[NHCOLL-L:3044] Use of B-72/B-67 and DNA concerns

[Kara Hurst]

 Hello-

Please excuse the cross-posting.  As the state archaeology repository, we
have guidelines for how the state contractors prepare archaeological
specimens for curation and a question has recently been brought to my
attention regarding future DNA extraction.  For artifacts, our guidelines
state that the catalog number needs to be physically adhered to the
artifact, which we prefer to be a labeling method of B-72 basecoat, the
number written in India ink, then a B-72 topcoat.  We have also recently
approved B-67 use because there have been problems with the B-72 topcoat
bubbling and obscuring the number and B-67 hasn't been causing the same
problems.  A contractor has heard that using B-72 on bone can obscure/limit
future stable isotope DNA research.  Has anyone else come across this issue?
If so, what is a better solution than B-72/B-67 for labeling?

Thanks
Kara


Kara J. Hurst, M.A.
Registrar
Utah Museum of Natural History
University of Utah
1390 E. Presidents Circle
Salt Lake City, UT  84112-0050

801-585-7484 direct
801-585-3684 fax

khurst at umnh.utah.edu
www.umnh.utah.edu