[NHCOLL-L:3053] Re: Use of B-72/B-67 and DNA concerns

[Victoria Book]

Hi Kara,

B-72 for labeling should not be a problem for future research.  The B-72 is
thick enough to be applied in a very small area, and the solvents will not
soak into the bone.  Just don't sample from the area (1/2 inch or smaller)
of the label.

If B-72, B-67 or any other adhesive (like Butvar) is used overall as a
consolidant for fragile surfaces, there would probably be a problem with DNA
or other research.

To reduce bubbles in B-72, try adding a few additional drops of ethanol, and
use a very light touch.

FYI:  B-67 yellows over time, and is slightly more difficult than B-72 to
dissolve (more solvent needed).

Another labeling method is to use a carbon-based printer to print the number
in 8 or 9 point on standard printer paper (it is already buffered), and cut
out the very small rectangle.   Holding the label with tweezers, dip in into
B-72 and apply it to the specimen.  No addition base or top coat needed.

Good luck,
Victoria



On 4/11/06 1:31 PM, "Kara Hurst" <khurst at umnh.utah.edu> wrote:

>  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


Victoria Book
Conservator
Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
University of Oklahoma
2401 Chautauqua Avenue
Norman, Oklahoma   73072-7029
phone 405.325.5163
fax 405.325.7699
www.snomnh.ou.edu