This workflow confirms and quantifies 31 drugs of abuse in oral fluid (including THC) in a 4.5‑minute LC run on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1149">Thermo Scientific Stellar mass spectrometer</a> using full scan + targeted MS2 (tMS2) with both HCD and CID fragmentation. With 1 µL injection and 0.1% formic acid in water/methanol mobile phases, the method supports ~13 samples/hour (up to ~320/day continuous operation) while maintaining confirmation performance via ion ratios.<blockquote><h5>Method at a glance</h5><ul><li>What matrix is tested? Oral fluid</li><li>How many drugs? 31 drugs of abuse (panel includes THC)</li><li>Run time? 4.5 minutes</li><li>Throughput? ~13 samples/hour → up to ~320 samples/day (24‑hour operation)</li><li>Injection volume? 1 µL</li><li>Mobile phases? 0.1% formic acid in water (A) and 0.1% formic acid in methanol (B)</li><li>MS acquisition? Full scan + targeted MS2 (tMS2)</li><li>Fragmentation? Compound‑optimized HCD and CID in the same targeted list</li><li>Confirmation strategy? Ion ratios with ±20% tolerance (typical confirmatory approach)</li></ul></blockquote><h3>Why oral fluid—and why speed matters</h3>Oral fluid is attractive for clinical and forensic toxicology because collection is simple and the matrix aligns well with high‑volume workflows (workplace/occupational, roadside, and other settings). The challenge is building a method that’s simultaneously:<ul><li>Broad enough for today’s drug panels</li><li>Sensitive enough to reach required cutoffs</li><li>Fast enough to keep sample queues under control</li><li>Confirmation‑ready (consistent product ions and ion ratios)</li></ul>A 4.5‑minute method is a practical lever here: compress runtime, raise throughput, and still keep confirmation quality by optimizing MS/MS conditions per compound.<h3>The LC method</h3>A short, efficient separation is the foundation of the workflow:<ul><li>UHPLC system: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/744">Thermo Scientific Vanquish Horizon UHPLC</a></li><li>Column: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/424">Thermo Scientific Accucore Biphenyl</a>, 50 × 2.1 mm, 2.6 µm</li><li>Mobile phase A: 0.1% formic acid in water</li><li>Mobile phase B: 0.1% formic acid in methanol</li><li>Injection volume: 1 µL</li><li>Gradient runtime: 4.5 minutes</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_4_5_Minute_Oral_Fluid_LC_MS_Method_to_Detect_31_Drugs_of_Abuse_Using_Stellar_MS_fd3f3e8ea4.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: 4.5-Minute Oral Fluid LC MS Method to Detect 31 Drugs of Abuse Using Stellar MS: Figure 1: Thermo Scientific Vanquish Horizon UHPLC system." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_4_5_Minute_Oral_Fluid_LC_MS_Method_to_Detect_31_Drugs_of_Abuse_Using_Stellar_MS_fd3f3e8ea4.jpg 120w," sizes="100vw" width="747" height="969"><h3>The MS method (Full scan + targeted MS2 with HCD + CID)</h3><h5>Acquisition approach</h5>This method uses a “two‑layer” strategy for quantitation + confirmation:<ol><li>Full scan (broad coverage, context, quantitative support)</li><li>Targeted MS2 (tMS2) (confirmation‑focused product ions, ion ratios)</li></ol><h5>The key differentiator: HCD and CID in one targeted list</h5>Instead of forcing every analyte into a single fragmentation style, the method uses both:<ul><li>HCD (beam‑type fragmentation)</li><li>CID (resonance‑type fragmentation)</li></ul><h5>Why that improves method development:</h5>Drugs of abuse span multiple chemistries. A single collision approach often works “okay” for most compounds—but one or two analytes can become persistent problems (weak qualifiers, unstable ion ratios, excess noise). Having both HCD and CID available in one method lets you optimize per compound and move faster.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_4_5_Minute_Oral_Fluid_LC_MS_Method_to_Detect_31_Drugs_of_Abuse_Using_Stellar_MS_3_e4a95651a2.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: 4.5-Minute Oral Fluid LC MS Method to Detect 31 Drugs of Abuse Using Stellar MS: Figure 2: Thermo Scientific Stellar mass spectrometer." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_4_5_Minute_Oral_Fluid_LC_MS_Method_to_Detect_31_Drugs_of_Abuse_Using_Stellar_MS_3_e4a95651a2.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="645" height="377"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_4_5_Minute_Oral_Fluid_LC_MS_Method_to_Detect_31_Drugs_of_Abuse_Using_Stellar_MS_5_88276eec6a.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: 4.5-Minute Oral Fluid LC MS Method to Detect 31 Drugs of Abuse Using Stellar MS: Figure 3: Full scan &amp; targeted MS2 methods, HCD and collision energies used." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_4_5_Minute_Oral_Fluid_LC_MS_Method_to_Detect_31_Drugs_of_Abuse_Using_Stellar_MS_5_88276eec6a.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="768" height="279"><h3>Why CID + HCD flexibility improves confirmation</h3>In this workflow, HCD performed well for most compounds. But for buprenorphine, HCD produced one dominant product ion with additional low m/z noise and noticeable residual precursor. Using CID generated two high‑intensity product ions and delivered consistent ion ratios across the calibration range.When your confirmation hinges on stable ion ratios, the ability to switch fragmentation mode (not just collision energy) is a method‑development advantage—especially for “problem analytes.”