Interlaboratory comparisons (ILCs) have been used for more than a century and many important concepts are linked to them. This leaflet addresses the basic terminology of ILCs, why some colloquial terms can be misleading or misunderstood, and the importance of harmonisation.&nbsp;An ‘ILC’ is the organisation, performance and evaluation of measurements or tests on the same or similar items by two or more laboratories in accordance with predetermined conditions [1]. ILCs have a variety of overall – and detailed – objectives, the three most common [2] being:<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Let_s_call_a_PT_scheme_a_PT_scheme_3_9993b9fb0f.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Let’s call a PT scheme a PT scheme" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Let_s_call_a_PT_scheme_a_PT_scheme_3_9993b9fb0f.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1516" height="472"><h4>Some comparisons have special names&nbsp;</h4>The evaluation of participant (laboratory, organisation or individual) performance is typically referred to as ‘proficiency testing’ (PT) or ‘external quality assessment’ [1]. When the main objective is evaluating the performance of, for example, a candidate standard method, the ILC is often called a ‘method performance study’ or a ‘collaborative study’ [2, 3]. The former is quite clear whereas wording such as “collaborative” and “cooperative” just stresses joint effort. A project aimed at producing a new certified reference material may involve several laboratories conducting analyses on agreed properties [4]. Not surprisingly, this work is sometimes labelled as a ‘material certification study’. Special ILCs used to demonstrate measurement capabilities of National Metrology Institutes are called ‘key comparisons’, ‘supplementary comparisons’, and ‘pilot studies’ [5].&nbsp;<h4>Some terms can be confusing&nbsp;</h4>Other terms for ILCs, including ‘ring test’, ‘round robin’ and ‘circle analysis’, are common in the literature. They have, however, been used for different objectives and different designs and may be ambiguous or understood differently by laboratory staff. The use of these terms may, for example, imply a specific way of distributing the ILC sample. ISO/IEC 17043 uses ‘sequential scheme’, for a PT where a unique item is transferred between the participants and ‘simultaneous scheme’, in which similar items from a batch are distributed simultaneously to the participants [1].&nbsp;Terms like ‘measurement audit’, ‘interlaboratory testing scheme’, ‘measurement comparison scheme’, ‘rapid performance evaluation scheme’ and ‘intercalibration’ may not correctly reflect the category of laboratory involved, or the type of work participants do during the ILC.&nbsp;When in 1994 the IUPAC defined and described three major types of ‘interlaboratory studies’, the word ‘study’ was preferred to synonyms such as ‘trial’, ‘exercise’, ‘test’, ‘evaluation’ or ‘check’ [2].<h4>Let’s try to harmonise&nbsp;</h4>Many laboratory staff are unaware of official terms related to ILCs but recognise the acronym PT and words like ‘ring test’. Ideally, we would use a common scientific language, but harmonisation is time consuming. Terms appear and disappear and definitions change. The same term can be defined differently, even in different international standards. Lack of standards and guidelines in local languages can cause confusion and contribute to spreading of less appropriate terms.&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Let_s_call_a_PT_scheme_a_PT_scheme_2_820043ce8b.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Let’s call a PT scheme a PT scheme" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Let_s_call_a_PT_scheme_a_PT_scheme_2_820043ce8b.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1006" height="671">Much confusion can be avoided by clear reference to relevant standards and sectoral guides. ISO/ IEC 17043 [1] and ISO 13528 [6] contain many important concepts related to PT schemes and other ILCs. Some of these are also incorporated into ISO/IEC 17025 [7]. Additional useful, and free, tools are the Eurachem PT Guide [8] and the ISO online browsing platform [9].&nbsp;In writing guidance and instructions, remember that the term ‘interlaboratory comparison’ has a broad meaning and can be used for all cases described above. Sometimes this is clear enough for the reader. In other cases, use acknowledged terms that reflect the detailed objective of the ILC. Let’s call a PT scheme a PT scheme!

Let’s call a PT scheme a PT scheme!

