What analyses do you offer?

Applied Speciation offers trace metals and trace metals speciation analyses. We can also perform trace analysis for bromate, sulfur, and phosphate.

Can Applied Speciation analyze samples to conform to EPA methodologies?

Absolutely. We are currently certified for EPA Methods 1638 and 200.8 for trace element analysis. We are also currently in the process of being accredited fro Method 6800 (speciated isotope dilution mass spectrometry). In addition, we can perform hexavalent chromium analysis by a modified EPA Method 7199 although we feel method 6800 provides superior data.

Do you offer any other services other than analytical services?

As our name states, we also offer consulting services to support an array of projects including: waste treatment optimization, natural attenuation, process chemistry, site monitoring, sampling, and narration of grant proposals.

What kind of samples do you analyze?

We analyze all sorts of samples including but not limited to: groundwater, surface water, drinking water, waste water, soil, sediment, animal tissue, human tissue (including fluids), paper, ceramics, paint, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, air, and rocks.

What kind of certifications does Applied Speciation have?

Applied Speciation currently holds certifications for waste water and drinking water for trace element analysis in the great State of Washington . The Washington Department of Ecology has reciprocity agreements with many states which can be viewed at the following link:

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/labs/reciproc.htm

Can Applied Speciation analyze air samples to support the new hexavalent chromium ruling?

Applied Speciation can support the new OSHA ruling for hexavalent chromium. We have four different analytical options, all of which are a modified EPA Method 7199 facilitating ion chromatography inductively coupled plasma dynamic reaction cell mass spectrometry (IC-ICP-DRC-MS). Since the results will directly affect the safety of a working environment we strongly recommend that all samples are analyzed using Method 6800 (speciated isotope dilution mass spectrometry) in order to account for possible species conversion during the extraction and analysis procedures.

How should I collect my samples?

To properly answer your question, the site specific nature of the project must be taken into account along with the target analytes. Controlling contamination is always of paramount importance; therefore we always recommend following EPA Method 1669 for sample collection of standard trace element analysis. Collection of samples for speciation analysis is specific to the target metalloid species and native sample environment; therefore, providing generalities associated with metals speciation samples collection would be a great disservice to our clients. Please contact us and we would be happy to provide you detailed information on the most appropriate sampling method for your project.

Can you supply sampling equipment?

We can provide sampling equipment for most sampling events. Although we can rent sampling devices to clients, we would rather work with them to identify their current and future needs for the equipment which could save them money in the long term. We often assist our clients in purchasing, cleaning, and generating maintenance and cleaning protocols associated with the equipment to maximize their return on the investment.

What preservative should I use for trace metals speciation analyses?

The sample environment conditions can vary significantly between project sites and even within each project zone. The integrity of the sample matrix must be maintained in order to generate representative speciation results; therefore, many parameters must be taken into account before the appropriate preservation and sampling technique can be recommended.

We find that other labs and even some EPA Methods generalize the sampling protocols for speciation analysis. Considering the differences in various sample matrices, this can be a great disservice to the end user of the data since a preservative that works for one matrix may not be suitable for the other. As the quality control associated with most methods cannot account for speciation conversion during sampling, transport, and preparation, we prefer to suggest preservation methods that would be the most suitable for a specific site.

In addition, Applied Speciation is probably the only lab which facilitates and highly recommends using field spikes to identify species interconversion throughout the entire sampling and analytical process. Feel free to contact an ASC representative for more information on field spikes and what information they can provide.

How much will it cost to have my samples analyzed?

Analytical costs are based on a number of factors including: analyte list, required turn around times, reporting requirements, number of samples, and number of sampling events. Metal speciation analyses often cost more than standard trace metals analyses due to the setup time, analytical time, data interpretation and validation, and cost for standards. Our prices are competitive, and often lower, compared to other laboratories. We can often provide a professional quotation within minutes of a request, depending open the complexity of the project. Feel free to contact an ASC project manager for a quotation.

Does Applied Speciation offer discounts?

We do offer discounts depending on the number of samples, number of sampling events, and nature of the investigation. We often provide academic institutions and health care related analyses with greater discounts to foster scientific research and to support the individual's quality of life.

What are your available turn around times?