<h3>Controllable ionization</h3>Oral fluid methods often deal with limited sample volume and matrix effects. This workflow pairs low injection volume with ionization control using the Thermo Scientific OptaMax Plus HESI source.<ul><li>The OptaMax Plus HESI source supports high probe temperature capability (up to 650 °C).</li><li>In this study, a vaporizer temperature of 500 °C was used to help achieve sensitivity and improve relative peak areas across drugs of abuse.</li></ul>Why this matters: If you’re injecting only 1 µL, ionization stability and efficiency can be the difference between “meets cutoff” and “misses at LOQ.”<h3>Sample preparation</h3>Oral fluid panels become more challenging when THC is included because most drugs of abuse are basic, while THC is largely neutral, and that can stress extraction chemistry.In this workflow, oral fluid calibrators and samples were extracted using a mixed‑mode approach designed to recover THC alongside other drugs:<ul><li>Calibrators prepared across eight levels (broad dynamic range)</li><li>Extraction performed using mixed‑mode chemistry tips (SCX/WAX) in a dispersive SPE‑style workflow</li><li>Steps automated on a liquid handling platform to support high‑throughput consistency</li><li>Samples dried and reconstituted prior to LC‑MS analysis</li><li>Only 1 µL injected per run</li></ul>Even if your lab uses different automation or consumables, the method structure (fast LC + full scan + targeted MS2 with dual fragmentation) transfers well.<blockquote><h5>Throughput math</h5><ul><li>4.5 minutes per injection → 60 / 4.5 = 13.3 injections/hour</li><li>That’s ~13 samples/hour in typical phrasing</li><li>Over 24 hours: 13.3 × 24 = ~320 samples/day (continuous operation)</li></ul>If you run a single shift, just scale accordingly (e.g., ~106/day for an 8‑hour shift, excluding QC and overhead).</blockquote><h3>Performance summary</h3><h5>Sensitivity and linearity</h5><ul><li>Linearity from LOQs as low as 0.25 ng/mL up to 1,000 ng/mL (panel-dependent)</li><li>For THC specifically: LOQ at 1 ng/mL, with a dynamic range extending to 1,000 ng/mL in this evaluation</li><li>Across the panel, LOQs were reported as lower than recommended confirmation cutoffs referenced in SAMHSA guidance and NSC Tier 1 cutoffs (study-specific outcome)</li></ul><h5>Confirmation via ion ratios</h5><ul><li>Ion ratios evaluated using ±20% tolerance (typical confirmatory acceptance framework)</li><li>The workflow produced consistent ion ratios across calibrator levels for the full panel in this evaluation</li></ul><h5>Case sample comparison (real-world relevance)</h5>When compared against a validated triple quadrupole method for case study samples, the Stellar MS workflow:<ul><li>Confirmed the positive hits observed by the reference method</li><li>Reported a few additional positives for select analytes, attributed to lower LOQs</li><li>Highlighted an operational efficiency point: 1 µL injection in this method versus 20 µL injection in the compared method</li></ul><h3>FAQ</h3><div><div><ol><li>How long does the LC‑MS run take for the 31‑drug oral fluid panel? 4.5 minutes per injection using a short UHPLC gradient. &nbsp;</li><li>How many drugs of abuse can Stellar MS detect in this workflow? 31 drugs of abuse, including THC, using full scan + targeted MS2. &nbsp;</li><li>What MS/MS approach is used? A combined strategy: full scan plus targeted MS2 (tMS2) for confirmation. &nbsp;</li><li>Why use both HCD and CID? Because some analytes fragment better—and produce more stable confirmation ions/ion ratios—under one mode versus the other. Using both increases flexibility and speeds method optimization. &nbsp;</li><li>What injection volume is used? 1 µL of extracted sample. &nbsp;</li><li>What mobile phases are used? 0.1% formic acid in water (A) and 0.1% formic acid in methanol (B). &nbsp;</li><li>How many samples can you run per day? At 4.5 minutes/injection, throughput is ~13 samples/hour or up to ~320/day with continuous operation (actual throughput depends on QC and scheduling).</li></ol></div></div><h3>What makes this workflow “easy” to develop on Stellar MS</h3>Here’s the short list of features that directly reduce method‑development friction:<ul><li>HCD or CID in one method → optimize per compound, not compromise</li><li>Fast MS2 acquisition speeds (up to 140 Hz for MS2) → more data points across narrow peaks</li><li>Fast polarity switching (true 5 ms) → supports mixed panels efficiently</li><li>Adaptive RT (real‑time retention time window adjustment) → helps reduce reinjections when retention times drift (e.g., column aging) and supports method transfer from longer to shorter gradients</li><li>OptaMax Plus HESI source control → supports sensitivity at low injection volumes</li></ul>If you’re building a fast oral fluid confirmation workflow—or updating an existing DOA panel—this 4.5‑minute method shows how Stellar MS can combine speed, confirmation-ready MS2, and fragmentation flexibility (HCD + CID) in a single targeted workflow. Reach out to learn how to adapt the targeted list, collision settings, and scheduling strategy to your lab’s cutoffs and throughput goals.<blockquote>Visit us on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/">LinkedIn:</a>&nbsp;#MassSpectrometry #OralFluid #DrugsOfAbuse #MethodDevelopment #HighThroughput</blockquote>

