Frequently Asked Questions

It depends.

We only specialize in specific analytical techniques and methods so we cannot entertain all analysis requests. If you are a regular consumer who have no idea of instrumental methods then we cannot help you as we do not usually entertain unsolicited consultations. If you are from the academe then you need to be specific in your analysis and research objectives and know what instrumental methods you need and understand what we are able to provide. If you are a commercial industry client, we are only able to accommodate certain methods; routine analytical analysis requests are referred to PIPAC .

Pricing is dependent to instrument run time and there are may be additional fees such as:

• sample preparation

• supplies and consumables

• operator/analyst fees

• data processing fees

• results interpretation and certificate fees (for commercial industry/government clients)

If you know you need an NMR analysis from us, please see our NMR Analysis page.

If you know you need a GCMS analysis from us, please see our GCMS Analysis page.

As mentioned we charge by instrument run time. The longer the analysis is run, the more expensive it gets. The instruments need a certain start-up and shut-down procedure depending on the experiment needed and this takes instrument run time. We prefer the samples ready for analysis.

In order to keep our fees down for our clients, the following services which have added costs can be availed on as an option:

1. If we have to prepare your sample or you don't have your own supplies, then we have to charge for sample preparation/cleanup fees and for supplies/consumables. Otherwise sample must be already prepared and ready to run from the instrument. Please discuss with NCIC staff for appropriate containers to use.

2. Operator fees are charged by default but can be waived if you are trained to run the instrument and it's OK by us for you to operate the instrument and run the analysis yourself. This mostly applies to ADMU graduate students and trained personnel doing research.

3. If we have to process or export the data, we would have to charge for that. Otherwise you get the raw data files from the instrument software and you process the data yourself.

4. If you require interpretation of result, a written report or signed certificate then appropriate professional fees will be charged for clients from the government or commercial industry. Not applicable to clients from the academe.

5. If you want your sample returned or a hard copy of the receipt or report mailed back to you then delivery courier charges would apply.

6. RUSH analysis with surcharge shortens the turnaround time to within one week. The turnaround time for regular/routine samples is within two weeks. Both are dependent on instrument and operator availability.

We offer discounts on instrument run time and professional fees to clients from the academe. The Ateneo de Manila University and the NCIC facility as an extension is not covered by VAT and witholding taxes for services.

Please see our charges here .

Typical turnaround time from sample submission and acceptance of payment is within two weeks for the regular queue. Best effort is done to have the results in one week. RUSH analysis ensures turnaround time to within one week.

It is deemed RUSH if any of the following is applied:

• sample results must be available within one week

• your sample needs to be be prioritized over other samples in the regular queue (may not be applicable in all cases as project samples are always prioritized)

A surcharge is applied on a per hour basis for all fees charged by the hour.

In order to keep costs down, data processing fees and professional fees for a certificate or report are optional. The following scenarios are supported:

1. You are a client from the academe who just needs the raw data files. No data processing fees will be charged. Signed certificate/report fees are not available for clients from the academe. The client processes the data on his own.

2. You are a client from the academe or government/commercial industry who needs the processed data and/or exported instrument data files. Data processing fees will be charged. Processed results will be sent as soft copy in a PDF or MS Word document. Signed certificate/report fees are not available for clients from the academe.

3. Hardcopy signed certificate or reports can be availed if needed for formality or regulatory compliance. Interpretation/professional fees will be charged. Available only for clients from the government or commercial industry

1. Make sure you can answer these questions on the contact page.

2. Contact us through phone or email with the answers to the aforementioned questions to discuss if your request can be accommodated. We may need to discuss with our consultants and Director for certain procedures.

3. If the request can be accomodated and approved, fill up appropriate forms and submit your sample onsite or through courier.

4. Pay in full or negotiate for a downpayment and pay by installment. Payments are via the university cashier or designated payment channels.

5. Wait from advise of NCIC staff upon availability of results. Claim form and/or copy of official receipt for full payment is needed for claiming/delivery of results.

Please see our page for Liquid Nitrogen purchases. Discuss your need with NCIC staff through phone or email for scheduling and availability of supply.

Correspondence and communications can be done through our contact numbers and email. We support offsite payments from the bills payment facility of Metrobank. We are amenable to receiving samples by courier. We are also amenable to sending back samples and the hardcopy of results/certificate/official receipt by courier upon payment of delivery charges.

Liquid Nitrogen transactions must be done onsite, unfortunately.

We support the following payment options:

1. Cash to be paid directly to our university cashier. NCIC staff and personnel are discouraged from receiving cash payments from clients.

2. Check payments must be addressed to ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY and paid to the university cashier directly. Manager's and cashier's checks are preferred; personal checks are accepted on the discretion of the university cashier.

3. For offsite payments using Metrobank bills payment facility, please see this document.

The NCIC as a research facility of the Ateneo de Manila University, a non-stock, non profit educational institution recognized by the BIR (NON VAT REG TIN 000-707-229-000) and other government agencies. As such, the supplies and services we provide are not subject to witholding tax for services or VAT.

The NCIC no longer has a dedicated freeze dryer for its use, thus we no longer offer freeze drying services. If freeze drying is needed for samples, the client has to freeze dry them at another facility or negotiate an arrangement with the Ateneo Chemistry Department