While isotope labs provide raw data, they typically do not offer interpretation or customized analysis for archaeological research. At IsoOrigins, we bridge this gap by interpreting your data and contextualizing it to your research needs.

Stable isotope analysis is commonly applied to:

Human/animal bones & teeth (to study diet, migration, and origins)

Ceramics and artifacts (to determine raw material sources)

Metals and ores (to trace trade routes and mining locations)

Shells and corals (for environmental and provenance studies)

Sediments and plant remains (to reconstruct past environments)

No, we do not conduct laboratory isotope testing. Instead, we work with researchers who have already obtained stable isotope data from oxygen (O), carbon (C), deuterium (D), strontium (Sr), lead (Pb), or other isotopes. We then provide scientific interpretation, mapping, and consulting to ensure your isotope results are properly analyzed and applied to your archaeological research.

By the way, we also offer bespoke sampling plans and can recommend labs for isotope analysis.

To obtain isotope data, you will need to send samples to a specialized laboratory for analysis. If you’re unsure where to start, we can recommend trusted isotope labs that align with your research needs. We assist in designing a sampling strategy to ensure you collect the right materials for accurate and meaningful isotope testing.

Our turnaround times are as follows:

Standard service – 10 business days following receipt of data.

Expedited service – 5 business days following receipt of data.

Top priority service - next business day following receipt of data.

Our standard report provides a clear and comprehensive interpretation of your isotope data, tailored to the specific isotope(s) you are analyzing. Each report is customized based on your sample type, research goals, and archaeological context, ensuring that the results are directly relevant to your study.

A standard report includes:
✔ Introduction to the isotope systematics – An explanation of the isotope(s) used including the relevance to your specific sample type(s) and site(s).
✔ Isotope data interpretation – A detailed analysis of what your isotope values indicate about provenance, migration, and/or material sourcing, with references to comparative datasets where applicable. This includes professionally designed figures/diagrams and an explanation of uncertainty.
✔ Summary of findings – Concise conclusions that directly address your research questions and provide actionable insights.

We also offer add-ons, including:
- Supplementary figures & graphs – Bespoke plots, comparison charts, or visual data summaries that go beyond the standard report.
- PowerPoint presentations – Slide decks summarizing key findings.
- Expanded literature review – A deeper analysis of comparative isotope studies to strengthen your interpretations.
- Geospatial mapping – If your project involves geographic provenance studies, we can create custom maps overlaying isotope data with archaeological sites or environmental references.

Each project is unique, and we ensure that our reports are structured to meet your specific research needs. Let us know your requirements, and we’ll tailor our analysis and deliverables accordingly!

Yes! If you already have isotope interpretations but need professional-quality figures or presentation materials, we can help. Our team can create:

✔ Publication-ready figures – Customised to journal guidelines or grant requirements.
✔ PowerPoint presentations – Visually compelling slides for conferences, lectures, or funding proposals.
✔ Infographics & diagrams – Clear, engaging visuals to communicate isotope data effectively.

Whether you need standalone figures, a full presentation, or polished visuals for publication, we ensure your work is presented both professionally and effectively.

Yes! We provide publication-ready figures, data interpretations, and manuscript support to ensure your findings meet academic and professional standards.

Yes! We can assist you with selecting optimal samples for dating, deciding on the best dating methodologies and ultimately helping you interpret the dating results.

Contact us today to receive an example report!