In today’s forensic and clinical toxicology labs, productivity is more than just speed—it’s about accuracy, flexibility, and the ability to keep pace with an ever-expanding universe of analytes. Whether processing high-throughput urine samples or evaluating oral fluid, labs are under pressure to deliver reliable results faster, with fewer resources, and across a wide range of complex drug panels. Thermo Fisher Scientific is addressing this challenge head-on, delivering complete LC-MS/MS workflows, solution guides, and databases that prioritize throughput and robustness without sacrificing sensitivity or selectivity. Workflows that include over 100 to 2000 drugs allow for single injection assays that mitigate the need to extract and analyze each drug class individually. The fast speed of the mass spectrometers gives users the ability to speed up gradients, leading to shorter run times.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Boosting_Productivity_in_Toxicology_Labs_7d80cfd388.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Boosting Productivity in Toxicology Labs." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Boosting_Productivity_in_Toxicology_Labs_7d80cfd388.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="512"><h3>A unified workflow for broad drug coverage in urine</h3>Urine remains the cornerstone matrix for drug testing, offering a long detection window for many commonly abused substances. However, with over 100 frequently tested drugs and a growing list of synthetic analogs, labs need streamlined methods capable of handling this analytical diversity. A recent method developed by application scientist Courtney Patterson using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/content/lifetech/global/en/home/industrial/chromatography/chromatography-sample-preparation/sample-preparation-consumables/solid-phase-extraction-consumables/sola-spe-plates-cartridges.html">Thermo Scientific SOLAµ SPE plates</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?category=37&amp;manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=vanquish">Thermo Scientific Vanquish UHPLC</a>, and both <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?category=22&amp;manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=orbitrap">Thermo Scientific HRAM Orbitrap</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?category=20&amp;manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=tsq">Thermo Scientific TSQ triple quadrupole</a> mass spectrometry platforms, delivers a compelling solution. This workflow (linked in the resources section below), utilizes both HRAM Orbitrap and triple quadrupole mass spectrometers, quantified 106 drugs—including 15 isomers—across 10 drug classes, including drugs in both positive and negative polarities, in just 7 minutes per sample. Notably, it demonstrated strong chromatographic resolution for challenging isomeric pairs like codeine/hydrocodone and methamphetamine/phentermine. Lower limits of quantitation (LOQs) ranged from 0.1 to 100 ng/mL, meeting stringent ANSI and forensic standards. Wide dynamic ranges, such as 0.5 to 5,000 ng/mL for norbuprenorphine, enabled labs to confidently report both trace and high-concentration results with minimal rework.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Boosting_Productivity_in_Toxicology_Labs_2_0e2f7432b4.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Boosting Productivity in Toxicology Labs: Figure 1 Extracted ion chromatogram of 106 drugs of abuse in urine from TN002363." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Boosting_Productivity_in_Toxicology_Labs_2_0e2f7432b4.jpg 220w," sizes="100vw" width="672" height="476">What makes this method stand out is its dual-platform compatibility. The same sample preparation and chromatography approach has been validated on both high-resolution Orbitrap and triple quadrupole systems, giving laboratories the freedom to select instrumentation that best aligns with their throughput needs and budget constraints.And speaking of budgets… Be sure to explore our latest promotions, including <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/content/lifetech/global/en/home/o/b/clinical-lcms-discounts.html">complete LC-MS toxicology configurations</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/content/lifetech/global/en/home/industrial/mass-spectrometry/mass-spectrometer-price-affordability-programs.html">affordability programs</a>. You can aim high without overspending by:<ul><li>Investing in certified refurbished instruments at a fraction of the cost</li><li>Trading in older instruments for credit toward the latest models, regardless of manufacturer</li><li>Taking advantage of flexible leasing and financing options, including 0% interest and deferred payment plans</li></ul><h3>Meeting new demands in oral fluid testing with Stellar MS</h3>As oral fluid gains traction for workplace drug testing, roadside evaluations, and rapid screening, labs face a different set of challenges—chief among them, the need for highly sensitive and selective methods to meet SAMHSA detection thresholds. Patterson’s oral fluid workflow, powered by the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1149">Thermo Scientific Stellar mass spectrometer</a>, addresses these needs with precision in a 5-minute method. Using DPX Technology’s INTip™ SCX/WAX SPE tips for extraction and an<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/424"> Accucore Biphenyl column</a> for separation, this method quantified 31 drugs—including THC, opioids, stimulants, and cocaine—at LOQs as low as 0.25 ng/mL. The Stellar system’s targeted-MS2 (tMS2) acquisition mode delivered confident identification with full-scan MS2 spectra, resolving issues like matrix suppression common in oral fluid analysis.