Monthly Archives: November 2021

Spectroscopic applications typically require excellent accuracy and precision to ensure the ongoing validity of results. Today’s analytical ICP instruments are extremely well designed and can produce quality data for over a decade if the instrument is well maintained. Along with scheduled maintenance, another resource to safeguard quality measurements is to utilize proper calibration standards for wavelength, mass, and concentration.

Wavelength & Mass Calibration

ICP-OES instruments require periodic wavelength calibration. This wavelength calibration is performed using a calibration standard that includes elements having emission lines across the UV/VIS spectrum. Maintaining proper wavelength calibration is important for ensuring peak centering is accurate, thus maximizing instrument sensitivity. Wavelength calibration will also ensure that a

Analytical standards are compounds of known concentration with suitable purity for instrument calibration and/or experiment validation. Say you routinely investigate the composition of analytes via inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), you likely run periodic diagnostic assessments using analytical standards to correct for drift induced by low-frequency noise.

There is some argument about the difference between analytical standards and certified reference materials (CRMs), but for the purposes of this discussion, it is enough to define both as reagents of unambiguous composition and purity that assist with quality assurance and control (QA/QC) in the lab. The main difference to be aware of is analytical standards that are mixed in-house versus those that are custom designed by specialist CRM suppliers.  

Preparing Analytical Standards 101

The preparation of analytical standards focuses on converting solids to liquids. Directly

Elemental impurities are trace levels of metals present in finished drug products. Elemental impurities testing is critical to understand the levels of trace elements present in final drug products. This article will outline how elemental impurities testing is carried out and the benefits of various techniques.

Where do Elemental Impurities Come From?

Elemental impurities in pharmaceuticals are often transferred from catalysts, formulation ingredients, and process vessels. Impurities can alter the efficacy of a drug or have a direct toxic impact on the patient taking the drug.

The Legalities of Elemental Impurities Testing

For over a century, pharmaceutical regulators have required testing of heavy metal impurities. In recent years, global regulators have produced and distributed a modern, revised methodology and guideline for elemental impurities testing.

The elemental analysis testing guidelines specify twenty-four elemental impurities

Michael Newman has joined the organization as Head of Global Growth and Business Development. In this new role, Newman will create and define the global sales strategy for the organization enabling Inorganic Ventures to accelerate revenue growth and global product distribution.