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

Article

Product

Webinars

Scientific article

Toxicology

Science and research

Software

Since 1991 DataApex develops and manufactures chromatography data stations. DataApex is constantly striving to provide users with efficient and up-to-date tools for chromatography data processing.

DataApex

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

LabRulez

Separation Science

Agilent Technologies

Thermo Fisher Scientific

PerkinElmer

Restek Corporation

C&EN

Chromatographic Methods to Speed Up Your Analysis and Increase Your Throughput: A review of chromatography theory with a focus on using principles of chromatography to make your analysis more efficient and cost effective.
We will also review the Agilent software tools available to help with column selection and GC method conditions.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Shannon Coleman (GC Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Shannon Coleman holds a B.S. degree in Chemistry from the University of Colorado and an M.S. in Chemistry from Emory University. He is currently a GC Application Scientist at Agilent. He has been working with multidimensional and valve gas chromatography across various industries for the past 20 years. He supports Agilent’s North America Field Organization and spends his time consulting with and delivering educational content on understanding the fundamentals of chromatography and understanding complex gas chromatography analysis to Agilent’s customers.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Chromatographic Methods to Speed Up Your Analysis and Increase Your Throughput

Chromatographic Methods to Speed Up Your Analysis and Increase Your Throughput

<blockquote>
Presenter: Tom Mancuso (Product Specialist, PerkinElmer)
</blockquote>

PerkinElmer: Detectors for GC Analysis of Ethanol in Blood

Detectors for GC Analysis of Ethanol in Blood

<blockquote>
Presenter: Lee Marotta (Principal Field Application Scientist, PerkinElmer)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Lee Marotta started her career in gas chromatography at Exxon Corporate Research in 1988. In 1992, Lee moved onto PerkinElmer developing methods and helping people in all industries that require gas chromatography including headspace, thermal desorption and mass spectrometry. With 32 years experience in all fields of gas chromatography, Lee feels her main role is to help people be successful
</blockquote>

GC Tips and Tricks

Gas chromatography (GC) is considered a mature analytical technology with many critical industrial applications. Despite its maturity, the role of GC has not been diminished. Instead, its role continues to gain influence. Innovations that aid in widening the use of contemporary GC include: maintaining gas chromatographic performance without compromising affordability, enhanced data reliability between analysts, and precise digital pneumatic controls.
Join Dr. Ronda Gras and Dr. Alicia Stell as they discuss advancements in gas chromatography (GC) with novel system improvements that enable ease of use, even when operated by inexperienced operators. Since ease of use means nothing if the data is not meaningful, Drs. Gras and Stell will review applications in the petrochemical and chemical industries and determine if data is comparable to larger GC systems.
<h3>Key Learning Objectives:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trends and recent developments of GC in industry </li>
<li>New column form factors with rapid column replacement capability </li>
<li>Relevant industrial petrochemical and chemical industry applications</li>
</ul>
<h3>Who Should Attend:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Laboratory managers </li>
<li>Chromatographers </li>
<li>New product developers</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ronda Gras, Ph.D. (Research Scientist of Analytical Science, Core R&amp;D of the Dow Chemical Company)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Alicia Stell, Ph.D. (Lead R&amp;D Scientist, CEM Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jeff Huber (Contributing Editor, C&amp;EN Media Group)
</blockquote>

C&EN: Innovations and Developments in the Advancement of Gas Chromatography

Innovations and Developments in the Advancement of Gas Chromatography

Carrier gas is a necessary component to any functioning gas chromatographic system. The rising cost of helium, due to a global shortage in supply, has forced labs to consider alternatives such as hydrogen or even nitrogen, but is this a smart choice? Does it make sense for your laboratory? What are the common pitfalls or issues that might arise? In this talk we will take out some of the guess work associated with making this important decision and help you decide if the switch is right for you.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Mark Sinnott (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Mark Sinnott works for Agilent Technologies as a Technical Support Engineer in the Consumables and Supplies Division (CSD) at the capillary column manufacturing facility (the “J&amp;W Scientific” location). In his position at Agilent, Mark performs technical support and applications assistance to gas chromatographers worldwide. He has more than 22 years of experience in gas chromatography, including environmental analysis of compounds in air, soil and water matrices, including dissolved gas analysis for the electrical industry. Mark holds a Master’s Degree in Chemistry from California State University, Sacramento, and currently resides in Sacramento.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Ballooning helium costs keeping you up at night? Try Hydrogen and Nitrogen as Alternative Carrier Gases

