SureSTART collection

Importance of the topic

High quality sample containers are fundamental to chromatographic analysis, affecting sample integrity, data reproducibility, and regulatory compliance. Optimal vials and well plates reduce adsorption losses, prevent contamination from extractables and leachables, and ensure consistent results across HPLC, UHPLC, GC, and mass spectrometry platforms.

Objectives and overview of the article

This article presents the Thermo Scientific SureSTART collection, a unified portfolio of vials, caps, inserts, kits, well plates, mats, and accessories. It introduces three distinct performance levels tailored to everyday chromatography, high-throughput workflows, and high-sensitivity or research-grade applications. The aim is to simplify selection, maximize compatibility with major instrument vendors, and balance performance with cost efficiency.

Methodology and used instrumentation

The SureSTART portfolio is defined by rigorous quality control and certification processes:

• Physical specification testing to confirm dimensions, material consistency, and cap seal integrity.
• Extractables and leachables assessment using LC-UV, GC-FID, LC-MS, and GC-MS workflows.
• Compatibility validation on a range of autosamplers and systems from Agilent, CTC Pal, Thermo Scientific TriPlus RSH, Vanquish, Shimadzu, and Waters ACQUITY.
• Specialized kits (MSCERT and MSCERT+) including precleaned vials for direct injection and trace analysis.

Consumable types cover glass and gold-grade silanised vials, polypropylene microvials, crimp-top and screw-top formats, headspace vials, silicone and adhesive mats, and glass-coated plastic well plates.

Main results and discussion

SureSTART is organized into three performance tiers:

• Level 1 Everyday Analysis – cost-optimized vials and caps for routine HPLC/UHPLC or GC with core detectors (UV/Vis, PDA, RI, ELSD, FLD, FID).
• Level 2 High-Throughput – low metal content and extractables for regulated labs using single or triple quadrupole MS, ensuring robust workflows.
• Level 3 High Performance – gold-grade and silanised glass, lowest adsorption surfaces, and precleaned kits tested by LC-MS/GC-MS and HRAM Orbitrap systems for trace-level sensitivity.

WebSeal well plates and Plate+ glass-coated plastics offer increased autosampler capacity, rapid sealing with silicone mats or tape, and reduced biomolecule adsorption for high-density screening.

Benefits and practical applications

The SureSTART collection delivers:

• Assured sample security and integrity across diverse analytes.
• Streamlined stockroom management with universal compatibility.
• Cost savings through bulk pack sizes and tiered performance options.
• Enhanced regulatory compliance via certified physical and chemical specifications.

Applications span routine QA/QC, high-throughput drug screening, environmental trace analysis, and advanced bioanalysis workflows.

Future trends and applications

Emerging directions include integration of advanced surface chemistries to further limit adsorption of polar biomolecules, development of ultra-high density plates for miniaturized assays, and connectivity of consumables to digital tracking systems. Innovations in automation and data-driven selection tools will further optimize workflow efficiency.

Conclusion

The Thermo Scientific SureSTART collection offers a comprehensive, performance-tiered solution for chromatographic consumables. With validated compatibility, rigorous certification, and tailored product tiers, laboratories can achieve reliable, reproducible data while balancing analytical demands and budget constraints.