Clarity 10.2 expands instrument control capabilities with new control modules and updates the MS extension to help you work more efficiently.<h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/999">Clarity</a> 10.2 highlights</h4><ul><li>New and updated control modules</li><li>Improved MS data import and export</li><li>Obsolete hardware support ended</li></ul><h4>Instrument control modules</h4>Clarity 10.2 introduces new instrument control modules from Annuo (AS-3117, FAS-3823) and updated instrument controls form Sykam and Ecom.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Data_Apex_Instrument_control_modules_5de26782b0.jpg" alt="DataApex: Instrument control modules" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Data_Apex_Instrument_control_modules_5de26782b0.jpg 228w," sizes="100vw" width="380" height="260"><h4>MS data import/export improvements</h4>Clarity improves MS data exchange, especially for *.cdf files. MS instruments now support export and import of multiple spectral data and non-spectral signal data in the same CDF file. Import also better handles uniform sampling information, m/z Step values, scale factors, and file names with non-ASCII characters. Exporting individual chromatogram signals from MS instruments is now available through a separate Export Chromatogram dialog.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Data_Apex_MS_data_import_export_improvements_a7967a4020.jpg" alt="DataApex: MS data import-export improvements" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Data_Apex_MS_data_import_export_improvements_a7967a4020.jpg 228w," sizes="100vw" width="378" height="259"><h4>Obsolete hardware support terminated</h4>Due to changes in Windows driver security requirements, this update discontinues support for obsolete hardware, including INT7, INT9, U-PAD, U-PAD2, and CB20.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Data_Apex_Obsolete_hardware_support_terminated_24d9329419.jpg" alt="DataApex: Obsolete hardware support terminated" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Data_Apex_Obsolete_hardware_support_terminated_24d9329419.jpg 228w," sizes="100vw" width="378" height="259"><blockquote>Explore the complete list of all changes, fixes, and additions in version 10.2.👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.dataapex.com/version_history?product=1">See the complete changelog&nbsp;</a></blockquote>

Clarity Chromatography Software 10.2 released!

