FY18 Contract Chemistry Method Summary and

Fee Schedule – Method 1

Contract Lab – AGAT Laboratories
In addition to the cost of analyses, a FedEx shipping charge will be added to the final cost.

Quality Control Samples

In order to monitor the quality of data generated by the contract laboratory, QC check samples
will be submitted with each job at a rate of 10%. These samples will be analyzed by the same
analytical methods as requested for the balance of samples in the job and the cost of analyzing
these samples and associated costs will be borne by the submitter.

Method 1 - Sample Preparation

Cost: $6.00

Summary
There may be occasions when the USGS sends geologic materials to the contract lab that are
inadequately prepared. In the event that this occurs, the contract lab will have to prepare these
materials to the appropriate specifications. The materials will be ground in a pulverizer equipped
with ceramic plates or a disc mill using an alumina corundum or agate chamber. All rock
samples are ground to <200 mesh. All sediment and soil samples are ground to <150 mesh. All
samples are mixed after preparation to ensure homogeneity for subsequent analysis.

Sample preparation is an important step in the analytical process. Without careful preparation
and attention to inter-sample contamination, the worth of the subsequent analyses may be
compromised. Therefore, all sample preparation equipment must be cleaned with pure, fine-
grained silica sand between samples to avoid cross-contamination.