4.5-Minute Oral Fluid LC MS Method to Detect 31 Drugs of Abuse Using Stellar MS

<h2><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.isc2026.org/">ISC 2026</a></h2>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/companies/314">International Symposium on Chromatography (ISC)</a> represents the oldest conference series on separation science. ISC symposia have been organised since 1956 in each even year. ISC is one of the premier meetings series for discussion of all modes of chromatography and separation science with a broad coverage of techniques and applications.<h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/644">35th International Symposium on Chromatography</a></h4>📆6. - 10. September 2026📍Prague, Czech Republic<h3>REGISTRATION</h3><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.czech-in.org/cmPortalV15/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2FcmPortalV15%2FPortal%2FISC26%2Fnormal">Register HERE for the ISC 2026</a>Late Registration until 25 August 2026</blockquote><h3>INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES</h3><h4>Activity 1: Discussion Session: Industry &amp; Education</h4><ul><li>Monday, 7 September 2026 | 16:30-17:50</li><li>Place: Club A</li><li>Moderators: Tony Edge and Deirdre Cabooter&nbsp;</li></ul><h5>Concept:</h5>This discussion session will explore the relationship between education in separation science in academia and the expectations of industry, focusing on how universities and companies can better collaborate to prepare graduates for successful careers in analytical laboratories and R&amp;D environments. The goal of the session is to provide perspectives from both academia and industry on how education in chromatography and related separation techniques can evolve to better reflect current technological, methodological, and regulatory challenges.<h5>Discussion Topics:</h5><ul><li>Bridging academia and industry: how both sectors perceive current cooperation and where improvements are possible&nbsp;</li><li>Graduate preparedness: which skills and competencies are often missing when entering industrial roles, and in which areas graduates typically excel&nbsp;</li><li>Approaches to teaching separation science: how chromatography and related analytical techniques are taught across different universities and regions&nbsp;</li><li>Industry support for education: examples of collaboration such as internships, industrial placements, joint teaching activities, or access to instrumentation&nbsp;</li><li>Experiences with academia–industry partnerships: what models of cooperation have proven effective in practice&nbsp;</li><li>Future perspectives: how education in separation science should adapt to emerging trends such as automation, digitalization, sustainability, and regulatory requirements&nbsp;</li></ul><h5>Format:</h5>Moderated panel discussion with short introductory remarks from invited speakers representing both academia and industry, followed by an interactive discussion with the audience.<h5>Panelists:</h5><ul><li>Shimadzu&nbsp;</li><li>Novartis&nbsp;</li><li>Jelle De Vos, RIC Group&nbsp;</li><li>Davy Guillarme, University of Geneva&nbsp;</li><li>Caterina Temporini, University of Pavia&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Activity 2: Career Presentation&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Monday, 7 September 2026 | 18:00-19:00</li><li>Place: Club A</li><li>Moderators: Adrian Clarke and Martina Catani</li></ul><h5>Concept:</h5>This session will provide an overview of career opportunities in separation science across industry, highlighting the wide range of professional pathways available to graduates and experienced scientists working in chromatography and related analytical disciplines.Participating companies will introduce their organizations, present typical roles involving separation techniques, and share insights into the skills and competencies they seek in candidates. The session is intended to support students, early-career researchers, and experienced professionals interested in exploring career options in industry sectors.<h5>Discussion Topics:&nbsp;</h5><ul><li>Overview of career paths involving chromatography and separation science&nbsp;</li><li>Entry-level opportunities for graduates and PhD holders&nbsp;</li><li>Positions for experienced scientists and technical specialists&nbsp;</li><li>Roles in R&amp;D, analytical development, quality control, regulatory science, application support, and instrument development&nbsp;</li><li>Skills and competencies valued by employers in separation science&nbsp;</li><li>Internships, graduate programs, and early-career development opportunities&nbsp;</li><li>Mobility between academia and industry&nbsp;</li></ul><h5>Format:</h5>Short presentation providing:<ul><li>overview of different carrier paths&nbsp;</li><li>introduction to the company and its activities related to separation science&nbsp;</li><li>examples of typical roles and career progression paths&nbsp;</li><li>information about current or expected hiring needs&nbsp;</li><li>advice for candidates interested in pursuing careers in industry&nbsp;</li><li>the session should include time for informal discussion, allowing participants to interact with company representatives and learn more about specific opportunities.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Activity 3: Job Fair</h4><ul><li>Monday, 7 September and Tuesday, 8 September 2026 | 12:30-14:00</li><li>Place: Club A</li><li>Main organizer: Adrian Clarke</li></ul><h5>Concept:</h5>The ISC 2026 Job Fair provides a structured opportunity for direct interaction between companies active in separation science and conference participants seeking career opportunities. The session is designed to facilitate efficient, focused conversations between employers and candidates interested in positions related to chromatography and analytical science.Participating candidates will submit their CV in advance allowing companies to review profiles prior to the event and identify potential matches based on expertise, experience, and career interests.