Pricing for Cementum Age Analysis

Please contact the lab for prices and cost estimates.

Phone: (406) 258-6286

Pricing is broken down by amount and specific services requested. Please see the information below for details on our services and special processing options. We would be happy to provide a custom quote for your specific needs.

Standard Sections

Our standard microscope slide preparation has 2 tooth sections for 3 separate teeth mounted on a single slide. Suitable for most client purposes.

Research Sections

Research sections are for teeth that are either very small or of such unusual value to warrant the additional processing expense. Instead of the usual 2 sections per tooth, 6-8 are taken for maximum cementum exposure.

Cementum Age Analysis

The age of a specimen is determined by matching standardized analysis models with the characteristics of microscopic cementum annuli. The price for cementum aging varies per species. Certain species, including, but not limited to: sea otters, river otters, mountain lions, seals, and brown bears present a higher level of aging difficulty. Please contact the lab for details.

Special Handling of Specimen Envelopes or Inventory List

Envelopes or master lists that are not submitted in an immediately usable order or format will accrue additional charges.
Please note that kill date must be known for all species for the period between February 1 and August 31. Additional charges will be accrued if the lab must:

– Sort and collate specimen envelopes

– Number tooth envelopes as specified

– Prepare or add data to master inventory list

Tooth Extraction and Cleaning

To protect the integrity of lab equipment, overly dirty or large teeth will be subject to additional cleaning charges. Cleaning charges include:

Cleaning – Remove dirt or excess tissue; separate joined pairs

Trimming – Trim large teeth to fit size limit

Extraction – Extract standard tooth type from jaw

Additional Services

Rush Services

May be available based on lab schedule, quantity, and species. No quantity discounts are offered for rush orders, and all rush orders must be accompanied by an electronic master list. Contact the lab for pricing and availability.

Legal Evidence

The lab can provide cementum age analysis for legal cases. Our legal report includes an age determination letter and a photo of microscope section. Duplicates are kept at the lab for each case. Contact the lab for pricing and turnaround time.

Reproductive History Reconstruction

Reproductive history reconstructions are only possible for female black bears. For those females with cementum evidence suggesting cub rearing, the reconstruction is an essential but time consuming part of age analysis. All females within a submission will be examined for reproductive history, but only positive reconstructions will be billed. Gender must be known for accurate age analysis.

Age Data Services

Age Data Summary: billed per species, not per submission
Age distribution per species is tabulated and graphed.
Age Data Analysis: Request quote
Data from current and/or previous reports combined, sorted, and summarized.
Age Analysis Photo Reference: Minimum price + any additional photos requested, inquire for price
Photographic reference showing typical tooth sections of representative age classes prepared from the client’s sample.

Shipments from Outside the U.S.

We charge our clients for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fee (protected – $225 & unprotected – $125) and, if required, the CITES permit fee. Our standard import fees are subject to change if the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fee amount changes. Addition filing fees may apply, based on the permit.

If your needs do not match the services listed on this website, please contact us.