Our standard turn around time is 14 days from the date of sample reception for most projects. Large projects may have extended turn around times of up to 28 days. We understand that many of our client's decisions are based on the analytical results we provide; therefore, we endeavor to provide the highest quality results in the shortest amount of time to facilitate the progression of the project.

We do offer guaranteed expedited turn around times from 24 hours to 14 days depending on the project requirements. Guaranteed expedited turn around times have associated surcharges which are directly related to the requested TAT. The available turn around time for certain analytical requests are operationally limited; therefore, we prefer that clients contact an ASC representative for available turn around times for specific analyses.

What is the standard turn around time for most analyses?

Our average turn around time for is approximately 10 calendar days. Our guaranteed standard turn around time for most projects is 14 calendar days.

Where is Applied Speciation located?

Applied Speciation is strategically located in Tukwila , Washington which is just south of Seattle . We are approximately 5 minutes away from the SEATAC International Airport, US Customs Office, and FedEx and UPS hubs.
On October 12, 2009, we are moving to our new address;

Applied Speciation and Consulting, LLC
18804 Northcreek Parkway
Bothell, WA 98011

Phone: (425) 483-3300
Fax: (425) 483-9818

Is it possible to perform selenium and arsenic speciation in soils and sediments?

Applied speciation can perform metals speciation analysis of soils and sediments; however, quantitation of metals species in solid matrices is considerably more complicate than aqueous matrices. Conventional speciation methods require an extraction procedure to extract and desorb the target metalloid species form the matrix. The interaction of the target metalloid species must be taken into consideration to identify the appropriate extraction procedure; therefore, multiple extraction procedures may be required. As a general rule, three criteria must be met in order to provide representative speciation data for solid matrices:

•  the extracting solution must solubilize all forms of the target species,

•  the conditions of the extraction must not induce reduction of the target species, and

•  the method must not cause oxidation of native target species.

In order to relate the speciation data to the sample proper quality control must be performed. Extractions are inherently operationally defined by the interaction of the extraction solution with the different matrix components. We require that all native samples and sample extracts are analyzed for total metals analysis to identify the extraction efficiency. As part of our quality control we also perform speciated matrix spikes to monitor conversion during the extraction procedure. Pending the availability of standards, isotopically doped speciation standards can be applied to provide a more absolute representation of the chemistry associated with the extraction procedure.

Mineralization of soil and sediment matrices to liberate encapsulated metals often requires rigorous digestion procedures which can alter the species ratios; therefore, it must always be understood that the speciation data only represents the matrix fraction which is amenable to extraction. Before any extraction procedure can be applied to the samples the client must decide the particle size of interest since the extraction results are often dependant on the available surface area of the soil and sediment particles.

Due to the complexity of metals speciation of solid matrices, we highly recommend consulting with an ASC representative prior to sample collection. We often assist our clients in formulation of their sampling plans to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to provide the most representative data.

Can Applied Speciation handle biological materials?

Applied Speciation is a BSL-2 laboratory capable of receiving and handling non-hazardous human biological materials.

What kind of quality control do you perform for standard trace metals analyses?

All standard trace metals analysis include, at a minimum: four preparation blanks, a comparable certified reference material, one matrix duplicate, one matrix spike and matrix spike duplicate set, isotope comparison to identify interferences, and comparison of standard ICP-MS data to at least one reaction gas setting for ICP-DRC-MS. Quality control is performed on each matrix type or every 20 samples, whichever generates the most quality control data. Method of standard additions curves (MSA) are also applied for samples with significant matrix interferences. Additional quality control can be performed upon the client's request.

For more information about QA/QC procedures, click here.

What kind of quality control do you perform for speciation analysis?

All speciation analyses include, at a minimum: four preparation blanks, a comparable certified reference material (pending availability), one matrix duplicate, one matrix spike and matrix spike duplicate set (per target species), and isotope comparison to identify interferences. We also highly recommend that all samples are analyzed for total filtered and unfiltered metals to provide a more robust representation of the interaction of the target species with the sample matrix. Quality control is performed on each matrix type or every 20 samples, whichever generates the most quality control data.

We also highly recommend that speciation field spikes are incorporated into the sampling plan to confirm the representativeness of the generated speciation data.

For more information about QA/QC procedures, click here.