<h5>Format:</h5>The Job Fair will follow a structured rotation format:<ul><li>Each participating company will be assigned a dedicated table&nbsp;</li><li>One company representative will meet candidates individually&nbsp;</li><li>Each candidate will have 5 minutes per meeting to introduce their background and interests&nbsp;</li><li>Participants will rotate between companies at timed intervals&nbsp;</li><li>Session timing will be managed by the organizer, with a signal indicating when to move to the next meeting&nbsp;</li></ul><h5>Candidates:</h5>Participants interested in joining the Job Fair are asked to:<ul><li>submit their CV before August 23rd &nbsp;</li><li>indicate areas of expertise and career interests&nbsp;</li><li>specify whether they are seeking internships, entry-level roles, or experienced positions&nbsp;</li><li>specify if you cannot be available on a certain day e.g. owing to poster presentation&nbsp;</li><li>send these materials to: <a href="mailto:careers@isc2026.org">careers@isc2026.org</a>&nbsp;</li></ul><h5>Companies:</h5>Confirmed participating companies to date include:<ul><li>Novartis&nbsp;</li><li>RIC Group&nbsp;</li><li>Shimadzu&nbsp;</li><li>further companies to be added&nbsp;</li></ul>Potential employers please register your interest to <a href="mailto:careers@isc2026.org">careers@isc2026.org</a> to participate in the speed-dating (first come first served basis).“Jobs position” board will be available in the Careers fair in the foyer in the symposium venue and attendees can visit the company booths in the exhibition hall or discuss with recruiting companies during the conference.<blockquote>Recruiters please send an email with your open positions to <a href="careers@isc2026.org">careers@isc2026.org</a> by the 23rd August and bring the job adverts to post on the jobs board (there will also be the possibility to upload the open positions to the Symposium app).</blockquote><h4>Activity 4: Discussion Session: Artificial Intelligence in Separation Science: From Concept to Practice</h4><ul><li>Tuesday, 8 September 2026 | 16:30-18:00</li><li>Place: Club A</li><li>Moderators: Bob Pirok</li></ul><h5>Concept:</h5>Artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven approaches are increasingly influencing analytical chemistry, offering new possibilities for method development, data interpretation, process optimization, and decision support. This discussion session will explore how AI is currently being applied in separation science, with a particular focus on practical implementation in industry environments.The session aims to provide a realistic overview of the current state of AI adoption, highlighting both successful applications and remaining challenges. Contributions from industry and academia will help clarify where AI already delivers value, where expectations may exceed current capabilities, and what developments are needed to enable broader implementation.<h5>Discussion Topics:&nbsp;</h5><ul><li>Current applications of AI and machine learning in separation science&nbsp;</li><li>Use of AI in chromatographic method development and optimization&nbsp;</li><li>Data analysis, peak detection, and automated interpretation of complex datasets&nbsp;</li><li>AI-supported troubleshooting and predictive maintenance of analytical instruments&nbsp;</li><li>Integration of AI into regulated environments (e.g., pharmaceutical industry)&nbsp;</li><li>Data requirements, data quality, and standardization challenges&nbsp;</li><li>Comparison between academic developments and real-world industrial implementation&nbsp;</li><li>Barriers to adoption, including regulatory considerations, validation requirements, and transparency of models&nbsp;</li><li>Future outlook: digital laboratories, autonomous method development, and AI-assisted decision-making in analytical workflows&nbsp;</li></ul><h5>Format:</h5>Moderated panel discussion with short introductory remarks from invited speakers representing both academia and industry, followed by an interactive discussion with the audience.<h4>Activity 5: Discussion Session: Sustainability in Separation Science</h4><ul><li>Wednesday, 9 September 2026 | 16:30-18:00</li><li>Place: Club A</li><li>Moderators: Gertrud Morlock</li></ul><h5>Concept:</h5>Sustainability has become an increasingly important priority in analytical science, driving the development of greener methods, reduced solvent consumption, improved energy efficiency, and more responsible laboratory practices. While academic research frequently proposes innovative sustainable approaches, their implementation in industry is often influenced by additional considerations such as robustness, regulatory compliance, cost efficiency, scalability, and long-term reliability.This discussion session aims to explore how sustainability principles are applied in real industrial environments and how collaboration between academia and industry can help translate promising research concepts into practical, validated solutions.By bringing together perspectives from both sectors, the session will highlight opportunities to better align research priorities with industrial needs and identify realistic pathways toward more sustainable separation workflows.<h5>Discussion Topics:&nbsp;</h5><ul><li>Reduction of solvent consumption and the transition to more environmentally friendly mobile phases&nbsp;</li><li>Miniaturized and more efficient separation and extraction techniques&nbsp;</li><li>Energy consumption and efficiency of laboratory processes and analytical instrumentation&nbsp;</li><li>Lifecycle considerations for columns, consumables, and laboratory waste&nbsp;</li><li>Metrics and approaches for measuring and evaluating the “greenness” of analytical methods&nbsp;</li><li>Regulatory constraints and requirements that may limit the implementation of greener analytical workflows&nbsp;</li></ul><h5>Format:</h5>Moderated panel discussion with short introductory contributions from invited speakers representing industry, academia, and technology providers, followed by interactive discussion with the audience.<h5>Panelists:</h5><ul><li>Sébastien Rolle, Shimadzu&nbsp;</li><li>Ken Cook, Thermo Fisher Scientific&nbsp;</li><li>Andreas Otto, Agilent&nbsp;</li><li>Janusz Pawliszyn, University of Waterloo&nbsp;</li><li>Giorgia Purcaro, University of Liège&nbsp;</li></ul>

