Benefits of Using the Agilent Vaya Handheld Raman for Hazardous Materials ID Testing

Significance of the Topic

The safe and efficient identification of hazardous raw materials and highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (HPAPIs) is critical for modern pharmaceutical quality control. Traditional sampling methods often require opening primary and secondary containers, exposing operators to toxic substances and generating waste. Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) offers a noninvasive alternative that preserves both operator safety and sample integrity while speeding up identification workflows.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note evaluates the performance of the Agilent Vaya handheld Raman spectrometer employing SORS for rapid identification of raw materials through opaque and transparent containers. The study aims to demonstrate that SORS can:

• Provide accurate material identification without opening containers
• Reduce operator exposure to hazardous substances
• Eliminate posttest cleanup and waste

Methodology and Instrumentation

The SORS technique uses monochromatic NIR laser excitation and collects two offset spectra to isolate subsurface signals from container contributions. The difference between the overlapped "zero" and "offset" spectra yields a clear spectrum of the raw material. Spectra are matched against a reference library for passfail identification.

Instrumentation Used

The core instrument is the Agilent Vaya handheld SORS spectrometer. Key features include:

• Divergent laser illumination to lower power density and avoid sample damage
• User software for automated spectral subtraction and library matching
• Portability for warehouse or sampling booth deployment with minimal operator training

Main Results and Discussion

1. Analysis of sucrose through 1.5 mm white polypropylene showed conventional Raman could not distinguish sucrose signals, whereas SORS delivered a high quality match to reference spectra.
2. Heat sensitive materials such as nitrocellulose and picramic acid were successfully identified through containers at reduced laser density without signs of thermal degradation.
3. Hazardous excipients and APIs including methanol, formaldehyde, fluorouracil, fentanyl citrate, and benzoyl peroxide were correctly detected through amber bottles, glass vials, and plastic bags in under seconds.

Benefits and Practical Applications

SORS with the Vaya spectrometer enables:

• Noninvasive ID tests that eliminate container opening and sampling steps
• Enhanced operator safety by avoiding direct contact with toxic powders and liquids
• Faster throughput and elimination of cleanup procedures, reducing waste and operational costs
• Preservation of sample sterility and reduced risk of spoilage

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances may include expansion of spectral libraries for emerging HPAPIs, integration with digital lab networks for real time QC reporting, and further miniaturization for in line process monitoring. The combination of SORS and handheld platforms is expected to grow across pharmaceutical manufacturing, customs inspection, and environmental monitoring.

Conclusion

The Agilent Vaya handheld SORS spectrometer proves to be a robust solution for rapid, safe, and accurate identification of hazardous raw materials directly through packaging. By eliminating the need to open containers and sample materials, Vaya enhances laboratory safety, reduces waste, and streamlines QC workflows.

References

1 Matousek P Clark IP Draper ERC Subsurface Probing in Diffusely Scattering Media Using Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy Applied Spectroscopy 2005 59 4 393–400
2 Stokes R Presly O Screening for Sensitive Explosives with Agilent Resolve a Handheld SORS System Agilent Technologies application note publication number 5991-8871EN 2018