lab2

Good Lab Practices and Tips From The Pros

by Emerald Scientific

Tight budgets and time constraints often lead to simple oversights in the lab, impacting the quality of your analyses. Many chromatography challenges can be traced back to human error, poor maintenance, or a lack of proper training. Here are a few tips on good laboratory practices to consider for more accurate testing results:

Tip 1: Improve Precision and Accuracy by Using Internal Standards

When used consistently, and in conjunction with calibration standards, Internal Standards (IS) can be an invaluable tool. They help gauge matrix effects, identify signal drift, and correct for the loss of analytes during sample preparation. For the analysis of organic compounds, the ideal internal standard is an isotopically-labeled reference material. Stable Isotope reference materials are nearly identical to their analogues in all respects, except for their mass. Typically, a “heavy” hydrogen or carbon isotope gives these compounds their weight. In sample preparation, they physically/chemically react the same way as their analogue; however, they can be distinguished by using mass spectrometry. Therefore, by spiking the sample material with a known amount of a stable isotope reference material, analyte loss can be determined and compensated for.

That being said, consider maintaining a supply of these Stable Isotope Standards, and adding them to every run:

Stable Isotope Standards for: Lab Practice Tip Stable Isotope Standards

Potency

Pesticides

Residual Solvents

Mycotoxins

Tip 2: Algal growth or even slight changes in pH will affect analyses. Make sure to clean your mobile phase bottles and filters often.

Lab practice tip Mobile Phase Bottle Kit

 

Mobile Phase Bottle Kit
(2L bottle, 2 spargers, 3-port cap, and tubing)

Tip 3: Avoid measurement errors during mobile phase preparation

Are you using the right glassware? Use Class A Certified Volumetric Flasks and Graduated Cylinders to ensure your measurements are accurate. (Bonus tip: Not great at remembering where all of those certificates are stored? We have QR-coded volumetric flasks for you that will make future audits a breeze.)

Additionally, it’s safe to say we all make mistakes. Avoid human error, save time, and increase throughput by using pre-mixed mobile phases.

Lap Practice Tip pre-mixed mobile phases

Water with 0.1% Formic Acid, 4L
Currently 30% off

Acetonitrile Solution with 0.1% Formic Acid, 4L
Currently 35% off 

Methanol Solution with 0.1% Formic Acid, 4L
Currently 45% off 

Tip 4: Cannabis and hemp are dirty matrices. Keep your chromatography instrumentation running in optimal condition by practicing regular maintenance.

Lastly, preventative maintenance not only improves the quality of your analyses, but it protects one of your laboratory’s biggest investments: your instrumentation. Skipping routine maintenance can lead to unplanned shutdowns, and costly repairs. Don’t get caught wishing you had checked on that filter sooner! With this in mind, we offer a vast array of preventative and maintenance products as well as replacement parts. Browse our assortment today and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have.

Lab Practice Tip HPLC PEEK Survival Kit

 

 

LC Supplies 
Pictured: Survival Kit for HPLC, PEEK

 

 

Lab Practice Tip Restek Lead Detector

 

GC Supplies 
Pictured: Leak Detector and ProFLOW 6000 Flowmeter

Have questions regarding these products? Give us a call at (877) 567-3598 or send an email to sales@emeraldscientific.com.

Share this post...
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn