1513 Research Park Drive
Columbia, MO 65211, USA

Shipments can be made through USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL.

Once you have sent your package, you must immediately contact us. We will need to know the following information:

• Sender of package (this is usually you)
• Parcel-delivery service (e.g., UPS, USPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.)
• Tracking or Shipment Number
• Date of Expected Delivery

We do not accept unexpected shipments of any kind.

If this information is not provided to us by the time the parcel arrives, the parcel will be rejected and returned to you.

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