The countdown is on for one of the world’s leading conferences dedicated to food analysis. The 12th International Symposium on Recent Advances in Food Analysis (RAFA 2026), taking place in Prague from 3–6 November 2026, is approaching two important milestones: the Early Bird registration deadline and the deadline for oral abstract submissions, both ending on 30 June 2026. Researchers, analysts, industry professionals, regulators, and students are encouraged to secure their participation at a reduced registration rate and take advantage of the opportunity to present their latest scientific results to the international food analysis community.RAFA 2026 will once again bring together leading experts from academia, industry, and regulatory organizations to discuss the latest developments in food safety, authenticity, contaminants, non-target screening, PFAS, microplastics, food contact materials, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytical technologies. The preliminary program already features an outstanding lineup of internationally recognized speakers addressing some of the most pressing challenges in modern food analysis and food safety.<h3>Registration</h3><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://rafa.easyevent.eu/tickets/">Register to attend RAFA 2026!</a>Early-bird registration until 30 June, 2026</blockquote>After successful submission of your registration, you will receive by e-mail (i) an automatic confirmation of receipt indicating the total amount of payment due (either for bank transfer or for on-line payment by card), (ii) login to Member section where you can administrate your profile, submit your abstracts, and from September 2026 register for satellite events, workshops and seminars. If it will not be delivered within a few minutes after submission of your registration please contact us at RAFA2026@vscht.cz.As soon as payment of registration fee is processed, you will also receive by e-mail (iii) confirmation of payment.<h4>Registration Fees</h4><ul><li>Smart rate (Until 30 June, 2026): € 655</li><li>Regular registration (Until 30 September, 2026): € 855</li><li>Late registration (From 1 October, 2026): € 955</li><li>Student rate*&nbsp;<ul><li>Until 30 June, 2026: € 465</li><li>From 1 July, 2026: € 605</li></ul></li></ul>* The proof of student status (e.g. copy of a student identify card) is requested as an attachment of the registration form.<h5>The regular registration fee will include:</h5><ul><li>Attendance at all scientific sessions, workshops, seminars, vendor seminars and other satellite events</li><li>Access to the poster and exhibition area</li><li>Conference kit (name badge, conference bag, conference documents, certificate of participation, certificate of presentation on request)</li><li>Final programme</li><li>E-Book of Abstracts</li><li>Coffee breaks</li><li>Buffet luncheons</li><li>Welcome drink</li></ul>In the registration form you can register free of charge for the welcome drink and you can also order ticket(s) for the conference dinner (€ 85).Please note that your registration is firm when your payment has been received.<h3>Abstract submission</h3><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://rafa.easyevent.eu/tickets/">Submit your ABSTRACT HERE!</a>In order to submit an abstract, you must first register to attend RAFA 2026. After registration you will receive an access to the Member section where you can submit your abstract(s).</blockquote>&nbsp;After successful submission of your abstract you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt of submitted abstract via e-mail. If it will not be delivered within a few minutes after submission of your abstract please check at first your spam box-mail and then contact us at RAFA2026@vscht.cz.Please ensure that your abstract does not contain spelling, grammatical or scientific errors. Even though modifications of your submitted abstract will be allowed in the Abstract section of the Member section until the deadline for the abstract submission, please be confident on the lack of errors in your final version prior to starting the submission process.The abstract will be reproduced exactly as submitted. No proofreading will be done, although some corrections may be requested by the reviewers.If you need to withdraw your abstract, a written statement reflecting the reasons for this decision must be sent to RAFA2026@vscht.cz no later than September 30, 2026.<h4>Important notice:</h4><blockquote>1 registered participant can submit no more than 2 abstracts.