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The reliability of an analytical instrument depends upon its reference. This is why certified reference materials (CRMs) are so important. Without them, setting a standard of accuracy to validate the outcome of an experiment would be difficult.

By utilizing a CRM, you are comparing the measurements of your instrument to those traceable to an SI base unit. This offers the opportunity to regulate technology to ensure its results are consistent. CRMs are used by laboratories, however they also offer a means of control over the quality of different products, including those within food- and health-related industries. 

Unfortunately, not all analytical methods are best suited to work with general CRMs. In situations where this occurs, bespoke CRM designs can keep measurements in line with expected regulations.

When we think about calibration standards for analytical instruments, we see a set of accreditations that are used to validate the methods used to manufacture calibration standards. Essentially, they set an expected standard that can maintain the reliability of your measuring tools, such as solution standards. Therefore, any results that they produce can be validated and seen as accurate. 

To ensure that analytical instruments meet the quality standard, they must go through a calibration process. For this to happen, the results of said instrument are compared to those from a standard. This standard should have a suitable accuracy with uncertainty for the analytical instrument used and be traceable back to a SI base unit.

There are different groups that help achieve traceability to the SI. Firstly there

Calibration standards for analytical instruments are used to ensure the reliability of their results. Many industries, like gas and oil and biotechnology, rely on these measurements to ensure that their products are safe to use and customers are protected. 

To create a precise calibration standard, the standard must be compared to either a primary standard or an already certified standard that has been compared to a primary standard. These comparisons of different standards create a “chain of traceability” back to the International System of Units (SI). 

Calibration standards are the main focus of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Created in 1901, NIST is a National Metrology Institute (NMI). Its purpose is to create measurement frameworks and architectures that can be relied upon for their accuracy. Instruments calibrated using these frame

Follow along with our experts as they dive into the ICP Operations Guide, chapter by chapter. In this accessible transcript of Episode 3, "Handling, Calculations, Preparation, and Storage of Standards," we present the collective wisdom of our in-house experts—Host and Technical Director Mike Booth, Production Manager Thomas Kozakowski, Technical Support Chemist Ashley Jones, and Technical Product Manager Dr. Lesley Owens. 

The dialogue covers crucial practices for handling chemicals, the impact of temperature on standard preparations, and the intricacies involved in the preparation and storage of standards. You can listen to all episodes of Bench Boost on your favorite streaming platform!

Rigorous testing protocols are required to regulate the cannabis industry. With product safety and quality in mind, these regulatory frameworks need to be backed up by the latest advanced analytical techniques. Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) is one of these tools. ICP-OES instruments can ensure cannabis testing standards are met by delivering sensitivity and exceptional precision. 

Understanding ICP-OES

ICP-OES is an analytical technique that can detect chemical elements in a sample. Sometimes this detection can go down to parts per billion, though mostly it is parts per million. Here is the process behind ICP-OES:

• Atoms and ions are excited through inductively coupled plasma that has been heated, for instance by a plasma torch
• A light

To maintain the quality and standard of your work in analytical chemistry, you should take some time to focus on your own professional development. That way you can employ the latest tools and information in your future projects. 

Recognizing this, Inorganic Venture’s IV Ignite platform has an available ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) training program to take your skillset to the next level. 

Our ICP-MS training can enhance the credentials of chemists worldwide. Read on to learn more about what our ICP training can offer you. 

The IV Ignite Program: Learning about ICP-MS 

Used within pharmaceutical, environmental and geological testing and research, ICP-M

In an era of rapid technological advancements and increasing complexity in analytical science, the demand for proficient Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) analysts has never been higher. Recognizing this trend, we have launched IV Ignite, a cutting-edge virtual ICP training academy designed to bridge the gap in elemental analysis education and support chemists wanting to enhance their analytical skills.

A Leap in Analytical Science Education

Founded in 1985, Inorganic Ventures has been a leader in providing custom solutions for analytical testing, specializing in NIST traceable, stable CRMs, accredited under ISO 17034 & ISO 17025 standards. Our commitment to education and quality is evident in our latest initiative, IV Ignite, which went live on October 31, 2023. This on-demand

Certified reference materials (CRMs) are the unsung heroes of analytical testing. They provide a comparability benchmark that ensures lab accuracy, precision, and repeatability. Yet, as with many aspects of modern industry, CRMs have an environmental toll. Packaging is an issue and an often overlooked contributor to waste generation.i

Certified reference materials are indispensable for instrument calibration and method validation. Hence, it's difficult for users to mitigate the environmental costs of CRM packaging without also compromising their results. This—of course—is a non-option. Instead, the burden of reducing the ecological implications of CRMs should lie with the manufacturer.

How are CRMs Packaged?

Before exploring the steps man

Christiansburg, VA – October 31, 2023 - In a significant stride towards advancing analytical science education, Inorganic Ventures announced the launch of IV Ignite, an on-demand ICP training platform. This innovative platform officially went live Tuesday, October 31st, 2023.

IV Ignite is a dynamic learning space, designed to foster a culture of continuous growth and knowledge exchange among chemists.

With IV Ignite, users will have unparalleled access to the expertise and support needed to enhance their analytical skills, including video courses, podcasts, downloadable resources, live events with instructors, and community forums to engage with other analysts. Along the way, members can earn Professional Development Units (PDUs) and certificates to boost their resumes.

"We developed IV Ignite to fill a training need in the elemental analysis community. Most analysts receive ICP instrument training on the job and are usually not confident in their skills. IV I