Industry program at ISC 2026

We are delighted to invite food scientists from academia and industry, representatives of (inter)national agencies, control authorities, governmental and commercial laboratories to attend <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/928">RAFA 2026</a> (12th Symposium on Recent Advances in Food Analysis), that takes place 3–6 November 2026 in Prague..<blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://rafa.easyevent.eu/tickets/">SUBMIT ABSTRACT</a> FOR POSTER PRESENTATION by August 31, 2026Do not miss the opportunity to present your latest results at RAFA 2026.</blockquote><h5>Next deadlines:</h5><ul><li>August 31, 2026: 2nd window – &nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.rafa2026.eu/sponsors_exhibitors_media_partners_info.html">Application for participation as a Sponsor or Exhibitor</a></li><li>September 30, 2026:&nbsp;<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.rafa2026.eu/registration.html">Registration at the regular rate</a></li><li>Abstract submission – Last minute posters (May not appear in the RAFA 2026 program)</li></ul></li></ul>Since its first edition in 2003, RAFA has grown into a prestigious international event, typically welcoming up to 850 participants from more than 60 countries worldwide, with the support of more than 50 sponsors, exhibitors, media and supporting partners.RAFA 2026 will provide an overview of contemporary trends in the ANALYTICAL &amp; BIOANALYTICAL STRATEGIES IN FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY CONTROL and discuss the CHALLENGES AND NOVEL APPROACHES IN FOOD AND NATURAL PRODUCTS ANALYSIS.View the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.rafa2026.eu/invited_speakers.html">list of distinguished speakers</a> who have accepted our invitation to RAFA 2026 and will present current hot topics and future perspectives in food analysis!<blockquote>👉More details on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.rafa2026.eu/scientific_programme.html">RAFA 2026 preliminary program</a> can be found HERE.👉OUR <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.rafa2026.eu/about_sponsors_exhibitors_partners.html">SPONSORS, EXHIBITORS, MEDIA and SUPPORTING PARTNERS</a></blockquote>You are kindly invited to join and contribute to our exciting scientific program and unforgettable social events!We look forward to meeting you again in Prague!<ul><li>Prof. Jana Pulkrabova &amp; Dr. Stefan van Leeuwen, Symposium Chairs</li><li>Prof. Michele Suman, Symposium Co-chair</li><li>Prof. Jana Hajslova &amp; Prof. Michel Nielen, Symposium Honorary Chairs</li></ul>

RAFA 2026 - Deadline for Abstract Submission for poster presentation is coming

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RAFA provides an overview of contemporary trends in ANALYTICAL & BIOANALYTICAL STRATEGIES IN FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY CONTROL and discusses CHALLENGES / NOVEL APPROACHES IN FOOD AND NATURAL PRODUCTS ANALYSIS.

Recent Advances in Food Analysis (RAFA)

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Thermo Fisher Scientific

The International Symposium on Chromatography (ISC) represents the oldest conference series focussing on separation science. ISC symposia have been organised since 1956 in each even year. ISC is internationally recognised as one of the premier meeting series for discussion of all modes of chromatography and separation science with a broad coverage of techniques and applications.

International Symposium on Chromatography - (ISC)

Watrex SCI-AQUA ROWAPUR 270 Water Purification System

Fully automatic system for the preparation of pure water based on reverse osmosis.

Fully automatic system for the preparation of pure water based on reverse osmosis. Reverse osmosis membrane is protected by three-stage pre-filtration consisting of sediment filter and two carbon adsorption filters.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/obchod/water-purification/reverse-osmosis-systems/rowapur-270-reverse-osmosis-system/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_produkty">Watrex ROWAPUR</a> is driven by water pressure from water distribution network, it does not require electric power.It prepares water free of mechanical impurities, chlorine, 95-99% of all dissolved substances are removed. Depending on input water composition and supply pressure the output water has a specific conductivity in the range of 10-20 µS/cm.Price: 592<bdi>&nbsp;€</bdi> ex. VAT<h4>Features</h4><ul><li>Removes 95 – 99% of dissolved substances</li><li>Typical specific conductivity of produced water 10 – 20 µS/cm</li><li>6 to 12 months filters lifetime</li><li>2 – 5 years RO membrane lifetime</li><li>No electricity is required for operation</li><li>Supplied from water distribution network</li></ul><h4>Technical specification</h4><ul><li>Daily production capacity:&nbsp;up to 270 liters</li><li>Input water pressure:&nbsp;0,3 – 0,7 MPa</li><li>Input water temperature:&nbsp;&lt; 35 °C</li><li>Maximum input water TDS: 1200 mg/l</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_Water_purification_systems_8810a2c48a.jpg" alt="Watrex: Water purification systems" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_Water_purification_systems_8810a2c48a.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2286" height="1130">Basic requirements for laboratory operations include the easy availability of pure laboratory water in the necessary quantity and quality. Distillation, a popular technique for producing purified water in the past, has virtually completely supplanted by less energy-intensive and operationally dependable alternatives today. Reverse osmosis is the foundation of the majority of contemporary systems for producing purified water; in reality, this principle is supplemented with adsorption, ion exchange, filtration, ultrafiltration, and other physical-chemical techniques.

Watrex SCI-AQUA ULTRAPUR Water Purification System

WATREX ULTRAPURE is dedicated to preparaton of ultrapure water for analytical, biochemical and other laboratories.

WATREX ULTRAPURE is dedicated to preparaton of ultrapure water for analytical, biochemical and other laboratories where the water with specific conductivity values below 0.1 µS/cm and a TOC value of less than 50 ppb is required.The device is fed with pressurized pre-treated water, preferably with conductivity values below 15 µS/cm (e.g. water treated by reverse osmosis).<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/obchod/water-purification/ultra-pure-water/ultrapur-laboratory-unit-for-ultra-pure-water-preparation-2/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_produkty">Watrex ULTRAPUR</a> is supplied with a digital flow conductometer that allows monitoring the proper functioning of the device and the need to replace exhausted filter cartridges.The water treated by ULTRAPURE system is suitable for HPLC, AA, ICP and other demanding analyses.The maintenance of the device is very simple and consists only in replacing the filter inserts after they are exhausted.Price: 923<bdi>&nbsp;€</bdi> ex. VAT<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_Water_purification_systems_8810a2c48a.jpg" alt="Watrex: Water purification systems" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_Water_purification_systems_8810a2c48a.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2286" height="1130">Basic requirements for laboratory operations include the easy availability of pure laboratory water in the necessary quantity and quality. Distillation, a popular technique for producing purified water in the past, has virtually completely supplanted by less energy-intensive and operationally dependable alternatives today. Reverse osmosis is the foundation of the majority of contemporary systems for producing purified water; in reality, this principle is supplemented with adsorption, ion exchange, filtration, ultrafiltration, and other physical-chemical techniques.