</blockquote>To apply for a young scientist’s oral presentation, as an indication please respect the rule that you should be born in 1991 or later.The text of the abstract should be limited to 3000 characters including spaces. Tables and pictures are not allowed.Abstracts of oral presentations and posters will be included into the "e-Book of Abstracts" only after receipt of the conference registration fee. Any payment of the registration fee has to be received until September 30, 2026, otherwise contribution(s) will not be included into the e-Book of Abstracts and the Conference programme.<h3>Program</h3><h4>Invited Speakers</h4><h5>Food allergen risk assessment: Past, present, future</h5><ul><li>Ben Remington from Remington Consulting Group B.V., Utrecht, the Netherlands &amp; University of Nebraska, USA</li></ul>Food allergy and allergen management are global public health issues, and consumer protection depends on transparent and trustworthy labelling. While 30 years of scientific advances show that low level exposures, or reference doses, are unlikely to trigger reactions in most allergic individuals, harmonized and globally aligned regulations are still needed to promote consistent allergen risk assessment and labelling decisions. This presentation will discuss the landscape of allergen risk assessment, global policy developments, current research and future needs in the area.<h5>Unmasking hidden adulteration in honey: Strategies for detecting and characterizing honeys produced from sugar-fed colonies</h5><ul><li>Oscar Nuñez Burcio from University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain</li></ul>From hive to jar, not all honey tells the same story. This presentation addresses hidden adulteration associated with sugar-fed bee colonies, highlighting implications for authenticity, production practices, and the need for a more precise characterization of honey to ensure consumer trust.<h5>Analytical and toxicological methods for safety of food contact materials</h5><ul><li>Erich Leitner from Graz University of Technology, Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Graz, Austria</li></ul>Food packaging plays a critical role in protecting and preserving food throughout the supply chain. All packaging materials intended to come into contact with food must comply with strict EU safety rules. Due to increased complexity of packaging solutions, lowering legal limits and increasing numbers of target compounds, we also have to adapt the strategies used to verify and guarantee the safety of these materials.<h5>Data-driven strategies to reduce complexity in non-target HRMS analysis of food samples</h5><ul><li>Anneli Kruve from Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden</li></ul>LC/HRMS based non-target screening can detect hundreds to thousands of chemical features in complex food and environmental samples. Investigating all of these in detail is practically impossible, so which ones to focus on? Novel computational tools developed in computational mass spectrometry allow predicting the toxicity and concentration of the detected chemical features even if these have not yet been fully structurally elucidated. Combining these predictions enables us to focus on the chemical features possessing high risk.<h5>Role of AI in the identification of emerging food systems risks</h5><ul><li>Ákos Bernard Jóźwiak from Syreon Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary</li></ul>AI-assisted evidence synthesis – spanning curated scientific evidence, exposome data, and network analysis – is the backbone of next-generation emerging chemical food safety risk identification, enabling earlier signals and more resilient surveillance systems.<h5>Challenges of microplastics analysis in the context of food safety</h5><ul><li>Dorte Herzke from Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway</li></ul>Food and food packaging are major sources of micro- and nanoplastic exposure. Plastics used in processing, storage, and packaging can release particles through heat, abrasion, and degradation. Small particles below 2 µm may cross gut barriers and carry chemicals, highlighting the need for robust and sensitive measurement methods.<h5>Never-ending analytical challenges in PFAS analysis of food</h5><ul><li>Darina Dvořáková from University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czechia</li></ul>Exploring and monitoring PFAS in food requires advanced strategies. Combining targeted, suspect, and non-target HRMS analysis, determination of total fluorine and sum parameters, and novel sensors provides new insights into PFAS occurrence and supports food safety monitoring.<h5>An overview of the latest scientific knowledge on process contaminants in food for appropriate risk management measures</h5><ul><li>Thierry Delatour from Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland.</li></ul>Recent scientific findings related to acrylamide and furans formation, occurrence and analytical methods in food provide important insights for risk management.

