Analytical instruments are delicate equipment which require care during handling in order to preserve their ability to generate data of greatest accuracy and reliability. Sophisticated analytical instruments include systems such as chromatographs, spectrometers, hyphenated mass spectroscopic systems, x-ray diffractometers, particle size analyzers, etc. There are other laboratory instruments which are used as aids in laboratory …

HANDLING AND CARE OF SOPHISTICATED ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENT Read More »

Any chemical analysis can be considered valid only if the method of analysis is validated before adoption and results are reported against internationally recognized standard reference materials. Results of such analysis can be relied upon by consumers as well as other laboratories across the world. Standards are primarily used for the following types of analytical studies: Assay …

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY REFERENCE STANDARDS USED FOR ANALYTICAL WORK Read More »

Fig 1: All 3 peaks show reduced peaks Some times during GC analysis, some or all of your peaks are showing decreased response consistently. What could be responsible and how do you remedy the situation? Reference: GC Technical Tip (phenomenex.com) Posted by Muyiwa Adebola Muyiwa@aasnig.com

There are many detectors available for GC (see Table 1). These detectors can be divided into two categories: general detectors and selective detectors. The thermal conductivity detector (TCD) is a general detector that can be used for both organic and inorganic compounds. It produces a signal by measuring the thermal conductivity of the carrier gas/analyte mixture leaving the …

Gas chromatography detectors Read More »

Introduction Increasing sophistication has contributed to impressive growth in automation in analytical laboratories. Automation in turn leads to increase in laboratory productivity and frees the operator to attend to other laboratory tasks. User-friendly application software of most instruments enables easy setup of operational parameters and permit unattended overnight runs. Robotic arms of auto samplers work …

CAN ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTS BE OPERATED CONTINUOUSLY WITHOUT BREAKS? Read More »

Maintaining or managing a laboratory is becoming more and more expensive these days, especially in this country. This is even more so for laboratories with sophisticated equipment like Gas Chromatographs, GC. The accessories, consumables and the gases that are required for the operation of GCs are becoming increasingly expensive and sometimes not immediately available. One …

INTRODUCING THE ALL NEW RUGGED, ECONOMICAL 3-IN-1 GAS GENERATOR Read More »

In Gas Chromatography, it is very important to protecting the column and instrument components from exposure to dirty samples. Non-volatile or high molecular weight components in the sample can contaminate the column and can cause poor peak resolution, lower accuracy, and reduce column lifetime. In addition, GC components such as the glass liners and seals …

How to Protect GC columns and Extend Column Read More »

Analytical data should be forwarded for reporting only after you have full confidence on the results. At times the reason to doubt your results becomes obvious and the results need to be reinvestigated. Some of the factors that call for validation through re- analysis are; Failed Samples Samples are reported failed when values of controlled …

NEED FOR REPEAT TESTING OF LABORATORY SAMPLES Read More »

When it’s time to renew your contract with a calibration services provider, there are several important factors to consider. Cost is obviously a major component of a contract, but service levels and calibration quality vary greatly from provider to provider. That’s why it’s vital that your calibration contract negotiations are treated as far more than …

Key factors to consider When Renewing Your Calibration Services Contract Read More »

Chemical DamageThere are relatively few compounds that damage stationary phases. Introducing nonvolatile compounds (e.g., salts) in a column often degrades performance, but damage to the stationary phase does not occur. These residues can often be removed and performance returned by solvent rinsing the column. Inorganic or mineral bases and acids are the primary compounds to …

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CAUSES OF GC CAPILLARY COLUMN PERFORMANCE DEGRADATION? Part II Read More »