FAQ: Natural vs Synthetic Testing by Carbon-14 Analysis

How is Carbon-14 analysis different from other test methods used to detect adulteration?

Only Carbon-14 analysis can verify if the adulteration is due to fossil sources (synthetic) whereas the other methods can only detect naturally sourced adulterants. To distinguish between different natural adulterants, other chemical analyses are needed, e.g. stable isotope analysis. Authenticity Testing Methods
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Common Authenticity Testing Methods – Is Carbon-14 Analysis Necessary?
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What are your sample size requirements?

For liquids, please send 0.2 to 1 fl oz (0.5cc to 30cc). For solids, please send 0.1 to 1 oz (2.8 to 25 grams). Note: We can only receive chemicals and solvents in very small quantities – not exceeding 0.3 cc (300 microliters).


What containers should we use for sending samples?

We accept retail containers. For subsamples, our recommended container for liquids are 1-mL glass micro-sample vials with crimp tops that have a Teflon-lined septum. For more details on subsample containers and packing materials, please refer to our submission guidelines.

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How many samples do we need to send?

Beta Analytic has no minimum number of samples required. We provide one report with a unique certificate number for each sample.

For research and development, one measurement is fine. If you are submitting samples for certification or regulatory compliance, please consult the governing agencies regarding their required number of test samples before submission.


Where should we send the samples?

Testing is done in our ISO 17025-accredited laboratory in Miami, Florida, but you may send samples to our other forwarding facilities if they are NOT designated as hazardous by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

If you are in Europe, please send your samples to our Madrid office. For China, please send samples to our Xiamen address. For Japan, send the samples to our agent in Nagoya. We also have other forwarding offices in the UK and South Korea, please see here – choose your location on the leftmost column to view the mailing address and customs declaration, if any. The samples are forwarded to Miami at no cost to the client.

When sending essential oils and other volatile compounds, please ship your samples directly to Miami under the guidelines of “Dangerous Goods in Excepted Quantities” :

Beta Analytic Inc.
4985 SW 74th Court
Miami, Florida 33155
USA

Please use the following customs declaration to prevent shipping clearance delays:

Recommended customs declaration – “Carbon NCM Number 2803.00 – for scientific study – to be destroyed entirely during the analysis – no commercial value.”
Customs and carriage value – 1 USD
Harmonized Tariff Number (HS code) – 280300


Do natural source test results show the actual ingredients in the product?

No. Test results only show the percentage of ingredients that come from biomass (e.g. plants, animals) versus components that are from fossil sources (e.g. petroleum-derived). Carbon-14 testing results do not provide any data regarding product formulation or individual ingredients.

Page last updated: September 2022