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Boosting_Productivity_in_Toxicology_Labs_3_146d0fde1c.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Boosting Productivity in Toxicology Labs: Figure 2 Schematic of XTR tip extraction protocol with mixed mode SCX/WAX chemistry for INTip dispersive solid phase extraction followed by analysis using the Vanquish Horizon UHPLC system and Stellar Mass Spectrometer from TN003851. Artwork provided by DPX Technologies." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Boosting_Productivity_in_Toxicology_Labs_3_146d0fde1c.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="867" height="375">Importantly, the method achieved baseline separation of structural isomers and provided flexibility in fragmentation, using either HCD or CID based on compound-specific needs. Ten real-world case study samples were analyzed successfully, confirming all compounds with robust retention times and fragment ion ratios.<h3>Productivity without compromise</h3>Together, these two workflows—one for urine and one for oral fluid—showcase how Thermo Fisher Scientific is redefining productivity in toxicology. By combining smart sample preparation, fast chromatography, and high-resolution mass spectrometry platforms, these solutions enable:<ul><li>Rapid turnaround times with sub-10-minute methods</li><li>High-confidence results for complex drug panels, including isomers</li><li>Flexible instrumentation to meet the needs of both high-resolution and triple quadrupole users</li><li>Regulatory readiness with LOQs meeting ANSI and SAMHSA guidelines</li></ul>In a world where toxicology labs must do more with less, Thermo Fisher’s comprehensive solutions empower teams to work faster, smarter, and with greater confidence.Learn more about how Thermo Fisher Scientific’s toxicology solutions can help your lab stay ahead: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/content/lifetech/global/en/home/industrial/forensics/forensic-toxicology.html">Forensic Toxicology</a><h3>Resources</h3><ul><li>Past blogs in this series<ul><li>Sample prep – <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/article/6189">Sample Preparation Strategies Demystified: Choosing the Right Fit for Your Toxicology Workflow</a></li><li>Tox Explorer – <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/article/6587">Beyond Blood: Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Develops HRAM-Powered Method for Post-Mortem Toxicology Analysis</a></li><li>VeriSpray – <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/article/6860">Advancing Drug Analysis with PaperSpray MS</a></li></ul></li><li>On-demand workshop – <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/4735">Next-Generation Workflows for Small Molecule Quantitation Using the Thermo Scientific Stellar Mass Spectrometer</a></li><li>Technical note – <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/paper/32266">Quantitation of an oral fluid drug panel including THC using the new Stellar mass spectrometer</a></li><li>Technical note – <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/paper/32265">Utilizing HRAM Orbitrap mass spectrometry to quantitate 106 drugs of abuse in urine</a></li><li>Technical note – <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/paper/32265">Utilizing triple quadrupole mass spectrometry to quantitate 106 drugs of abuse in urine</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/paper/32265">Drug screening and confirmation workflows</a></li><li>Promotions<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/content/lifetech/global/en/home/o/b/clinical-lcms-discounts.html">Save up to 40% on complete LC-MS toxicology configurations</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/content/lifetech/global/en/home/industrial/mass-spectrometry/mass-spectrometer-price-affordability-programs.html">Mass spectrometer affordability programs</a><ul><li>Refurbished MS</li><li>Trade-in</li><li>Financing/ leasing</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>Visit us on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/">LinkedIn:</a>&nbsp;#ForensicToxicology #MassSpectrometry #LabProductivity<blockquote><h5>Ema Ruzic</h5><div>Vertical Marketing Manager, Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry Division (CMD)</div></blockquote>