This study describes the development and validation of a dual-column, dual-detector HS-GC-FID/FID method for the forensic analysis of ethanol and other low-molecular-weight volatile compounds in biological samples. The method demonstrated excellent linearity, low detection limits, high precision, and accuracy, and was successfully verified through international proficiency testing.In addition to routine forensic application, the study reviews current practices in forensic alcohol analysis and highlights the lack of globally harmonized analytical standards. The authors propose essential methodological recommendations to improve the reliability and evidential value of ethanol determination in forensic toxicology.<blockquote><h4>The original article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4713/16/3/80">Dual-Column HS-GC-FID/FID Method for In-Depth Analysis of Low-Molecular-Weight Volatile Alcohols in Postmortem Biological Material&nbsp;</a></h4>Paweł Szpot, Olga Wachełko, Kaja Tusiewicz and Marcin ZawadzkiJ. Xenobiot. 2026, 16(3), 80<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.3390/jox16030080">https://doi.org/10.3390/jox16030080</a><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0</a></h6></blockquote>Selected sections from the article follow. Formats and hyperlinks were adapted from the original.<div>The determination of low-molecular-weight volatile alcohols in postmortem material using headspace gas chromatography (HS-GC) is routinely performed in forensic laboratories. These analyses are important not only for law enforcement agencies in the broad sense, but also for insurance companies that decide on the payment of compensation under insurance policies. Typically, routine determination of alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, and n-butanol is sufficient to establish whether death occurred as a result of poisoning with these substances. In forensic toxicology practice, however, there are also situations in which the determination of additional chemical compounds in biological material proves to be essential. One such compound is acetone, the determination of which is crucial not only in cases of acetone or isopropanol poisoning (since acetone is a metabolite of the aforementioned alcohol) [<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4713/16/3/80#B1-jox-16-00080">1</a>], but also in the diagnosis of ketosis caused by diabetes, hypothermia, or starvation [<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4713/16/3/80#B2-jox-16-00080">2</a>]. Criminal cases can be complex, and therefore, to achieve a better understanding of the circumstances preceding death, toxicological analyses are sometimes extended to also include other compounds, such as acetaldehyde [<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4713/16/3/80#B3-jox-16-00080">3</a>].Postmortem blood toxicological analysis is of particular importance because it plays a key role in determining the cause of death, especially in cases of unexplained sudden death and deaths occurring under suspicious circumstances. Even a simple screening for volatile chemical compounds can, at an early stage, allow determination of whether death resulted from poisoning or was a consequence of an underlying disease suffered by the deceased (e.g., untreated diabetes) [<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4713/16/3/80#B4-jox-16-00080">4</a>].One of the fundamental assumptions in forensic toxicological investigations is that their results must have evidential value and withstand scrutiny in court. Only such results can be used, for example, to reconstruct the circumstances preceding death, determine the time of substance intake or the dose of a toxic agent, or assess whether the deceased was intoxicated. This is particularly important in cases of traffic accidents, occupational accidents, drownings, domestic violence, and deaths occurring during police custody. It is worth emphasizing that the interpretation of postmortem toxicological results requires particular caution due to the multitude of “confounding” factors, such as interindividual variability, substance stability, endogenous formation, the postmortem interval (PMI), and the circumstances of death. To avoid introducing additional variables that could further complicate interpretation, the applied analytical method must be reliable, i.e., accurate, selective, resistant to interference, and preferably verified through independent proficiency testing [<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4713/16/3/80#B5-jox-16-00080">5</a>].In gas chromatographic analysis of low-molecular-weight alcohols, either direct injection or the headspace technique is employed [<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4713/16/3/80#B6-jox-16-00080">6</a>]. In the past, even highly invasive approaches were used, such as the direct injection of whole blood into the gas chromatograph injector [<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4713/16/3/80#B7-jox-16-00080">7</a>]. However, the headspace technique has become the most widely used technique for the determination of alcohols in forensic laboratories. This preference can be attributed to several well-established advantages, most notably that the method allows the sample to be analyzed with minimal or no preparatory steps, irrespective of the biological matrix (e.g., without extraction or protein precipitation). Additional benefits include practically negligible matrix effects, elimination of the need for inlet liners, thereby minimizing the risk of contamination or carryover within the analytical system, and reduced deterioration of the chromatographic column compared with direct injection.However, it should be noted that in the context of postmortem samples (particularly those collected from putrefied cadavers), the impact of decomposition on analyte partitioning cannot be precisely assessed. While headspace analysis generally exhibits negligible matrix effects, pre-death specimens from the same individual are rarely available for direct comparison, making it difficult to determine the extent to which postmortem changes might influence measurements. Moreover, the blood samples are subjected to multiple dilutions with an internal standard, which further minimizes potential matrix effects.Despite numerous established methods for the determination of volatile alcohols in postmortem biological samples, current standard approaches often face limitations that can compromise forensic reliability. Single-column analyses may be prone to co-elution and interferences from structurally similar compounds, while reliance on a single detector increases the risk of undetected fluctuations and errors. Additionally, inappropriate selection of internal standards and postmortem formation of endogenous alcohols and other volatile compounds can further bias quantification. These issues highlight a critical gap, as widely adopted methods that integrate redundant analytical controls with validated procedures to minimize errors and ensure evidential reliability remain limited.The aim of this study was to develop a method for the determination of methanol, acetone, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, and n-butanol using headspace gas chromatography with dual columns and dual-flame ionization detectors. The practical applicability of the method was demonstrated using authentic forensic samples, including putrefaction fluid and antemortem blood. This study addresses the aforementioned gap by employing a dual-column/dual-FID approach, which allows cross-verification across two independent chromatographic conditions, thereby enhancing both the accuracy and reproducibility of forensic alcohol analysis. Furthermore, this paper aims to draw the attention of toxicologists worldwide to several critical factors that can significantly influence measured ethanol concentrations, potentially leading to legal and financial consequences, such as denial of compensation due to falsely elevated ethanol levels.