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I had taken a break from performing XrF tests for members and recently started taking some samples. I send SPECIFIC instructions to everyone who has used this service about how to prep the samples. Basically they are as follows:
1) Tape a small sample to a card. "BB" size only.
2) Put your screen name on the card.
2A) Multiple samples can be placed on one card.
Here is a sampling of what I get:
Sample in a tiny ziploc bag with the sample name not clearly put on the baggie.
Sample in a ziploc bag stapled closed.
pound sized ingots to test
boxes with absolutely no name related to the forum
baggies with tiny cut out letters in the baggie for a sample name.
I ask for the samples to be prepped the way I do to speed up the process. Instead, I spend time sorting for clues as to who the box came from and then pulling the samples out, taping them to a card, and re-labeling them.
I am now going to add the following statement to my instructions:
"If the sample prep instructions are not followed, the samples will not be tested and no attempt will be made on my part to find or notify the owner."
BNE