Boosting Productivity in Toxicology Labs

Registration and abstract submission are now open for the 44th International Symposium on Capillary Chromatography and 21st GC×GC Symposium (ISCC &amp; GC×GC 2026), which will take place May 17–22, 2026 in Riva del Garda, Italy. Researchers interested in presenting their work are invited to submit abstracts for poster presentations before the March 15, 2026 deadline in order to be included in the official Book of Abstracts.Authors will be informed about the acceptance of oral and poster presentations by April 6, 2026. Please note that presenters must complete their registration payment by April 19, 2026 (or April 12, 2026 to benefit from the reduced fee). Abstracts without payment by April 22, 2026 will not be included in the program or the Book of Abstracts.The meeting will bring together experts in capillary chromatography, multidimensional separations, GC×GC, LC×LC, and MS-hyphenated techniques, with additional focus on data analytics, sustainable technologies, miniaturized sample preparation, and emerging analytical workflows.<h3>KeyDates</h3><ul><li>March 15, 2026: Abstract deadline for a Poster Presentation to be included in the Book of Abstracts.</li><li>April 06, 2026: Within this date, information will be given on the acceptance of oral and poster presentations.<ul><li>Please remember that if you are submitting an abstract for an oral or poster presentation, you must pay the registration fee by April 19, 2026 (with the reduced fee by April 12, 2026). If no payment is made by April 22, 2026, the abstract will not be included in the program and book of abstracts.</li></ul></li><li>April 12, 2026: Deadline for Reduced Registration</li><li>April 22, 2026: Preliminary Program</li><li>May 17, 2026: GCxGC and LCxLC Courses</li><li>May 18, 2026: 21st GCxGC Symposium</li><li>May, 19 2026: 44th ISCC Symposium</li></ul><h3>Registration</h3><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://registration.chromaleont.it/">REGISTER HERE</a></blockquote><h4>Registration fees</h4><h5>Full Registration (prior April 12, 2026)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h5><ul><li>REGISTRATION &nbsp;44th ISCC: 550.00 €&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>REGISTRATION 21st GCxGC: 275.00 €&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>COMBINED REGISTRATION: 750.00 €</li></ul><h5>Full Registration (after April 12, 2026)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h5><ul><li>REGISTRATION &nbsp;44th ISCC: 700.00 €&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>REGISTRATION 21st GCxGC: 400.00 €&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>COMBINED REGISTRATION: 900.00 €</li></ul><h5>Student Registration (prior April 12, 2026)</h5>&nbsp;(verification of student status required)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li>REGISTRATION &nbsp;44th ISCC: 300.00 €&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>REGISTRATION 21st GCxGC: 150.00 €&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>COMBINED REGISTRATION: 400.00 €</li></ul><h5>Student Registration (after April 12, 2026)</h5>&nbsp;(verification of student status required)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li>REGISTRATION &nbsp;44th ISCC: 400.00 €&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>REGISTRATION 21st GCxGC: 250.00 €&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>COMBINED REGISTRATION: 500.00 €</li></ul><h5>Course Registration</h5><ul><li>SHORT COURSE ON GCxGC: 100.00 € / 150.00 €*&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>SHORT COURSE ON LCxLC: 100.00 € / 150.00 €*</li></ul>*prior / after April 12, 2026&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h5>Accompaning Person</h5>(no entrance to the Scientific Sessions)<ul><li>Prior April 12, 2026: 100.00 €&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>After April 12, 2026: 150.00 €&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul><blockquote>Important information: please remember that if you are submitting an abstract for an oral or poster presentation, you must pay the registration fee by April 19, 2026 (with the reduced fee by April 12, 2026). If payment is not made by April 22, 2026, the abstract will not be included in the program and book of abstracts. If you wish to attend the conference, but do not intend to submit an abstract, payment can be made on-site. On-site payment can also be made using PayPal or cash.</blockquote>Registration Fees include: entrance to all Scientific Sessions and the Exhibition, a copy of the Final Program, the Book of Abstracts and participation in Social Events.&nbsp;<h3>Abstract submission</h3><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://registration.chromaleont.it/my-account/">Please login to submit your abstract.</a></blockquote><h4>Topics</h4><h5>Techniques:</h5><ul><li>Capillary Gas chromatography</li><li>Nano and Capillary Liquid Chromatography</li><li>Column Technology</li><li>Hyphenated Techniques</li><li>Comprehensive Techniques</li><li>Coupled and Multidimensional Techniques</li><li>Sampling Systems</li><li>Miniaturized Sample Preparation</li><li>Trace Analysis</li><li>Automation</li><li>Electromigration Methods</li><li>Microfabricated Analytical Systems Lab-on-a-chip</li></ul><h5>Applications:</h5><ul><li>Environmental</li><li>Biomedical and Pharmaceutical</li><li>Energy, Petrochemical and Industrial</li><li>Natural Products, Food, Flavours and Fragrances</li></ul><h5>Hot topics:</h5><ul><li>Artificial Intelligence</li><li>3D Printing</li><li>State-of-the-Art PFAS analysis</li><li>Mass Spectrometry hyphenated to miniaturized systems</li></ul>