<h4>2. Materials and Methods</h4><h5>2.4. Apparatus</h5>A <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=2010">Shimadzu GC-2010</a> Plus AF IVD system (Kyoto, Japan), fitted with an advanced flow controller (AFC), a split/splitless (SPL) inlet, and two flame ionization detectors (FID), was employed. Samples were processed and introduced via a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=HS-20">Shimadzu HS-20 static headspace autosampler</a> (Kyoto, Japan), with transfer to the GC through a single SPL inlet. The HS effluent was split equally (1:1) using a SilFlow® microfluidic platform (SHI-980-10593, Trajan, Ringwood, VIC, Australia) and directed onto two capillary columns: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=50&amp;search=Zebron-BAC1">Zebron-BAC1</a> (30 m × 0.32 mm i.d., 1.8 μm film; Phenomenex, Torrance, CA, USA) and Zebron-BAC2 (30 m × 0.32 mm i.d., 1.2 μm film; Phenomenex, Torrance, CA, USA). Each column fed an independent FID channel, allowing concurrent acquisition from both separations. Headspace settings and chromatographic conditions for alcohol congener analysis followed those reported previously in [<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4713/16/3/80#B8-jox-16-00080">8</a>].<h4>3. Results</h4>Validation results are shown in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4713/16/3/80#table_body_display_jox-16-00080-t002">Table 2</a>. All presented values fall within the acceptable range for toxicological analysis of biological materials, in accordance with the recommendations of the German Society of Toxicological and Forensic Chemistry (GTFCh) [<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4713/16/3/80#B10-jox-16-00080">10</a>]. Quality-control samples were prepared at three concentrations (low, medium, and high relative to the calibration range) by spiking blank samples. Relative error (RE) values within ±15% and precision expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤ 15% were considered acceptable, in accordance with GTFCh recommendations. The method, developed in 2019, has been subjected to international proficiency testing for ETB Ethanol in blood (ARVECON) and has consistently achieved positive results in each test. Additionally, the developed method for the determination of ethyl alcohol in blood was evaluated and achieved positive results in other proficiency tests, namely: the AXIO LGC Proficiency Testing Scheme in Drugs in blood Quantitative analyte selection, PT-TX-BLD (accreditation ISO/IEC 17043) (LGC Group Limited, Guildford, UK). Furthermore, the HS-GC-FID/FID method has been successfully implemented for routine toxicological analysis in our laboratory during the past 6 years.&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/J_Xenobiot_2026_16_3_80_Table_2_Validation_results_for_six_quantified_volatile_compounds_methanol_ethanol_acetone_isopropanol_n_propanol_and_n_butanol_64ddd30e8d.jpg" alt="J. Xenobiot. 2026, 16(3), 80: Table 2. Validation results for six quantified volatile compounds: methanol, ethanol, acetone, isopropanol, n-propanol, and n-butanol. " srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_J_Xenobiot_2026_16_3_80_Table_2_Validation_results_for_six_quantified_volatile_compounds_methanol_ethanol_acetone_isopropanol_n_propanol_and_n_butanol_64ddd30e8d.jpg 180w," sizes="100vw" width="1238" height="1073">Chromatograms of all compounds analyzed using the presented method, collected on two columns (Zebron ZB-BAC1 and Zebron ZB-BAC2), are shown in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4713/16/3/80#fig_body_display_jox-16-00080-f001">Figure 1</a>. During routine toxicological examinations, we analyzed various biological fluids, including standard matrices such as whole blood, serum, plasma, vitreous humor, and urine, as well as less commonly studied matrices such as bile, putrefaction fluid, and gastric contents.&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/J_Xenobiot_2026_16_3_80_Figure_1_Chromatograms_of_ISTD_and_LOQ_of_volatile_compounds_obtained_from_two_columns_3826b6b870.jpg" alt="J. Xenobiot. 2026, 16(3), 80: Figure 1. Chromatograms of ISTD and LOQ of volatile compounds obtained from two columns (Zebron ZB-BAC1 and Zebron ZB-BAC2) and two flame ionization detectors. The retention time of tert-butanol (ISTD) on the first column was 2.848, and on the second it was 3.131. " srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_J_Xenobiot_2026_16_3_80_Figure_1_Chromatograms_of_ISTD_and_LOQ_of_volatile_compounds_obtained_from_two_columns_3826b6b870.jpg 236w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1056">Chromatograms from representative authentic cases are shown in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4713/16/3/80#fig_body_display_jox-16-00080-f002">Figure 2</a>, including putrefaction fluid (containing 0.4‰ of ethanol) compared with a standard whole blood sample containing 1.38‰ ethanol.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/J_Xenobiot_2026_16_3_80_Figure_2_A_Chromatograms_of_putrefaction_fluid_with_ethanol_concentration_of_0_4_B_chromatograms_of_antemortem_blood_sample_with_ethanol_concentration_of_1_38_fe782ce3d1.jpg" alt="J. Xenobiot. 2026, 16(3), 80: Figure 2. (A) Chromatograms of putrefaction fluid (with ethanol concentration of 0.4‰); (B) chromatograms of antemortem blood sample (with ethanol concentration of 1.38‰). Results were provided for both columns: Zebron ZB-BAC1 and Zebron ZB-BAC2." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_J_Xenobiot_2026_16_3_80_Figure_2_A_Chromatograms_of_putrefaction_fluid_with_ethanol_concentration_of_0_4_B_chromatograms_of_antemortem_blood_sample_with_ethanol_concentration_of_1_38_fe782ce3d1.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="453"><h4>5. Conclusions</h4>The findings presented in this study demonstrate that reliable forensic determination of ethanol and other volatile compounds requires a comprehensive analytical strategy that extends beyond routine instrumental analysis. Despite the long-standing use of alcohol determinations in forensic practice, significant methodological limitations persist, particularly with respect to selectivity, internal standard selection, and control of pre-analytical and analytical variables. Based on a critical evaluation of currently published methods and supported by experimental evidence and authentic forensic casework, several key methodological principles emerge as essential for ensuring the evidential reliability of ethanol analysis in forensic toxicology. These principles are summarized below:<div><ul><li>Using two columns with different polarities combined with two detectors.</li><li>Avoiding internal standards such as n-propanol, n-butanol, and other substances that are formed postmortem in forensic investigations.</li><li>Utilizing tert-butanol as an internal standard in forensic toxicological practice.</li><li>Analysis of quality-control (QC) concentrations defined by law for DUI threshold limits, with verification that precision and accuracy remain within acceptable ranges.</li><li>Ensuring that sample preparation is performed in facilities free from exposure to airborne organic solvent vapors, particularly methanol and ACN (which are routinely used for protein precipitation in other toxicological analyses).</li><li>Preparation of analytical batches including two replicates of each sample, analyzed in a forward- and reverse-order sequence (e.g., samples 1–5 followed by 5–1) to verify analytical consistency.</li><li>Verification of internal standards and blank samples in each batch to ensure the absence of contamination during the pre-analytical phase.</li><li>Ensuring compliance with the acceptance criterion of a maximum 5% deviation between results, based on four measurements per sample.</li><li>Careful chromatographic evaluation and critical assessment of peak shape, symmetry, and resolution to minimize the risk of undetected interferences, particularly when using detectors such as FID, where retention time is the sole discriminating parameter.</li><li>Routine performance of independent proficiency tests to assess whether the method meets required accuracy and precision standards.</li><li>Biological fluids intended for forensic toxicology testing should be collected in tubes containing sodium fluoride (NaF) and stored under controlled conditions in a refrigerator maintained at 2–8 °C.</li></ul></div></div>

