Stable or radiogenic isotope ratios
solution MC-ICP-MS or IRMS
Material Analysis · Composition & Elemental
Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis (IRMS)
Characterise stable or radiogenic isotope ratios, isotopic composition and fractionation, and age or source information where a validated chronometer is used using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.
- Price
- from£120 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 20 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- Isotopx Phoenix TIMSElementar precisIONThermo Finnigan Delta V Advantage
- Typical outputs
- Isotope-ratio tableStandard, blank, mass-bias, and uncertainty summaryAge calculation or source interpretation where scopedProcessed chromatogram or spectrum
Why this service
What IRMS can help you understand
Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis is selected when the project needs defensible information on stable or radiogenic isotope ratios, isotopic composition and fractionation, or age or source information where…
Isotopic composition and fractionation
laser-ablation spatial analysis
Age or source information where a validated chronometer is used
SIMS or TIMS where appropriate
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the tool
The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.
Solution MC-ICP-MS or IRMS
stable or radiogenic isotope ratios
- Best used when
- stable or radiogenic isotope ratios
- Typical result
- Isotope-ratio table
- Preparation note
- Gas compatibility, fittings, flow and safety controls are confirmed before acceptance.
Laser-ablation spatial analysis
isotopic composition and fractionation
- Best used when
- isotopic composition and fractionation
- Typical result
- Standard, blank, mass-bias, and uncertainty summary
- Preparation note
- Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved.
SIMS or TIMS where appropriate
age or source information where a validated chronometer is used
- Best used when
- age or source information where a validated chronometer is used
- Typical result
- Age calculation or source interpretation where scoped
- Preparation note
- Gas compatibility, fittings, flow and safety controls are confirmed before acceptance.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
Isotope-ratio table reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Standard, blank, mass-bias, and uncertainty summary supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Age calculation or source interpretation where scoped provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Processed chromatogram or spectrum included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Sample requirements
What to provide before work begins
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the decision, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Gas / headspace | Provide the gas composition, concentration range, cylinder or sampling format and required pressure. | Gas compatibility, fittings, flow and safety controls are confirmed before acceptance. |
| Solid / component | Provide a clean, stable and clearly labelled specimen with the target face or region identified. | Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved. |
Objective: state the decision, comparison or acceptance criterion the work must support.
Handling and access: declare hazards, instability, confidentiality, file constraints or special logistics before dispatch or transfer.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope, timing or interpretation.
What should I send for Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis?
Provide gas / headspace, solid / component as applicable. Exact quantity, dimensions and preparation are confirmed during technical review.
Which analysis option should I choose?
Choose the mode around the decision you need to make. For stable or radiogenic isotope ratios, start with solution MC-ICP-MS or IRMS; add laser-ablation spatial analysis when comparison or quantification is required.
How long will the test take?
Typical turnaround is 20 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
What can limit the result?
Interpretation depends on closed-system behaviour, standards, fractionation correction, and contamination control. An age is model-dependent and may record alteration rather than formation.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope IRMS correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Required comparison, acceptance criterion or reference
- Preferred output and reporting depth