LAB METHODS

Preparing fish bones forIsotope Analysis

1cm

Preparing fish bonesIsotope analyses are sensitive - even a single stray speck of dust on a sample can jeopardize the accuracy of our results. To ensure that our samples are as pristine as possible for analysis, we follow a meticulous cleaning procedure:

Click ahead to see what happens at each step in the cleaning procedure.

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Preparing fish bones

1cmThis is an example of an archeological bone sample before it is has been prepared for analysis.

Preparing fish bones

1. Clean off bone surface using a dremel tool.

1cm

Preparing fish bones

1. Clean off bone surface using a dremel tool.

1cm

Preparing fish bones

1. Clean off bone surface using a dremel tool.

2. Dissolve bone in acid to extract collagen.

1cm

Preparing fish bones

1. Clean off bone surface using a dremel tool.

2. Dissolve bone in acid to extract collagen.

1cm

Preparing fish bones

1. Clean off bone surface using a dremel tool.

2. Dissolve bone in acid to extract collagen.

3. Freeze-dry collagen to remove all moisture.

1cm

Preparing fish bones

1. Clean off bone surface using a dremel tool.

2. Dissolve bone in acid to extract collagen.

3. Freeze-dry collagen to remove all moisture.

READY FOR ANALYSIS!

1cm

Preparing fish bones

READY FOR ANALYSIS!

Image of mass spec.