Dual-Column HS-GC-FID/FID Method for In-Depth Analysis of Low-Molecular-Weight Volatile Alcohols in Postmortem Biological Material

In the week of June 29, the following webinars await you in the field of gas / solid phase and especially Raman, FTIR, GC and GC/MS.<blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinars">👉 DETAILS AND REGISTRATION IN THE WEBINARS SECTION</a></h4>👉 Search and filter in the largest global database with over 5 500 GC, LC, MS and spectroscopy webinars.</blockquote><h5>1. Metrohm: Simplifying Through-Container Testing with Raman Spectroscopy in the Pharmaceutical Industry</h5><ul><li>Mo, 29.6.2026 15:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6308">Registration</a></li></ul>In this webinar, we will demonstrate a more robust and practical alternative to SORS for see-through Raman analysis.<h5>2. SelectScience: End-to-end PAT: Connecting advanced analytics and data across the bioprocess lifecycle</h5><ul><li>Mo, 29.6.2026 16:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6307">Registration</a></li></ul>Learn how integrated PAT strategies combining NMR, Raman, IR, and digital workflows enable continuous process understanding, smoother tech transfer, and QbD from development to GMP manufacturing.

Webinars LabRulezGCMS Week 27/2026

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ARC GCxGC Xpansion

ARC’s simple stop-flow modulator can be installed in minutes and turn any GC into a powerful multi-dimensional separation machine. ARC’s modulator emphasizes robustness, simplicity, and ease of use to allow anyone from a novice GC user to a veteran expert to generate valuable chemical data on the most complex samples. 

<h3>No-fuss GCxGC solution</h3>
This affordable package includes free, open-source software (visualization only), and ARC’s lifetime support. For power users we offer GC Image software. 
<h3>Why choose us?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Affordable</li>
<li>Robust design</li>
<li>Simple and easy self-installation or professional installation</li>
<li>Dramatically increased peak capacity</li>
<li>Easily switch between 1D and 2D GC</li>
<li><a href="https://www.activatedresearch.com/gcxgc_vis/">Free visualization software</a></li>
</ul>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ARC_ARC_G_Cx_GC_Xpansion_9536cf0985/ARC-ARC-GCxGC-Xpansion.jpg" alt="ARC: ARC GCxGC Xpansion solution"/>
<h3>Why should I use GCxGC?</h3>
The separation of compounds by gas chromatography is typically performed using a single analytical column. As samples become more complex, it can become difficult to separate all the compounds from each other and they can start to overlap, or co-elute. Longer or narrower columns can be used to increase resolving power, but with diminishing returns.
Comprehensive two-dimensional GC, or GCxGC, drastically increases separation power by adding a second analytical column after the first column. A modulator placed between the two columns pulses the analytes from the first column onto the second column. When the columns are orthogonal in separation power, this technique can result in an order of magnitude increase in the number of analytes that can be detected.
ARC’s solution takes advantage of stop-flow modulation to make GCxGC an attainable configuration for any analytical laboratory. It involves continually sampling the effluent from the first column into an accumulator tube and re-injecting it onto a second, smaller column with orthogonal separation. This second separation happens in the time it takes to accumulate the next sample. The pulse time is known as the modulation time.

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Webinars LabRulezGCMS Week 27/2026

Dual-Column HS-GC-FID/FID Method for In-Depth Analysis of Low-Molecular-Weight Volatile Alcohols in Postmortem Biological Material

Clarity Chromatography Software 10.2 released!