Watrex xTrovert FLEX-O automation SPE sample preparation system

FLEX-O robotic system enabling automation sample preparation on solid phase using 96-titre plates.

FLEX-O robotic system enabling automation sample preparation on solid phase using 96-titre plates. Although there are solutions for automatic SPE on classic column formats, robotic system for automation in 96-well SPE plates is not currently on the market.In addition to the 8-channel pipetting head, the robot is equipped with a gripper and a filling dispenser, which applies wash solutions to the SPE positions on the plate. Instead of filtering using classic vacuum pump, which is used for manual SPE on columns or 96plates, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/obchod/laboratory-automation/xtrovert-flex-o/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_produkty">xTrovert FLEX-O</a> system uses the so-called positive pressure technology when it is the reagent is pushed through the SPE membrane with a multi-channel pressure attachment. That’s it ensuring flow uniformity and reproducibility between individual samples on the plate.The robot is capable of processing up to 4 x 96-well sample plates (384 of total samples) using a protocol with up to 8 different washing and extraction reagents.The system is compatible with the Waters OligoWorks™ SPE Macroplate (96-well), Waters Oasis™ PRiME HLB, Macherey-Nagel™ SPE MULTI 96-Monoblock CHROMABOND™ and other 96-plate format SPE systems.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_x_Trovert_FLEX_O_automation_SPE_sample_preparation_system_ec3768960e.jpg" alt="Watrex xTrovert FLEX-O automation SPE sample preparation system.jpg" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_x_Trovert_FLEX_O_automation_SPE_sample_preparation_system_ec3768960e.jpg 208w," sizes="100vw" width="1433" height="1075">If necessary, the user can make modifications to the log using a simple scripting language and subsequent wireless upload to the device. Userthe interface for controlling the system is based on the integrated computer Raspberry Pi ® s 800×480 RGB LCD multi-touch touch screen and the possibility of remote wifi accessfrom an external device (e.g. mobile phone or tablet).<h4>Application</h4><ul><li>Purification of oligonucleotide synthesis products</li><li>Organic Synthesis</li><li>Environmental Analysis</li><li>Medical diagnostics</li><li>Molecular biology and biochemistry</li></ul>The entire system was designed and developed by Watrex Praha and is manufactured in the Czech Republic and promises a shift in the performance and efficiency of laboratory processes worldwide!

Determination of Amino Acids (Watrex)

Watrex Prague offers laboratory analysis of amino acids in food and natural materials.

<h4>WI08115 – Determination of Free Amino Acids</h4><ul><li>Determination of free amino acids in submitted samples by ion chromatography.</li><li>Price: 1,500 CZK excl. VAT</li></ul><h4>WI08116 – Determination of Amino Acids in Hydrolysates</h4><ul><li>Determination of amino acids in submitted samples by ion chromatography.</li><li>Price: 1,300 CZK excl. VAT</li></ul><h4>WI08121 – Determination of Free Amino Acids with High Detection Sensitivity (AQC)</h4><ul><li>Performed by pre-column AQC derivatization with fluorescence detection using RP-HPLC.</li><li>Price: 1,800 CZK excl. VAT</li></ul><blockquote>10% discount when submitting 10 or more samples simultaneously.</blockquote><h3>Analysis Conditions</h3><ul><li>HPLC Column: WATREX 250 × 4 mm Amino Acid-AQC 5 µm with guard column 20 × 4 mm</li><li>Eluent A: 0.1 M acetate buffer pH 5.0 (adjusted with H₃PO₄)</li><li>Eluent B: Acetonitrile–water (60:40)</li><li>Flow rate: 2 mL/min</li><li>Temperature: 37 °C</li><li>Gradient: 0 min 5%B; 11.5 min 16%B; 11.75 min 25%B; 15 min 30%B; 17.5 min 35%B; 21 min 50%B; 22 min 100%B; 29 min 100%B; 30 min 5%B; 37 min 5%B</li><li>Pressure: 20–24 MPa</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_HPLC_separace_aminokyselin_AQC_AA_standard_9e9d9f8acb.jpg" alt="Watrex: HPLC separation of amino acids AQC – AA standard" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_HPLC_separace_aminokyselin_AQC_AA_standard_9e9d9f8acb.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="756" height="437"><blockquote><h3>Services – Laboratory</h3>The Watrex Analytical Laboratory will be happy to perform any of our standard analyses, custom analyses, or assist you with method development.We specialize primarily in liquid chromatography techniques and are ready to meet a wide range of requirements—from method development and optimization, through validation and verification of external methods, to training and troubleshooting.Our laboratory also manufactures and packs its own chromatographic columns and guard columns for basic HPLC modes (reversed phase, normal phase, ion chromatography, and ion exclusion chromatography).<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_Analyticka_laborator_fc8862fba5.jpg" alt="Watrex: Analytical Laboratory" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_Analyticka_laborator_fc8862fba5.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1569" height="637"></blockquote>

Characterization of polymers (Watrex)

Watrex Prague offers laboratory characterization of polymers using GPC.