44th International Symposium on Capillary Chromatography and 21st GCxGC Symposium - Registration and Deadline for Poster Presentation Abstract Submission

This leaflet is intended as a comprehensive checklist outlining the key steps to consider when participating in a proficiency testing (PT) scheme. Selection of an appropriate PT scheme must be ensured [1]. It provides essential tips to help participants avoid common mistakes and achieve successful outcomes. The main stages of PT participation are covered, from receipt of PT items through to the review of received evaluations [1-3]. Documentation of outcomes for many of the topics addressed below is recommended, particularly for accreditation purposes.&nbsp;<h4>1. Prior to PT participation&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Verify that the PT provider has up-to-date billing, shipping and technical contact information for the laboratory.&nbsp;</li><li>Ensure that the laboratory has documented procedures in place or, if necessary, prepare procedures for: reviewing PT results upon receipt; taking corrective actions when assessments indicate poor performance; conducting periodic reviews of PT results over time; storing PT reports.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>2. Receipt of PT items&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Open the package of PT items immediately upon receipt to check their condition. Contact the PT provider and request a replacement if any PT items are missing, broken, leaking or otherwise compromised.&nbsp;</li><li>Study the PT provider’s instructions carefully to ensure they are clear and understandable (e.g. handling, storage, pre-treatment, preparation, reporting of results).&nbsp;</li><li>Register, identify, and mark the PT items according to normal procedures in the laboratory.&nbsp;</li><li>Store the PT items in accordance with any instructions provided.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>3. Measurements&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Read the instructions supplied by the PT provider carefully before starting the measurements.&nbsp;</li><li>Carry out the measurements under conditions as close as possible to routine testing, unless otherwise instructed by the PT provider.&nbsp;</li><li>Ensure that the analysis is carried out to meet any measurement deadline requirements.</li></ul><h4>4. Reporting results&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Allow sufficient time for reporting the results to the PT provider.&nbsp;</li><li>Report all the information required by the PT provider.&nbsp;</li><li>Ensure that the results are reported in the requested format (e.g. units, number of significant figures, decimal places).&nbsp;</li><li>Ensure that the results you are going to submit are those that you intend, correcting for any identified transcription errors (e.g. mix-up of samples or analytes).&nbsp;</li><li>Confirm that the submission process of the results to the PT provider has been completed.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>5. Reviewing PT reports&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Read the PT report as soon as possible and check that your results and other information are correctly represented; report any errors immediately to the PT provider.&nbsp;</li><li>Take notice of any comments on the specific PT round, evaluation of performance, and other matters relevant to the results of the PT round which provide valuable context to your individual results.&nbsp;</li><li>Review your assessed performance carefully in accordance with your laboratory procedures.&nbsp;</li><li>Store the PT report according to internal procedures.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>6. Follow-up on participation in a PT scheme&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Investigate any poor performance in accordance with your laboratory quality system [4].&nbsp;</li><li>Evaluate the impact of poor performance (e.g. risk that poor quality data may have been reported to customers).&nbsp;</li><li>Implement any corrective actions as relevant, and if possible, make use of any surplus PT items [5] to assess effectiveness.&nbsp;</li><li>Monitor any trends in performance over time, concentration levels, etc.&nbsp;</li></ul><blockquote>Information about PT providers and PT schemes can be obtained from your national accreditation body, from the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.eptis.org/">EPTIS website</a> or from other national or international organizations.</blockquote>

Basic instructions for participants in a proficiency testing scheme

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Boosting Productivity in Toxicology Labs

Basic instructions for participants in a proficiency testing scheme

44th International Symposium on Capillary Chromatography and 21st GCxGC Symposium - Registration and Deadline for Poster Presentation Abstract Submission