Deadline for RAFA 2026 Early Registration and Oral Abstract Submission is approaching

Traditional EI library searching works exceptionally well when the unknown compound is already present in the spectral library. However, analytical chemists frequently encounter compounds that are structurally related to library entries but are not exact matches. NIST's EI Hybrid Search addresses this challenge by combining conventional spectral matching with mass-shifted fragment alignment, allowing the identification of analogs, derivatives, and novel compounds that may not exist in the database.This guide summarizes the workflow presented by James Little and demonstrates how to use NIST 26 Hybrid Search in conjunction with the Chromatogram Window and MS Interpreter to obtain more meaningful structural information from unknown EI GC-MS spectra.<blockquote><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/paper/33370">You can download PDF Handout for this guide</a></blockquote><h4>Why Hybrid Search Matters</h4>Conventional EI library searching relies on direct matching between an unknown spectrum and spectra stored in a library. Hybrid Search expands this concept by allowing fragment ions to be matched even when they are shifted by a consistent mass difference (Δm). This enables the software to recognize compounds that differ by substituents or structural modifications.Key advantages include:<ul><li>Identification of structurally related compounds not present in the library</li><li>Detection of analogs, derivatives, and emerging compounds</li><li>Integration of exact fragment matches and mass-shifted matches into a single score</li><li>Improved interpretation of unknowns through proposed structural modifications</li><li>Enhanced confidence when molecular weight information is available</li></ul>Although Hybrid Search does not require the molecular ion to be present, performance improves significantly when the molecular weight can be estimated or constrained. In these cases, the observed mass difference between the unknown and library compounds can often be translated directly into a plausible chemical modification.<h4>Configuring Hybrid Search</h4>Before performing a search, the Hybrid Search settings should be configured within the NIST Library Search window.Recommended settings:<ul><li>Select the Similarity search mode</li><li>Enable Hybrid Search</li><li>Keep the In Spectrum option checked under normal circumstances</li><li>Allow the software to estimate the molecular weight automatically</li><li>If the estimated molecular weight appears incorrect, manually enter a nominal molecular weight</li><li>Select all relevant libraries (NIST, Wiley, user libraries, etc.)</li><li>Save the configuration for future use</li></ul>The selected molecular weight used to constrain the search is displayed in the lower-right corner after the search is completed.<h4>Optimizing the Results Display</h4>Hybrid Search produces several unique parameters that are not shown in the default results table.Additional columns should be added by right-clicking within the results table and selecting Properties. Recommended columns include:<ul><li>DeltaMass</li><li>dForm</li><li>pctRelForm</li><li>o.Match (equivalent to the traditional EI Normal Match score)</li></ul>Without these parameters, much of the structural interpretation power of Hybrid Search is lost.<h4>Working with Spectra from the Chromatogram Window</h4>Currently, the Chromatogram Window performs standard EI library searching. When a potentially interesting unknown is encountered:<ul><li>Perform the normal EI search in the Chromatogram Window</li><li>Send the spectrum to the standalone Library Search module</li><li>Perform a Hybrid Search using the enhanced Hybrid Search functionality</li></ul>This workflow combines rapid screening with advanced structural interpretation.<h4>Understanding Key Hybrid Search Parameters</h4><h5>DeltaMass (Δm)</h5>DeltaMass represents the mass difference between the unknown compound and the matched library compound.A consistent Δm across multiple high-scoring hits often indicates a specific structural modification.<h5>dForm</h5>dForm provides a proposed elemental composition that explains the observed mass difference.Examples include:<ul><li>H–1F</li><li>CH₂</li><li>O–1</li><li>C₁H₃F</li></ul>These transformations can suggest likely chemical modifications between the library compound and the unknown.<h5>pctRelForm</h5>New in NIST 26, pctRelForm estimates how frequently a given elemental transformation occurs relative to the most common transformation (CH₂ = 100%).Interpretation:<ul><li>High values indicate chemically plausible and commonly observed transformations</li><li>Very low values suggest the proposed transformation may be accidental or unlikely</li></ul><h5>o.Match</h5>Represents the traditional EI match score and allows comparison between standard searching and Hybrid Search results.<h4>Case Study: Identifying a Fluorinated Unknown</h4>The presentation demonstrates the identification of an unknown compound with a proposed molecular weight of 152 Da.Hybrid Search returned several high-scoring hits with consistent evidence suggesting fluorine substitution:Hit #1<ul><li>Library MW: 134</li><li>DeltaMass: +18</li><li>dForm: H–1F</li><li>Interpretation: Addition of fluorine</li></ul>Hit #5<ul><li>Library MW: 138</li><li>DeltaMass: +14</li><li>dForm: CH₂</li><li>Interpretation: Related fluorinated analog</li></ul>Hit #6<ul><li>Library MW: 168</li><li>DeltaMass: –16</li><li>dForm: O–1</li><li>Interpretation: Structurally consistent fluorinated compound</li></ul>Multiple independent hits converged on the same conclusion: the unknown was likely a fluorinated analog of known aromatic compounds.This illustrates the major strength of Hybrid Search: identifying structural relationships even when the exact compound is absent from the library.<h4>Moving from Hybrid Search to Structural Interpretation</h4>Once a plausible structure is identified:<h5>Step 1 – Export the Structure</h5>From the Hybrid Search results:<ul><li>Right-click the best hit</li><li>Use Send To → Default Structure Editor</li><li>Open the structure in a drawing program such as ChemSketch</li><li>Copy the proposed structure to the clipboard</li></ul><h5>Step 2 – Open MS Interpreter</h5>Within MS Interpreter:<ul><li>Paste the proposed structure</li><li>Load the unknown spectrum</li><li>Compare predicted fragmentation with observed ions</li><li>Evaluate isotope patterns and fragment assignments</li></ul><h5>Step 3 – Validate the Proposal</h5>Indicators of a good structural proposal include:<ul><li>Consistent isotope ratios</li><li>Logical fragmentation pathways</li><li>Agreement between observed and predicted fragment ions</li><li>Multiple Hybrid Search hits supporting the same structural modification</li></ul>In the example presented, MS Interpreter showed excellent agreement between the proposed fluorinated structure and the observed EI spectrum, although the exact positions of the fluorine and methyl substituents on the aromatic ring could not be definitively assigned.<h4>Best Practices</h4><ul><li>Always review DeltaMass, dForm, and pctRelForm together</li><li>Do not rely solely on the highest match score</li><li>Give greater weight to transformations supported by multiple independent hits</li><li>Use molecular weight information whenever possible</li><li>Confirm structural hypotheses using MS Interpreter</li><li>Consider Hybrid Search as a structure-elucidation tool rather than simply a library search tool</li></ul><h4>Conclusion</h4>NIST 26 Hybrid Search significantly extends the capabilities of conventional EI library searching by identifying structural relationships between unknown compounds and library entries. Through the use of DeltaMass calculations, elemental transformation analysis (dForm), and statistical plausibility metrics (pctRelForm), Hybrid Search provides valuable clues for elucidating compounds that are absent from spectral libraries.When combined with MS Interpreter, it becomes a powerful workflow for the characterization of unknowns, analogs, degradation products, metabolites, and emerging compounds in EI GC-MS analysis.