<h4>WI08112 – Determination of Molecular Weight Distribution of Polymeric Materials</h4><ul><li>Determination by GPC method in water and THF, or optionally in other solvents upon request.</li><li>Each set of measurements requires calibration (WI08113).</li><li>Price: 3,300 CZK excl. VAT</li></ul><h4>WI08113 – Calibration for Molecular Weight Distribution of Polymeric Materials</h4><ul><li>Calibration using dextran, polymaltotriose, or polystyrene standards for GPC molecular weight distribution determination.</li><li>Price: 4,500 CZK excl. VAT</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_GPC_separace_polymeru_na_kolone_Watrex_Delta_Gel_47ce92deaa.jpg" alt="Watrex: GPC separation of polymers on Watrex DeltaGel column" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_GPC_separace_polymeru_na_kolone_Watrex_Delta_Gel_47ce92deaa.jpg 213w," sizes="100vw" width="1385" height="1018"><blockquote><h3>Services – Laboratory</h3>The Watrex Analytical Laboratory will be happy to perform any of our standard analyses, custom analyses, or assist you with method development.We specialize primarily in liquid chromatography techniques and are ready to meet a wide range of requirements—from method development and optimization, through validation and verification of external methods, to training and troubleshooting.Our laboratory also manufactures and packs its own chromatographic columns and guard columns for basic HPLC modes (reversed phase, normal phase, ion chromatography, and ion exclusion chromatography).<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_Analyticka_laborator_fc8862fba5.jpg" alt="Watrex: Analytical Laboratory" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_Analyticka_laborator_fc8862fba5.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1569" height="637"></blockquote>

Determination of sugars and organic acids (Watrex)

Watrex Prague offers the determination of sugars and organic acids in food, beverages, and other samples using ion-exclusive chromatography.

<h4>WI08119 – Determination of Carbohydrates in Natural Materials and Food Products</h4><ul><li>Determination is performed using ion-exclusion chromatography.</li><li>Price: 1,500 CZK excl. VAT</li></ul><h4>WI08118 – Determination of Organic Acids in Natural Materials and Food Products</h4><ul><li>Organic carboxylic acids are determined by ion-exclusion chromatography in natural and food samples.</li><li>Price: 1,300 CZK excl. VAT</li></ul><blockquote>10% discount when submitting 10 or more samples at once.</blockquote><blockquote><h3>Services – Laboratory</h3>The Watrex Analytical Laboratory will be happy to perform any of our standard analyses, custom analyses, or assist you with method development.We specialize primarily in liquid chromatography techniques and are ready to meet a wide range of requirements—from method development and optimization, through validation and verification of external methods, to training and troubleshooting.Our laboratory also manufactures and packs its own chromatographic columns and guard columns for basic HPLC modes (reversed phase, normal phase, ion chromatography, and ion exclusion chromatography).<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_Analyticka_laborator_fc8862fba5.jpg" alt="Watrex: Analytical Laboratory" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_Analyticka_laborator_fc8862fba5.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1569" height="637"></blockquote>

Determination of ions, pH, and water hardness (Watrex)

Watrex Prague offers the determination of cations and anions in water and aqueous extracts, pH determination, and water hardness calculation.

<h4>WI08106 – Determination of Anions in Water</h4><ul><li>Determination of fluoride, chloride, nitrite, bromide, nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate ions in aqueous samples using ion chromatography.</li><li>Price: 1,825 CZK excl. VAT</li></ul><h4>WI081107 – Determination of Cations in Water</h4><ul><li>Determination of sodium, ammonium (NH₄⁺), potassium, calcium, and magnesium ions in aqueous samples using ion chromatography.</li><li>Price: 825 CZK excl. VAT</li></ul><h4>WI081108 – Determination of pH in Aqueous Samples</h4><ul><li>Measurement of pH in aqueous samples using a combined glass electrode. Approximately 20 mL of sample required.</li><li>Price: 115 CZK excl. VAT</li></ul><blockquote>10% discount when submitting 3 or more samples at once</blockquote><h3>Services – Laboratory</h3>The Watrex Analytical Laboratory will be happy to perform any of our standard analyses, custom analyses, or assist you with method development.We specialize primarily in liquid chromatography techniques and are ready to meet a wide range of requirements—from method development and optimization, through validation and verification of external methods, to training and troubleshooting.Our laboratory also manufactures and packs its own chromatographic columns and guard columns for basic HPLC modes (reversed phase, normal phase, ion chromatography, and ion exclusion chromatography).<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_Analyticka_laborator_fc8862fba5.jpg" alt="Watrex: Analytical Laboratory" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_Analyticka_laborator_fc8862fba5.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1569" height="637">

Analytical Services for Building Materials (Watrex Laboratory)

Comprehensive analysis of building materials by ion chromatography and gravimetry – salts, moisture, lime, gypsum, density, and absorption testing by Watrex Laboratory.