Ballooning helium costs keeping you up at night? Try Hydrogen and Nitrogen as Alternative Carrier Gases

One of the most common questions in technical support is, “When do I change this consumable or that consumable?”
There are many consumables in the GC flow path and sometimes it can be tricky to know when it is time for a replacement. Join us as we review the common consumables in the GC flow path and point out common signs or symptoms that indicate it may be time to do some maintenance.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Alex Ucci (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
In his current position at Agilent, Alex provides application assistance and technical support for sample preparation products as well as GC and LC consumables. Before he joined Agilent in 2014, Alex was a graduate student at the Pennsylvania State University researching the morphology and surface properties of aerosol particles using a wide variety of analytical techniques. He has an MS degree in chemistry.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: When Should I Change That? Ensuring Proper Instrument Performance for GC

When Should I Change That? Ensuring Proper Instrument Performance for GC

Helium shortages mean that laboratories will soon need a sustainable alternative to this non-renewable resource. Also, the struggle to maintain a consistent helium supply is causing a drop in productivity in many labs and the cost of helium continues to rise.
Progressing to a more sustainable laboratory is possible by switching to a multi-gas system. Switching to hydrogen, for example, protects laboratories against future helium shortages and is more sustainable because high-purity hydrogen can be generated from water. Hydrogen offers faster chromatographic separations, shorter thermal desorption methods and lower-temperature separations than helium, drastically increasing laboratory throughput, extending consumables’ lifetimes and extending maintenance intervals. Hydrogen also produces the same high-quality data as helium but at a greatly reduced cost.
<h3>By attending the presentation you’ll learn about:</h3>
<ul>
<li>The current situation with the global supply of helium</li>
<li>The benefits of using hydrogen as a carrier gas</li>
<li>Configuring thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analytical instrumentation to work safely with hydrogen as a carrier gas as well as with helium and nitrogen</li>
<li>The pros and cons of different hydrogen sources (bulk supply vs gas generator)</li>
<li>Common pitfalls when switching carrier gas and how to avoid them</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ed Connor
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
joined PEAK Scientific in February 2013 as a GC product specialist and now functions as a Product Manager. He has been working on a number of collaborative projects with PEAK customers and the major LC-MS and GC instrument manufacturers worldwide. The main focus of these collaborations has been to look at conversion from helium to hydrogen or nitrogen carrier gas for GC applications but he has also worked on ELSD nitrogen gas solutions and nitrogen generators for LC-MS instruments.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jessica Berger
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
graduated from the University of Glamorgan (now University of South Wales) with a BSc. degree in Chemistry. She joined Markes International in 2012 as an Inside Sales Specialist, before being promoted to Product Manager for the thermal desorption business unit. In this role, Jessica is responsible for both the introduction of new thermal desorption products, as well as the management of the exiting product line.
</blockquote>

Pixabay/Andrew Martin: Moving Towards Sustainable Gas Chromatography Laboratories

Moving Towards Sustainable Gas Chromatography Laboratories

To detect traces, the whole GC system needs to be optimised to maximise sensitivity. As noise is directly related to system background, the system background needs to be minimized. Using inert and low-bleed GC columns, like Restek’s Rxi range, can offer improvements but other parts of the GC system should also be considered.
In this presentation, we will discuss the impact of column, carrier gas, connections, liners, injection volume, septa, setup conditions and maintenance to help you achieve better results.

