Custodion CME Syringes for Easy Liquid Sample Collection and Injection

Significance of the Topic

The ability to collect and analyze liquid and dissolved solid samples directly in the field addresses critical needs in public safety, environmental monitoring and forensic investigations. Traditional laboratory workflows are often slow, require multiple solvents and pose safety risks when handling hazardous materials. Integrating simple, one-handed sampling devices with portable analytical instruments enables rapid decision making at the point of need.

Goals and Study Overview

This study presents the Custodion® Coiled Microextraction (CME) syringe as a streamlined solution for in-field liquid sampling and injection into a portable gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) system. The primary objectives are to demonstrate ease of use, sampling consistency and compatibility with hazardous or complex sample matrices.

Methodology

Coiled microextraction (CME) combines sample collection and introduction steps in a single device. Key features include:

• An inertium-treated coil of fine wire that traps liquids and dissolved solids by capillary action.
• Drying of the collected analytes on the coil for thermal desorption.
• Single-handed operation to extend or retract the wire for sample uptake and protection.

Used Instrumentation

The analytical system comprises:

• Custodion® CME syringe for sample capture and delivery.
• Torion® T-9 Portable GC/MS for on-site thermal desorption, chromatographic separation and mass spectral detection.

Main Results and Discussion

The CME syringe enables rapid sample capture—often in seconds—and protects analytes during transport. Key findings include:

• Consistent sampling volumes across similar liquids, despite some variation with differing viscosities.
• Reliable retention of target compounds after solvent evaporation, facilitated by coil geometry and inert surface treatment.
• Integration with a portable GC/MS yields actionable results in under 10 minutes, supporting time-critical decision making.
• Rugged syringe construction ensures safe operation in PPE-required environments and HAZMAT scenarios.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The combined CME syringe and portable GC/MS platform delivers:

• High safety by eliminating sharps and minimizing solvent handling.
• Operational simplicity for non-specialist users in public safety, forensic and military contexts.
• Versatility to analyze liquids, dissolved solids and, in combination with solid-phase microextraction (SPME) syringes, gaseous samples.
• Fast, reliable screening of environmental contaminants, illicit substances and explosive residues.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advancements likely to enhance this approach include:

• Development of specialized coil coatings to target a broader range of analytes.
• Automation of sampling and data processing to reduce user intervention.
• Integration with wireless data transmission for real-time remote monitoring.
• Miniaturization of detection systems for expanded field deployment.

Conclusion

The Custodion® CME syringe paired with a portable GC/MS offers a robust, user-friendly solution for rapid, on-site analysis of liquid and dissolved solid samples. Its safety features, sampling consistency and speed support critical applications in public safety, environmental monitoring and forensic science.