<h5>WI08101 – Determination of Water-Soluble Salts in Building Materials</h5><ul><li>Determination of chlorides, nitrates, and sulfates in aqueous extract using ion chromatography. Requires approx. 1 g of a homogeneous sample.</li><li>Price: 600 CZK excl. VAT</li></ul><h5>WI08102 – Determination of Moisture in Building Materials</h5><ul><li>Gravimetric method after drying the sample to constant weight. Moisture content is expressed in mass %. Requires at least 10 g of sample in sealed packaging.</li><li>Price: 300 CZK excl. VAT</li></ul><h5>WI08103 – Determination of Lime Content in Lime Mortars</h5><ul><li>After acid digestion, Ca and Mg content is determined to calculate CaCO₃ and MgCO₃. Sand content determined gravimetrically. Not suitable for cement mortars. Requires approx. 5 g of sample.</li><li>Price: 1,275 CZK excl. VAT</li></ul><h5>WI08104 – Semi-Quantitative Determination of Gypsum in Building Materials</h5><ul><li>Based on solubility differences of gypsum and alkaline sulfates. Requires approx. 11 g of sample.</li><li>Price: 1,100 CZK excl. VAT</li></ul><h5>WI08105 – Determination of Bulk Density of Building Materials</h5><ul><li>Performed using quartz sand displacement. Requires 30–50 cm³ of sample in pieces 2–4 cm.</li><li>Price: 440 CZK excl. VAT</li></ul><h5>WI08109 – Determination of Hygroscopic Moisture in Building Materials</h5><ul><li>Gravimetric method after equilibrium at 100% RH and drying at 105 °C for 2 hours. Requires approx. 10 g of sample.</li><li>Price: 440 CZK excl. VAT</li></ul><h5>WI08114 – Determination of Water Absorption of Building Materials</h5><ul><li>Gravimetric method from weight difference between dried and water-saturated sample. Bulk density determined simultaneously. Requires 30–50 cm³ of sample in pieces 2–4 cm.</li><li>Price: 4,495 CZK excl. VAT</li></ul><blockquote>10% discount when submitting 3 or more samples at once.</blockquote><blockquote><h3>Services – Laboratory</h3>The Watrex Analytical Laboratory will be happy to perform any of our standard analyses, custom analyses, or assist you with method development.We specialize primarily in liquid chromatography techniques and are ready to meet a wide range of requirements—from method development and optimization, through validation and verification of external methods, to training and troubleshooting.Our laboratory also manufactures and packs its own chromatographic columns and guard columns for basic HPLC modes (reversed phase, normal phase, ion chromatography, and ion exclusion chromatography).<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_Analyticka_laborator_fc8862fba5.jpg" alt="Watrex: Analytical Laboratory" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_Analyticka_laborator_fc8862fba5.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1569" height="637"></blockquote>

Watrex SYRINGE FILTERS

Syringe filters (filters for syringes) are a universal tool that ensures sample purity and prevents contamination of analytical instruments.

Syringe filters (filters for syringes) are a universal tool that ensures sample purity and prevents contamination of analytical instruments. They are single-use filters used for precise filtration of liquids before their application or analysis.Pore Size: Filters come in various pore sizes, ranging from 0.2 μm to 5 μm, depending on the required level of filtration. Smaller pores (e.g., 0.22 μm) are often used for sterilizing solutions, as they capture bacteria and other microorganisms.We offer syringe filters in the following sizes: 4 mm, 13 mm, 25 mm, and 30 mm, all available with pore sizes of 0.22 μm and 0.45 μm.Filter Material: Syringe filters are made from different materials that are compatible with various sample types. It is important to select the correct filter material based on the chemical composition of the sample. We offer syringe filters made from the following materials:<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_Watrex_SYRINGE_FILTRY_b6ffda00e2.jpg" alt="Watrex: Watrex SYRINGE FILTERS" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_Watrex_SYRINGE_FILTRY_b6ffda00e2.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1808" height="1017"><h4>Nylon</h4><ul><li>Suitable for aqueous solutions and most organic solvents.</li><li>It has strong mechanical stability and excellent chemical compatibility with esters, bases, phenols, and alcohols.</li></ul><h4>PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)</h4><ul><li>Chemically resistant to most organic solvents.</li><li>It has very broad chemical and thermal compatibility.</li><li>PTFE filters are recommended for strong acids and bases and are excellent for filtration and degassing chromatography.</li></ul><h4>PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride)</h4><ul><li>Suitable for biological samples.</li><li>It has good chemical resistance and low UV absorption.</li><li>Commonly used for filtering all water-based samples and most solvents.</li></ul><h4>PES (Polyester)</h4><ul><li>Ideal for water-based samples, especially biological ones, with a fast and high flow rate.</li></ul><h4>MCE (Mixed Cellulose Esters)</h4><ul><li>Ideal for aqueous samples, tissue cultures, and sensitive biological samples.</li><li>It has lower chemical resistance, excellent water flow, and a better cutoff effect.</li></ul><h4>PP (Polypropylene)</h4><ul><li>Ideal for filtering all water-based samples and most solvents.</li><li>Used for general filtration of biological samples, solvents, deionized water, and reducing biological load.</li><li>It has good thermal compatibility.</li></ul><h5>Examples of Use:</h5><ol><li>Sterilization of solutions: Filtration can remove bacteria and other microorganisms from solutions.</li><li>Sample purification: Samples are filtered before analysis to remove solid particles that could contaminate analytical instruments or affect analysis results.</li><li>Preparation for chromatography: Filtration before entering devices like HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) to ensure sample purity.</li></ol>You can also visit the full range of syringe filters on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?s=syringe+filters&amp;post_type=product&amp;dgwt_wcas=1?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_produkty">Watrex website</a>.

Watrex application and R&D laboratory

Watrex application and R&D laboratory is providing a range of analyses.

Watrex application and R&amp;D laboratory is providing a range of analyses with special focus in the following fields:<ul><li>Chemical analysis for construction industry</li><li>Environmental analysis</li><li>Sample preparation including online solid-phase extraction protocols</li><li>Development of methods for pharmaceutical analysis</li><li>Characterization of synthetic polymers by GPC</li><li>Column technology and methods for chiral separation</li><li>Parameters evaluation and testing in ion chromatography applications</li></ul><h5>Our ready-to-go tests include:</h5><ul><li>Analysis of carbohydrates</li><li>Characterization of polymers</li><li>Analysis of organic acids</li><li>Construction analysis</li><li>Analysis of ions, pH and water hardness</li></ul>

Products from Watrex Prague distributed by WATREX Prague - page 3

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