Questions and answers
Answers about samples, species identification, specialist methods and material transfer.
Enquiries and materials
Where should I start?
Describe the object and the purpose of your enquiry, and attach photographs and information about provenance.
Can a species be identified from a photograph?
Sometimes a preliminary assessment of features is possible; whether the photographs are sufficient is determined for the specific question.
Do I need to provide a physical sample?
This depends on the question, the condition of the object and the quality of the available materials.
Can I send a sample straight away?
First agree whether it can be accepted, as well as packaging, safety and storage arrangements.
Are documents about provenance needed?
Provide the available information and documents; for certain objects, a specific basis for their transfer may be required.
Do you perform DNA analysis?
The need for DNA examination and the involvement of a practitioner in that field are agreed separately.
Is a veterinary examination performed?
This specialist task is not automatically included in a commodity or biological description.
Can a fragment be examined?
Whether a finding can be reached depends on the preservation of diagnostic features.
How should an object prone to deterioration be stored?
For an examination order, do not choose storage conditions on your own: first agree the requirements for preservation and transfer.
Can I order a review?
Yes, send the full opinion and the available source materials.
What should I prepare for court?
Documents about the object's provenance, condition and transfer, the questions and the case materials.
How much does an examination cost?
The prices on the website are indicative; terms are agreed after the task has been assessed.
In what form is the result issued?
The paper or electronic format is agreed in the Order Invoice.
Can I send other people's data?
Only where there is an applicable basis; unnecessary information should be redacted.
How long is an enquiry retained without a contract?
No more than 90 days from the last substantive message or conversation, unless there is another basis.
Are mailing lists or analytics required to submit a request?
No, these are arranged separately and are not required to send an enquiry.
Discuss examination of the object
Describe the task and questions that need to be answered. Provide contact details for a reply; the terms of the particular service are agreed separately.