Restek: Improving Trace Analyses: Maximizing Sensitivity by Minimising Background Noise in GC and GC/MS 

Improving Trace Analyses: Maximizing Sensitivity by Minimising Background Noise in GC and GC/MS 

The Agilent 8355 SCD is a major advance in sulfur chemiluminescence detection, with improved technology that is more reliable and easier to use. It is highly sensitive and specific with a simplified burner design.
<h3>In this webinar, we will review:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Sulfur detection techniques while focusing on the Operating principle of the SCD</li>
<li>Latest information on Agilent 8355 SCD &amp; Applications</li>
<li>Agilent innovations that are available to our SCD and GC customers</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Abbey Fausett (Application Specialist, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Abbey Fausett is an Application Chemist within Agilent’s Gas Phase Separation Division. Abbey was an Agilent customer for nearly 10 years, before joining Agilent in 2011. She has held various roles within the company, including Field Service Engineer and the GC representative on AFO’s RSS team. She has been a chemist with the GC marketing group for 4 years and enjoys the marketing functions of collecting experience and feedback, along with the infusion of that information into new products and associated collateral.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Analyzing Sulfur-containing Compounds with Enhanced Sensitivity and Reliability with the 8355 SCD

Analyzing Sulfur-containing Compounds with Enhanced Sensitivity and Reliability with the 8355 SCD

<ul>
<li>Advances in triple quadrupole ICP-MS for environmental analysis
</li>
<li>Maximizing your lab productivity with true high pressure ion chromatography solutions
</li>
<li>Analysis of VOC and GRO in Water using the TriPlus 500 GC-MS Headspace Autosampler
</li>
<li>At the end of the presentations there will be time for you to ask any questions you have using the chat box
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Simon Nelms (Regional Marketing Manager, Trace Elemental, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
With the advent of triple quadrupole technology, a new level of interference removal in ICP-MS has been achieved. The implementation of an additional quadrupole before the collision cell of the instrument allows pre-filtering of the ion beam to selectively transmit only the masses of interest, which alleviates the problem of unwanted side interference production in the cell through collisions between other masses in the sample and the cell gas. This pre-filtering capability also allows selective chemical reactions to be conducted in the cell to enhance polyatomic interference removal and, in many cases, solve the problem of isobaric overlap. In this presentation, the latest advances in triple quadrupole ICP-MS technology and how these apply to routine analysis of environmental will be described.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Seif Mohey (Technical Sales Manager Ion Chromatography, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
This presentation summarizes how ion chromatography has evolved over the years into today’s multimode technique suitable for solving analytical problems in all areas of interest. The Reagent-Free Ion Chromatography (RFIC) systems with electrolytic eluent generation make it possible to perform a wide range of ion chromatographic separations using only deionized water as eluent ( Just Add water Technology ). Our top of the range, Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ ICS-6000 HPIC™ system is a modular ion chromatograph, configurable as a single or dual channel system equipped with a modern tablet interface and interactive wellness features offering superior column chemistries to maximize productivity and ease of use. This presentation brings out the advantages of using the ICS-6000 in different applications.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Daniela Cavagnino (Product Marketing Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Environmental testing laboratories involved in volatile organics determination in water and soil samples will benefit of the innovative design of theThermo Scientific™ TriPlus™ 500 HS autosampler offering scalable productivity, extended recovery and data quality, at the best cost/value. Gasoline Range Organics (GRO) are highly volatile compounds that can be easily extracted from the matrix without the need for time-consuming sample preparation. These chemicals are often present in the environment, especially in ground water and soil, mainly due to contamination incidents during handling, storing or transporting oil and related products. The TriPlus 500 HS autosampler offers a very efficient extraction of the volatiles, maximizing the sensitivity in shorter cycle times. The coupling with the GC-FID configuration provides a rugged solution for quantitative determination of volatile hydrocarbons at ppb levels, representing a robust analytical tool for routine environmental laboratories.
</blockquote>

GCMS webinars focusing on GC - page 26

Innovations in Environmental Analysis