Lib Search: Similarity EI Hybrid Search for Spectra Sent from Chromatogram Window

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RAFA provides an overview of contemporary trends in ANALYTICAL & BIOANALYTICAL STRATEGIES IN FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY CONTROL and discusses CHALLENGES / NOVEL APPROACHES IN FOOD AND NATURAL PRODUCTS ANALYSIS.

Recent Advances in Food Analysis (RAFA)

Eurachem is a European network promoting international traceability of chemical measurements and good analytical practice. It provides expert guidance, supports method validation, uncertainty evaluation, proficiency testing, and facilitates discussion on technical and policy issues in analytical quality.

Eurachem

My main interest is the identification of organic compounds by mass spectrometry in organic mixtures.

James Little/Mass Spec Interpretation Services

Thermo Scientific™ EA IsoLink™ IRMS System

With the Thermo Scientific™ EA IsoLink™ IRMS Platform, leverage familiar technology and existing expertise for expanded CNSOH isotope analysis, allowing all elemental analysis on a single platform.

<h3>All your elemental analysis on one platform</h3>The EA IsoLink IRMS Platform leverages the existing technological platform of the EA IsoLink IRMS System and FlashSmart EA.<h4>More freedom. More flexibility.</h4>With the Thermo Scientific™ EA IsoLink™ IRMS Platform, you can leverage familiar technology and your staff’s existing know-how for expanded CNSOH isotope analysis, enabling you to perform all your elemental analysis on one technological platform. With different configurations to choose from, your lab can get the capabilities it needs today, with flexibility for the future. Featuring software- driven automation and scalability to grow as you do.<h4>Choose the configuration that’s right for you.</h4>The EA IsoLink IRMS System is an automated, easy-to-use solution for isotopic analysis of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, oxygen and hydrogen - using bulk samples powered by chromatography-driven technology with high sensitivity on small samples. Available in basic configurations with upgradeability options, this platform offers high throughput and unattended operation, so your lab can get more done in less time.<h4>The EA IsoLink IRMS System features:</h4><ul><li>Thermo Scientific™ Flash™ IRMS EA for sample preparation for IRMS analysis</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/2231">Thermo Scientific™ ConFlo IV</a> Universal Interface</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/2232">Thermo Scientific™ DELTA™ Q IRMS</a></li></ul><h4>The FlashSmart EA features:</h4><ul><li>Thermo Scientific™ FlashSmart™ EA for weight percentage characterization of CNSHO</li></ul><h3>EA IsoLink CN and CN/OH</h3><ul><li>A powerful solution for C and N, O and H analysis - upgradeable for S analysis</li></ul><h3>EA IsoLink OH</h3><ul><li>Offering dedicated oxygen and hydrogen analysis - with scalability to expand your capabilities to C, N and S</li></ul><h3>EA IsoLink CNSOH</h3><ul><li>A fully automated single system for C, N and S analysis by flash combustion, and O and H analysis by high temperature conversion</li></ul><h4>Connectivity with Thermo Scientific™ IRMS Portfolio</h4>The Flash EA Series connected to the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/2232">DELTA Q IRMS</a> provides precise and sensitive measurement of the isotope fingerprints - C, N, S, O and H isotopes - a unique chemical signature of samples. This helps you gain unique insights into food history and origin, as well as environmental pollutants, forensics and geosciences.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:650/552;" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_EA_Iso_Link_IRMS_System_2_01d3ed421c.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ EA IsoLink™ IRMS System" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_EA_Iso_Link_IRMS_System_2_01d3ed421c.jpg 184w," sizes="100vw" width="650" height="552"></figure><h3>More automation. More scalability. All in a single platform.</h3>Delivering proven performance with unprecedented robustness and ease of use, the EA IsoLink IRMS Platform can help your lab drive efficiency, improve cost-effectiveness, and minimize training for new operators.<h4>Low cost per sample for reduced operational costs</h4>Less helium consumption: Helium consumption is reduced by more than 60% for NCS and NC sample analysis, and reduced by more than 30% for OH sample analysis (compared with previous systems).Less replication: Because the EA IsoLink IRMS System measures high and low concentrations in the same sample (wide dynamic range), it reduces the need for replicate analysis (e.g., high carbon and low sulfur, such as in food authenticity or ecology applications).High throughput: Fast analysis provides high sample throughput, resulting in lower cost per sample.<h4>High sensitivity driven by chromatography - even for the smallest sample size</h4>Temperature-ramped GC: Equipped with a temperature-ramped GC feature, the EA IsoLink System gives your lab the highest performance on small sample sizes through optimal baseline separation of analyte gases and sharp peak shapes.Performance synergies: The combination of in-line flash combustion technology and temperature-ramped GC separation significantly improves the performance for all your EA-IRMS applications.