If the use of 14C tracer is suspected at a study site, or in a user’s laboratory, swipe tests must be carried out prior to sending any samples to AEL-AMS for radiocarbon analysis. We highly recommend swiping research vessels prior to sampling campaigns.
Sample submissions
Find out where and how to send your samples to the Radiocarbon Laboratory at the André E. Lalonde National Facility.
Radiocarbon Laboratory submissions
Disclaimer
The AEL-AMS Laboratory is a LOW-BACKGROUND laboratory, FREE OF ENRICHED MATERIAL OF ANY KIND (14C, Tritium). As a submitter, you warrant that your samples are free of any enriched material. If enriched material from the samples (or the packaging in which they are shipped) results in contamination of equipment or instrumentation requiring decontamination or replacement, significant charges will be incurred.
Sample submission form
To submit samples for radiocarbon analysis, please send us your completed submission form by email (submissions.ael-ams@uottawa.ca) prior to shipping your samples. Please include a printed copy of the submission form with your shipment.
- Sample Submission Form (Excel, 291 KB)
- Please read our Terms of Service before submitting a sample
- Please review our Sample Failure Policy (PDF, 149 KB)
We reserve the right to refuse any samples we deem inappropriate for analysis. Single sample submissions are accepted, however they may wait in the sample queue for other similar samples.
Please note, we do not accept samples from private individuals. We only accept samples from academic institutions, government and non-profit agencies, or commercial institutions.
Dating potentially valuable artifacts
The AEL-AMS Laboratory adheres to cultural heritage protocols on the dating of antiquities that are commonly agreed upon within the international radiocarbon testing community. While our lab does provide dating, we typically do so for academic purposes. We cannot provide a valuation or compositional analysis. If authentication is required, the piece should be evaluated by an accredited appraiser or conservator, as they possess the knowledge to minimize reduction of artifact value when sampling. AEL-AMS staff will not sample potentially valuable pieces of art. If you are interested in dating potentially valuable artifacts, we must receive a signed copy of our antiquities declaration before accepting any sample for analysis.
- Declaration for the Dating of Antiquities (PDF, 178 KB)
Shipping instructions
Before submitting samples:
- Please review our sampling requirements and recommendations under the Services page related to the type of sample you are submitting.
- For water and gas samples, please consult with us prior to sampling regarding sample concentration and possible contaminates. Concentrations must be specified at the time of submission.
Note: we do not accept saline DOC samples.
When you are ready to submit:
- Send an electronic copy of your submission form, and the Declaration for the Dating Antiquities form if required, to submissions.ael-ams@uottawa.ca before shipping your samples. Please include a printed copy of your submission form with your sample shipment.
- Courier or ship samples with registered post and indicate the tracking number in your correspondence. We recommend Purolator for shipping within Canada and FedEx for international shipments.
- Please inform us prior to shipping if you are sending hazardous material or soils internationally.
- Classify material as, “Geologically inert samples for destructive scientific analysis - no commercial value”.
- Customs charges are the responsibility of the submitter; they will be included in your invoice.
Shipping solid samples:
- Please only send only the material you would like dated. If you would like any residual material returned to you after the analysis, please specify this on your submission form (minimum $30 fee).
- For solid organic samples, dried material is best (freeze-dried or oven dried ~60°C).
- Please do not use non-stick tin-foil.
Shipping water and gas samples:
- Ship your samples in a cooler with plenty of padding/wrapping between glass bottles.
- Return shipping fees for coolers/containers (if requested) are the responsibility of the submitter; they will be included on your invoice.
- For water samples: ship DIC samples via cold storage (4°C); ship DOC samples frozen and expedited delivery (with overnight or second day service)
- If shipping unfrozen liquids in glass bottles, try to avoid shipping during sub-zero winter conditions.
Shipping address
Radiocarbon Laboratory
AEL-AMS Lab, University of Ottawa
Advanced Research Complex (ARC)
25 Templeton Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 6N5, Canada
613-562-5800 ext. 6864
Turnaround time
Current estimated turnaround time: 3 months
Estimated turnaround time is based on the date samples are received in the lab. Actual times may vary. Please inform us of any project deadlines and we will do our best to accommodate your request. For researchers with end of fiscal reporting deadlines (March 31), please ship your samples to the lab by the end of November.
Typical turnaround and seasonal backlog
| Months | Estimated turnaround* |
|---|---|
| January–March | 3–4 months |
| April–June | 2–3 months |
| July–September | 2–3 months |
| October–December | 3–4 months |
*Sample turnaround times vary. Turnaround times are targets, not guarantees, and are centrally managed to maintain analytical quality and fairness across users.