Sample preparation

Good sample preparation means a reliable OFDA2000 measurement. This is Fibre Lab and Co.’s official how-to for animal and plant fibres — short, clear, and aligned with our lab rules.

1. Where to sample

For alpaca, the preferred site is the mid-side (flank, halfway between fore and hind, mid-height — AAA-style). Use the same site year after year so results stay comparable.

To assess fleece uniformity, you may sample 2 or 3 sites (shoulder, mid-side, breech) : each site = one analysis.

2. How much

Per animal (or per site) : about a handful of fibre — roughly 5 cm across. That is enough for OFDA2000 without overfilling the parcel.

3. How to cut

Cut close to the skin with clean scissors or a clipper, for a straight, clean cut. Staples cut too high do not represent recent growth well.

4. Identify and pack

• Put each sample in an unsealed, unstapled envelope.
• Clearly mark the animal’s name or number (and the sampling site if you send several sites).
• Pack all envelopes together in one parcel.

5. Order and ship

Order the service on the website (quantity = number of samples to analyse), then ship your parcel to the laboratory in Saulzoir. The full postal address is on the product sheet and is also given via the Contact form.

Contact : fibrelabandco@gmail.com.

6. What you get

Your analysis report is a PDF, sent by email and available under My documents in your customer account.

Useful notes

• Washing : do not wash samples “by default”. Pre-washing applies only to the paid F-AW washed-fibre option. Follow the product page for the service you ordered.
• Sample ownership : by default, samples become Filature property (T&Cs §5). For return, ask in writing and add the sample-return option.
• Scope : animal and plant fibres, OFDA2000 measurements.