<h4>System modularity for future-proof investment</h4>The EA IsoLink IRMS System’s modular design provides the highest flexibility for all applications - enabling you to adapt and scale to new analyses in the future. Through smart upgrade paths, you can easily modify the system to increase performance and productivity as your needs grow over time. Boost your CN system with an S upgrade or add CNS to your OH isotope fingerprints.Thermo Scientific™ MAS Plus Autosampler provides a 125-position helium-purged sample chamber, low blank autosampler for CNS and OH analysis.Thermo Scientific™ AS 1610 Liquid Autosampler offers a versatile solution for injecting liquid samples.Macro reactors enable CNS Analysis of large sample sizes (greater than 60 mg) and higher throughput on standard sample sizes to mg range.<h4>Added flexibility with flash EA series</h4>The flexibility of the Flash EA Series helps you meet growing analytical needs in IRMS and Organic Elemental Analysis (OEA).The FlashSmart Elemental Analyzer for OEA delivers accuracy and precision with internationally recognized certifications. Its straightforward modular design offers a variety of optimized application configurations, including CHN, CHNS, S, N/Protein, CN, CNS, CHNS/O and more. High throughput with 24/7 operation, low cost per sample and optimized helium consumption are all driven by our fully automated dedicated OEA software, Thermo Scientific™ EagerSmart™ Data Handling Software, which can grow with your analytical needs without need for an upgrade.<h4>Smart automation for ease of use</h4>Because of its intelligent software and intuitive design, the EA IsoLink Platform allows operators to leverage familiar technology for higher productivity.Software Platform: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">The Thermo Scientific™ Qtegra™ Intelligent Scientific Data Solution </a>(ISDS) Software provides seamless control and automation for unattended operation and improved productivity. Regardless of operator skills or the final application, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">Qtegra ISDS Software</a> offers logical, streamlined interface allowing straight forward measurement set-up through analytical Workflows. The software includes auto-stop, standby modes, and other features to minimize intervention. It also allows for integrated data evaluation strategies, customized reports and method development. All of the auto-diagnostics ensure important aspects of the instrument are monitored, maximizing uptime.Thermo Scientific™ smartEA option: This option allows you to focus on your research by combining ease-of-use and unattended analysis to deliver high-precision results. The smartEA option uses the analyzer’s Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD) trace to define the required sample dilutions in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/2231">ConFlo IV Universal Interface</a>. The straightforward automated workflow allows you to analyze very small amounts, such as nitrogen and sulfur, along with highly abundant elements, such as carbon - all from the same sample.<h3>Addressing a world of applications</h3>For origin and authenticity questions, the EA IsoLink IRMS Platform provides precise and sensitive measurement of the isotope fingerprints - C, N, S, O and H isotopes - a unique chemical signature of samples, helping you gain unique insights into their history and origin.<h4>Food authenticity and origin</h4>Is the label declaration on my food correct?From fruits and vegetables, to wine, honey and coffee, the EA IsoLink IRMS Platform provides isotopic fingerprints ideally suited to determining food integrity.<ul><li>Food adulteration</li><li>Food and beverage origin</li><li>Agronomy</li></ul><h4>Environmental</h4>What is the source of pollution in the soil, water or air?An assessment of individual organic pollutants particles in air contamination (e.g. PM2.5) will be traced with C, N, and S isotope fingerprints.<ul><li>Marine science</li><li>Ecology and biology</li><li>Petroleum and exploration</li></ul><h4>Geosciences</h4>What was the weather like thousands of years ago?By analyzing materials such as sediments, ice cores and speleothems, researchers can understand epochal changes in vegetation, rainfall patterns and temperature.<ul><li>Soil science</li><li>Palaeoclimatology research</li></ul><h4>Forensics</h4>How can we investigate provenance and dietary preferences?From tracing explosives, illegal drugs, counterfeit currency, animal tissues such as ivory, dietary preferences and crime scene evidence, forensic investigations based on isotope fingerprints examine samples’ origin.<ul><li>Archaeology</li><li>Provenance</li></ul><h3>Connectivity for origin and authenticity</h3>Your lab can focus on isotopic investigations by taking advantage of having one partner and one platform for your elemental and isotope analysis. Thanks to the connectivity of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/2232">DELTA Q IRMS</a> and the connecting peripherals that are fully controlled by the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">Qtegra ISDS Software</a>, you can also leverage the high throughput, unattended operation and flexibility for demanding analysis, regardless of the applications.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_EA_Iso_Link_IRMS_System_2_dcb8a3d338.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ EA IsoLink™ IRMS System " srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_EA_Iso_Link_IRMS_System_2_dcb8a3d338.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1464" height="933">

