The sampling protocol is based on obtaining individualized bone fragments, prioritizing those that are already fragmented by taphonomic deposition.
We don't break the bones to obtain a sample if it is not completely necessary. In those rare cases that it's necessary, we always look for a part of it that doesn't present any identifying signal that may be required for further osteoarchaeological studies.
Fragments of long bones diaphysis are always preferable, since the bone presents a thicker compact layer allowing us to obtain more bone material in a smaller fragment.
The chosen bone fragment mustn't be covered with any type of consolidant or treated with any chemical to reduce the risk of contamination.
We had the opportunity to sample all the human bones from "El Collado" site at the Museu de Prehistòria de València in Valencia, Spain. We will analyse them using Compound Specific Isotope Analysis of Amino Acids (CSIA-AA) method. We will compare our upcoming results with the published bulk collagen Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotope analysis by Garcia Guixé, et al (2006).