Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) detects elements present in either solid or liquid samples by probing them with a light source. The spectrometer detects the presence and concentration of different elements as a function of characteristic absorption to specific wavelengths. Spectrometers must be calibrated, and workflows validated, to ensure that results are truly representative. This is where AAS standards come into play.
Key Applications of AAS Standards
AAS technology is easy to use, high-throughput, and inexpensive which makes it applicable to a wide range of application areas. Analysts often deploy AAS for trace level elemental analysis of metals, food and beverages, water, pharmaceuticals, and more.
In applications such as medicine and pharmaceuticals, AAS has been a part of revolutionizing practices, being able to detect things such as trace toxins. In some fields, AAS has enable the detection of elements which people were previously unaware existed in certain material, such as cobalt and molybdenum in soil. It can also be used in mining operations, for example to determine the level of precious metals in rocks.
Importance of AAS Standards
Every element absorbs wavelengths differently and the absorptions are measured against a standard. This is why AAS standards are so critical as they provide the benchmark for absorptions to be measured against. Using AAS standards can be the difference between successful pass/fail testing in pharmaceutical quality control, or determining the true value of earth exploration operations.
Custom AAS Standards from Inorganic Ventures
Inorganic Ventures specialize in custom AAS standards. The catalogue of products available on our website is only a small percentage of the AAS standards that we are able to prepare. Custom AAS standards make up a huge proportion of our business which has seen us become the leading manufacturer of custom inorganic standards.
This specialization in custom blending results in a much faster service without quality having to be sacrificed. We have technicians with a wealth of experience who can identify issues with stability and compatibility prior to production beginning. Usually, custom AAS standards can be produced and shipped within 5-10 business days and can be rush manufactured if necessary.
The main difference between AAS standards and ICP standards is the certification. AAS standards are always reported with made-to (nominal) concentrations of 1000 ug/mL, and the uncertainties must be fixed at 1% (+/- 10 ug/mL). Homogeneity/stability assessments or expanded uncertainties are not available for AA products, meaning they do not comply with ISO Guide 34. The purity of AAS standards and ICP standards are comparable, however AAS standard bottles do not have the same rigorous cleaning process which ICP bottles undergo. This means that AAS standards may have higher impurity levels.
To learn more about the custom AAS standards we provide, contact us today.