Thermo Scientific Triton Series Multicollector Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometer (TIMS)

High-precision multicollector TIMS for demanding isotope ratio analysis, delivering exceptional sensitivity, stability, and accuracy for ultra-small and low-abundance samples.

The Thermo Scientific™ Triton™ Series Multicollector Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometer (TIMS) is a high-precision platform designed for the most demanding isotope ratio measurements. Built on more than two decades of continuous development, the Triton Series combines field-proven TIMS performance with state-of-the-art detection and ion-optical technologies to deliver exceptional accuracy, stability, and sensitivity—especially for small samples and low-abundance isotopes.At the heart of the Triton Series is a high-stability thermal ionization source, optimized for maximum ion transmission and minimal kinetic energy spread. This ensures highly reproducible ion beams for both single- and double-filament techniques, enabling precise isotope ratio analysis across a wide range of elements and applications.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Triton_Series_Multicollector_Thermal_Ionization_Mass_Spectrometer_TIMS_2_e9fa5e958e.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific Triton Series Multicollector Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometer (TIMS)" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Triton_Series_Multicollector_Thermal_Ionization_Mass_Spectrometer_TIMS_2_e9fa5e958e.jpg 182w," sizes="100vw" width="650" height="558"><h3>Advanced detection and ion optics</h3>The Triton Series integrates multiple complementary detector technologies to address diverse analytical challenges:<ul><li>10¹³ Ω Amplifier Technology extends the lower detection limits, delivering faster response times, extremely low noise, and significantly improved internal precision for small ion beams.</li><li>Retarding Potential Quadrupole (RPQ) lenses provide exceptional abundance sensitivity by suppressing scattered ions and mass tailing, enabling accurate quantification of minor isotopes even next to intense ion beams.</li><li>Multi Ion Counting (MIC) packages allow simultaneous detection of the lowest-intensity ion beams using SEM and CDD ion counters, with flexible configurations tailored to nuclear, geochronological, and geochemical applications.</li><li>Stable, linear SEM and CDD ion counters ensure reliable measurements for ultra-low sample amounts and rare isotopes.</li><li>High-performance Faraday cups guarantee uniform response, long operational lifetime, and excellent linearity for high-precision static and dynamic measurements.</li><li>Movable multicollector array supports up to nine Faraday cups with precise alignment over a wide mass range, extendable to static Ca and Li isotope measurements.</li><li>Virtual amplifier technology enables cancellation of gain factor uncertainties through amplifier rotation, achieving low-ppm external reproducibility in efficient static measurement modes.</li></ul><h3>Designed for the most demanding isotope ratio applications</h3>The Triton Series is ideally suited for applications where ultimate precision and high abundance sensitivity are essential, including:<ul><li>Radiogenic and stable isotope geochemistry</li><li>Geochronology (U–Pb, Pb–Pb, Rb–Sr, Sm–Nd, Lu–Hf systems)</li><li>Nuclear safeguards and nuclear forensic isotope analysis</li><li>Environmental and cosmochemical research</li><li>Analysis of ultra-small sample amounts and isotopically scarce materials</li></ul>Available in configurations such as Triton XT and Triton Plus, tailored to different performance priorities within high-precision isotope ratio analysis, the Thermo Scientific Triton Series TIMS offers a flexible, future-proof solution that continues to set the benchmark for thermal ionization mass spectrometry.

Thermo Scientific ConFlo IV Universal Continuous Flow Interface

Universal continuous flow interface for IRMS enabling automated multi-device control, higher throughput, lower costs, and stable, unattended isotope analysis.

