Assay Office - Precious Metal Analysis

The Laboratory specialises in the precious metal analysis in various matrices and in many differing forms including metallics, solutions, ores and residues/powders.
A variety of different approaches are utilised for the determination of precious metals in high value, complex concentrates, bullion, smelting products, recycled material, catalysts, electronic scrap and other precious metal containing materials


 

WITH THE PRICE OF GOLD AND OTHER PRECIOUS METAL RISING, THE DEMAND FOR RECLAMATION
IS INCREASING. THE LABORATORY AT THE BIRMINGHAM ASSAY OFFICE HAS RESPONDED BY SIGNIFICANTLY UPGRADING ITS MELTING FACILITY. NEW INDUCTION FURNACES NOW ENABLE THE LABORATORY TO OFFER A FASTER, AND MORE EFFICIENT SERVICE.

THE LABORATORY IS UKAS ACCREDITED, UTILISING BOTH TRADITIONAL AND MODERN TECHNIQUES
TO DELIVER AN ACCURATE, INDEPENDENT, RELIABLE MELT AND ASSAY SERVICE WITH INTEGRITY
GUARANTEED.

The use of nickel is regulated in products which are intended to come into prolonged and direct contact with the skin as it may cause an allergic reaction. The Laboratory at the Birmingham Assay Office is the leading Nickel testing specialist in the UK. Our experts work regularly with the Laboratory of the Government Chemist, The Nickel Working Group, the Nickel Development Institute, the British Medical Association and NIPERA (the Nickel Producers Environmental Research Association) to carry out ongoing research and evaluation of nickel testing and regulation.

The Laboratory is also frequently called upon to offer advice and testing for Trading Standards Authorities.A comprehensive range of UKAS accredited services is available to ensure that products comply with the current legislation.

Following adverse publicity in the national media during the past twelve months, analysing for safe levels of lead, particularly in items intended for use by children, has become a standard part of companies’ due diligence procedures. The Laboratory at The Birmingham Assay Office has tested thousands of samples for lead content and lead migration recently.

 

ROHS AND EN 71
In order to protect both the consumer and the trade The Laboratory at The Birmingham Assay Office specialises in tests which ensure that jewellery and watch products comply with EU regulations. Alongside general safety legislation there are two pieces of European Legislation which restrict the level of potentially harmful elements and are particularly relevant to the jewellery and watch industry.

The Birmingham Assay Office aims to champion quality standards in the wider jewellery and precious metals and gemstones industries, in order to protect the public and the good reputation of the trade.
In support of this objective The Laboratory has developed a range of quality assurance testing and services for the trade. These include the determination of Plating Thickness and quality, susceptibility to Tarnishing for products and packaging, scientific colour measurement of White Gold alloys and other quality tests such as impact drop and adhesion tests
 

Silver

Resistant bacteria, particularly those that known as MRSA, are an increasing global threat to health and the problem has been exacerbated by the uncontrolled use of antibiotics. Suppliers to the medical profession are now seeking alternative measures to prevent the development of further resistance and manage infections.These include antibacterial preparations and dressings that contain silver.
Metallic silver has been used to prevent the growth of micro-organisms since at least the time of Aristotle, who advised Alexander the Great (335 BC) to store his water in silver vessels and to boil it before use. The remarkable biocidal properties of silver have lead to its inclusion in a wide range of 21st Century products, including clothing, several types of medical devices and particularly many different types of dressings.

Recent research has confirmed that silver products could be used as an alternative to antibiotics to curb the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It has also been demonstrated that the distribution of the silver throughout the dressing, and the rate at which it is released affects the dressings effectiveness in killing micro-organisms as well as many other factors.

The Laboratory at The Birmingham Assay Office has experience in working with pharmaceutical companies to check the concentration of silver in dressings. The Laboratory regularly tests fabric and polyurethane dressings as part of an overall quality control and due diligence programme for many customers in this field.