Materials examination procedure
Enquiry, agreement on the assignment, transfer of objects, examination and result.
Work stages
Initial inquiry
Describe the objects, event and required result. Send documents relevant to the task and photographs of the packaging.
Suitability assessment
The condition of objects, provenance of comparison samples, sufficiency of materials, tasks and limits of specialist knowledge are clarified.
Agreement on the order
The questions, objects, methods, laboratory work, cost, timeframe and form of result are determined. Terms are provided before payment.
Transfer of objects
Packaging, delivery, provenance information, the transferor's authority and procedures for recording condition are agreed. Do not send objects before agreement.
Inspection and documentation
The received objects, packaging, markings and significant features are recorded. Information about alteration, cleaning and storage is taken into account.
Examination and comparison
Work is carried out within the agreed scope, taking account of the objects' suitability and sufficiency. Sampling, consumption of samples and additional work are agreed.
Preparation of the result
The opinion, review, consultation or list of questions specified in the order is prepared, with the limits of findings.
Submission and return
The result and acceptance record are delivered in the agreed paper and/or electronic form. Return of objects, sample remnants and originals is determined by the order terms.
Contract and procedural appointment
An examination conducted under contract and a consultation do not replace the procedural appointment of an examination. Authority to transfer physical evidence, necessary permits, the status of materials and the permissible scope of actions are established before their transfer.
Discuss an examination
Describe the object and task. The scope of the preliminary consultation and examination terms are agreed for the specific task.