Beta Analytic’s Radiocarbon Dating Services

  • Technique: Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS)
  • Turnaround time: 2-14 business days
  • Calibration: High-Probability Density Range Method
  • Detection Limit: 43,500 BP (0.44 pMC)
  • Secure online access to results, sample photos, and quality assurance reports

ISO 17025-accredited since 2008

Beta Analytic has provided high-quality radiocarbon dating services since 1979. The lab has demonstrated technical competence in the measurement of (a) natural levels of radiocarbon by AMS, and (b) stable isotope ratios of carbon, deuterium, nitrogen, and oxygen by Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS).

As a tracer-free lab, we do not accept biomedical samples or any materials with artificial carbon-14, carbon-13, carbon-12 or any other isotopes to avoid the risk of cross-contamination.

Quality Control & Assurance

As part of our quality control measures, internal standards are run daily in our in-house particle accelerators with SNICS ion sources. Multiple cross-checks are performed throughout each analysis. At least two (2) background measurements are done at the beginning and end of each run. To ensure accuracy in the results for the unknowns, 4 to 5 known-age QA standards are run in each AMS wheel.

We require r​esults for the QA samples to f​a​ll within expectations of the known values before accepting​ and reporting the results for any sample.

How can Beta Analytic clients be sure their results comply with all the quality assurance requirements?
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Unlimited Client Support in Multiple Languages

Our technical managers welcome discussion before, during, and after the analyses. We do not charge fees for technical support.

Our account managers offer assistance and advice in Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish and Portuguese.

Complimentary Stable Isotope Analysis 

If the sample size permits, Beta Analytic also provides stable isotope analysis for these materials at no additional cost:

  • δ13C for cremated bones, organics and water (dissolved inorganic carbon)
  • δ13C + δ15N + %C + %N + C:N for non-cremated bones
  • δ13C + δ18O for carbonates
  • δD + δ18O for water 

We also offer stable isotope analyses NOT in conjunction with C14 dating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How much does carbon dating cost?

Recommended sample sizes

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Page last updated: November 2022