Chromatography Consumables Catalog - Sample handling products

Significance of the Topic

Chromatography workflows rely on consistent sample preparation and reliable consumables to achieve reproducible results and high throughput. Optimizing vials, closures and sample handling tools minimizes sample loss, reduces re-analysis, and enhances instrument lifetime. The development of integrated consumable portfolios addresses the entire process from vial sealing to column interfacing, supporting critical areas such as biopharma, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, environmental and clinical analysis.

Study Objectives and Overview

This catalog‐based review characterizes Thermo Fisher Scientific’s connected chromatography consumables portfolio for 2019–2021. It aims to present:

• A unified approach to sample integrity through the Advanced Vial Closure System (AVCS) and SureStop vials.
• A broad selection of vials, septa and caps for 8–20 mm formats.
• Specialized products for low-bleed, low-particle MS-certified vials and TOC sampling.
• Application-tailored solutions across key industry segments.

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

Products and performance data were compiled from: sample evaporation studies at 40 °C over 72 h, particle counts comparing standard and MS-certified vials, evaporation and septum push-through tests, vial sealing force measurements, and compatibility testing across multiple autosampler platforms. Instrumentation included GC, UHPLC, direct MALDI-MS interfaces, and high-resolution MS systems to validate background signal levels and extractables.

Main Results and Discussion

• AVCS screw-cap vials with SureStop closures matched crimp‐cap sealing, eliminating over- or under-tightening variability and reducing solvent loss by >90% versus generic caps.
• MS-certified vials reduced sub-micron particle counts by an order of magnitude, preserving column performance.
• High-recovery Micro+ and Ultra-High Recovery vials minimized residual volumes (<1–4 µL), improving quantitation of trace analytes.
• Headspace crimp and screw vials demonstrated leak resistance under 3 bar pressure and consistent septum resealing over multiple injections.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Unified consumables improve workflow reproducibility for QA/QC labs by standardizing vial formats and closure systems.
• Reduced downtime and maintenance through low-background, low-particle vials beneficial for trace GC-MS and LC-MS analyses.
• Segment-specific kits (biopharma, pharma, food, environmental, clinical) streamline method development and regulatory compliance.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Consumable portfolios will converge with digital lab automation: integrated barcoded vials, predictive seal-torque monitoring, solvent-resistant RFID and IoT-enabled sample tracking. Advances in inert glass formulations and micro-fabricated vials will support ultra-low volume high-throughput applications in single-cell omics and nanoflow LC-MS.

Conclusion

Comprehensive consumable solutions ensure sample integrity and analytical consistency across diverse applications. Innovations in closure engineering, low-background materials and workflow connectivity position chromatographers to meet evolving demands for sensitivity, speed and data quality.

Reference

Thermo Fisher Scientific, 2019/2021 Chromatography Consumables Catalog