Thermo Scientific™ ConFlo IV Universal Continuous Flow Interface is a versatile continuous flow interface designed to significantly expand the application range of stable isotope laboratories using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). The ConFlo IV system enables seamless connection of multiple sample preparation devices, delivering fully automated, stable, and highly reproducible measurements.The system features intelligent management of all required reference gases, automatic sample-size recognition, precise matching of sample and reference signals, and advanced self-diagnostics. These capabilities reduce operator involvement, lower operating costs, and increase overall laboratory throughput.<h3>Key features</h3><ul><li>Management of multiple devices Automated switching between different sample preparation units, including activation, deactivation, and reference gas changes, maximizes IRMS utilization.</li><li>Continuous, unattended operation Application switching can occur at any time without operator intervention; preparation devices can be regenerated and reloaded while other analyses are running.</li><li>Maximized performance and efficiency Using reference gases instead of bulk reference materials reduces operating costs by nearly 50 % while increasing sample throughput by almost 50 %.</li><li>Enhanced accuracy and stability Automatic adjustment of reference gas pulse intensities equalizes conditions between sample and reference gases, improving precision and long-term reliability.</li><li>Advanced data quality control Critical system parameters affecting data quality are automatically monitored across all sample sequences.</li><li>Single-interface control All connected preparation and inlet devices are controlled through one interface, with the ability to add new samples or entirely new applications without interrupting ongoing data acquisition.</li></ul>

Thermo Scientific DELTA Q Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer

High-performance IRMS combining exceptional sensitivity, robust design, and intuitive Qtegra ISDS software for food authenticity, environmental, forensic, and research isotope applications.

The Thermo Scientific™ DELTA™ Q Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (IRMS) represents a new evolutionary step in isotope ratio analysis, combining outstanding analytical performance with intuitive operation powered by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">Qtegra™ Intelligent Scientific Data Solution (ISDS)</a> software.&nbsp;The DELTA Q IRMS is designed for seamless integration with a wide range of Thermo Scientific peripherals, making it a highly flexible platform for applications such as food authenticity testing, environmental and forensic analysis, doping control, and advanced scientific research.<h4>Outstanding sensitivity</h4><ul><li>Sensitivities of up to 800 molecules per CO₂ ion in dual-inlet mode and 1,000 molecules per ion in continuous-flow mode.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_DELTA_Q_Isotope_Ratio_Mass_Spectrometer_2_671e47510f.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific DELTA Q Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_DELTA_Q_Isotope_Ratio_Mass_Spectrometer_2_671e47510f.jpg 197w," sizes="100vw" width="650" height="517"><h4>Versatility for diverse applications</h4><ul><li>Support for up to 10 collectors in multiple configurations, covering all IRMS applications up to m/z 96.</li><li>Simultaneous mass range up to ±25%, enabling efficient multi-isotope measurements.</li><li>Compatibility with preconcentrators, elemental analyzers, GC interfaces, LC interfaces, and continuous-flow inlets.</li><li>On-line H₂ capability for hydrogen isotope analysis.</li></ul><h4>Highly robust and reliable design</h4><ul><li>A monolithic analyzer with fixed alignment of all ion-optical components, including the electromagnet, ensuring exceptional long-term stability and robustness.</li><li>Integrated signal amplifiers and digitizers minimize external connections and increase reliability.</li><li>Fixed-position ion optics eliminate the need for realignment during installation or routine maintenance.</li><li>Optimized pumping strategy enables single-stage turbo pumping for all standard continuous-flow applications.</li><li>Comprehensive, automated diagnostics driven by Qtegra ISDS software support continuous performance monitoring.</li></ul><h4>Compact and user-friendly design</h4><ul><li>Compact footprint requiring minimal laboratory space.</li><li>Dedicated space for online peripherals on top of the instrument.</li><li>Dual inlet, µ-volume, and multiport interfaces are neatly integrated inside the system.</li><li>Continuous-flow interfaces can be fully controlled from the front panel.</li><li>All pumps are located internally, reducing noise and laboratory clutter.</li></ul><h4>Qtegra™ ISDS Software</h4><ul><li>Significantly increases laboratory productivity with automatic Get Ready functionality, ready-to-use templates, and built-in quality control tools.</li><li>Intelligent, optimized workflows guide users from sample to result while allowing flexible switching between system configurations.</li><li>Ensures full data integrity and traceability for raw data, metadata, and reported results.</li></ul><h4>ACT label certification</h4>The DELTA Q IRMS is certified with the ACT Environmental Impact Label from My Green Lab, providing transparent, third-party verified information on environmental impact across manufacturing, energy and water use, packaging, and end-of-life considerations—supporting sustainable laboratory procurement and reduced carbon footprint.

Products from category IRMS focused on GC/MSD from Thermo Fisher Scientific - page 1

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