In this issue...

News from the Lab  Articles Online  Analytical Quick Tip  Joke of the Month  Selecting a Sample Preparation Method

•  What would you like to see in future issues? Suggestions are welcome.

•  Recommend the IV Line to a friend or colleague.

Truly Pure Chlorite
Chromatographs don't lie
Inorganic Ventures has perfected the purification of technical-grade sodium chlorite. The final product is a standard that is certified by Iodometric Titration and Ion Chromatography. View scans and data.

FREE Standard!
Save on Ion Chromatography
During the entire month of February, buy any stock Ion Chromatography standard and get a second Ion Chromatography standard of equal or lesser value FREE!  Limit of one free standard per order.

4-Page Certificates
The most data. Period.
Our new Certificates of Analysis (first released spring 2003) are the most detailed in the industry. We report Trace Metallic Impurities, Uncertainty Levels, and much more. See the difference -- view a sample.

When taking aliquots of standards for dilution and mixing, always weigh the aliquot and calculate the mL taken using the certified density of the standard. This precaution will save time in the long run.

The selection of a preparation method is dependent upon:

1. the analyte(s)
2. the analyte concentration level(s)
3. the sample matrix
4. the instrumental measurement technique
5. the required sample size

The method selected will require specific sample preparation equipment and reagents. Contamination from the atmosphere, apparatus, and reagents is a key issue when addressing the selection process. The following checklist should be considered prior to selecting a method:

The identity of the analytes and potential chemical forms.
The concentration range(s) of the analyte(s) and the detection limit requirement(s).
The chemical and physical composition of the sample matrix.
The availability of apparatus and equipment.
The sample size that is available or required.
The potential for contamination during some part of the sample preparation process.

Using the above information, the analyst is in a position to select the preparation technique. This involves choosing the mode of attack (acid digestion, ashing, fusion), the specific chemical reagents, and the container(s) materials needed to carry out the preparation. The analyst must keep in mind that contamination issues, plus any difficulties within the final sample solution matrix, will have an impact upon the ICP-OES and/or ICP-MS measurement techniques.

The above passage was taken from Reliable Measurements: An Introduction to Sample Preparation. Read the full guide here.

Articles Online  more articles

Sample Introduction Systems
Part four of our ICP Operations guide offers maintenance and troubleshooting tips for ICP sample introduction systems.

Nebulizers, Spray Chambers, and Torches
Part five of our ICP Operations guide discusses the individual components of an ICP sample introduction system. Includes several links to other helpful resources.

Analyzing For Br by ICP
Dr. Gaines recommends his method when analyzing for bromine with ICP-OES for samples in a PET matrix.

ICP-MS Sensitivity Optimization
Dr. Gaines offers shares his experience in optimizing an ICP-MS instrument to improve its sensitivity.

Joke of the Month  more humor

Q: How did the chemist survive the famine?

A: By subsisting on titrations.