Routine Analysis through Specialized Approaches: an overview for multipurpose LC/MS workflow design to maximize lab flexibility and sample throughput

Running a routine analysis lab may sound like a simple task since the accepted sample types are known upfront. However, special measures must be taken to cover a broad range of samples while ensuring the lab is fully operational and able to keep up with customer demands. When accommodating a variety of analyte classes (Pesticides, PFAS, Pharmaceuticals, etc…) and sample matrix types (Soil, Water, Sludge…), it is challenging to dedicate single instruments for a specific task – as it severely limits throughput due to decreased flexibility and high-human intervention.

In this talk, we’ll go over our specialized “multipurpose LC/MS approach” are “binned” then analyzed on specifically configured instruments, regardless of the sample type or compounds analyzed. These approaches reduce downtime since there is less human involvement (i.e. column changing, gradient switching, sample prep protocols, etc…) while providing back-up instrumentation and analysis redundancy if a particular unit goes offline. Lastly, we will go over the considerations that need to be taken when migrating to a newer instrument, to ensure the best continuity for the results, while maintaining reproducibility and robustness.

By applying these specialized approaches to your lab workflow, you may be able to efficiently analyze a variety of samples, minimize instrument downtime, maximize sample cycle time, and keep your routine lab highly productive.

In this presentation you will learn:

• A specialized analysis scheme to maximize LC/MS analysis sample throughput, reduce intervention, and minimize down time.
• How to devise similar sample extraction protocols for a variety of different sample types in various matrices (ex. Soil, Water, Sludge).
• How to group similar HPLC gradients and LC/MS methods to accommodate different types of analysis spaces (ex. pesticides, PFAS, and pharmaceuticals).
• Considerations when migrating an existing method to a new type of LC/MS instrument.

Presenter: Arthur Komen (R&D Analyst, Omegam Eurofins)

Moderator: (Martin Graf-Utzmann, Wiley)