We are pleased to invite you to our upcoming free online webinar on June 11, 2026 focused on one of the most pressing challenges in environmental monitoring and water quality management — PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances).As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve and compliance deadlines approach, laboratories, water utilities, and environmental professionals need robust, reliable, and cutting-edge analytical solutions to stay ahead.<blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/91d97003-fe33-4dca-b80b-160d9f8a5655@485ca04e-6f74-4050-9764-cdb4bfa89c25">Registration HERE</a></blockquote><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ALS_analyzy_PFAS_a9e4a87fbc.jpg" alt="ALS: Advanced PFAS Analytical Services " srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ALS_analyzy_PFAS_a9e4a87fbc.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="600" height="336"><h4>🎤 Our Speaker</h4>The webinar will be hosted by Jana Kováčová, Ph.D., PFAS Regional Lead for Continental Europe Environmental Division, who has dedicated the last several years to the field of PFAS analysis and determination in ALS laboratories. Jana is a recognized expert in PFAS environmental analytics and will share practical insights and the latest developments in analytical strategies to help your organization achieve and maintain compliance.<h4>🎯 What You Will Learn</h4><ul><li>Latest regulatory developments and compliance requirements for PFAS in water, including EU Drinking Water Directive 2020/2184 and its implications for water suppliers and laboratories.</li><li>Regulatory updates for surface water and groundwater — what's new and what to expect next.</li><li>Overview of advanced analytical strategies for PFAS detection and quantification in water matrices and how we analyse PFAS samples.</li><li>Key analytical challenges associated with PFAS testing — from ultra-trace detection to matrix interferences and contamination control.</li><li>The critical importance of using tested sampling containers and sample preservation to ensure reliable results.</li><li>Illustrative examples of results from real-world PFAS water analyses.</li><li>How ALS can support your needs with accredited PFAS testing services.</li></ul><h4>👥 Who Should Attend</h4>This webinar is designed for our clients, professionals, laboratory and technical staff, scientists, as well as anyone with an interest in analytical chemistry who wants to better understand the occurrence of these "forever chemicals" in the environment. &nbsp;<h4>💬 Q&amp;A Session</h4>There will be a live Q&amp;A session at the end of the webinar. You are welcome to submit your questions in advance during registration or ask them live on the day.<h4>📅 Additional Webinar Info:</h4><ul><li>Platform: Microsoft Teams (online)</li><li>Time: 10:00 CEST</li><li>Language: English</li><li>Duration: approx. 45 - 60 minutes (incl. Q&amp;A) Extras: If you are unable to attend on the day, please register and we will provide you with the recording of the webinar.</li></ul><h4>🔬 About ALS Environmental</h4>ALS is a global leader in environmental testing and analytical services, providing accredited PFAS analysis to clients across Europe and beyond. Our dedicated PFAS experts help clients navigate the complex regulatory landscape with confidence.<blockquote>For further information, please contact us on: marketing.cz@alsglobal.com</blockquote>We look forward to welcoming you to this important discussion on PFAS compliance in water.

Invitation to the ALS Webinar PFAS in Water 2026: Achieving Compliance through Advanced Analytical Strategies

In HPLC and other chromatographic techniques, the quality of your analytical results depends heavily on the condition of the sample before it ever reaches the instrument. While vial caps may appear to be a small accessory, they play a critical role in maintaining sample integrity, preventing contamination, and minimizing evaporation.Whether you use crimp, screw, or snap caps, each closure type offers distinct advantages and limitations. Selecting the right option can improve sample protection, simplify laboratory operations, and help ensure consistent analytical performance. Let's take a closer look at the characteristics of each cap style and explore when each one is most appropriate.<h3>Sealing Performance: Protecting Your Sample</h3>The primary purpose of any vial cap is to create a reliable seal. However, different cap designs achieve this in different ways, resulting in varying levels of protection against evaporation, contamination, and sample degradation.<h5>Crimp Caps</h5>Crimp caps provide the highest level of sealing performance. A metal cap is mechanically crimped around the vial neck, creating a secure and highly airtight closure. This design minimizes sample loss and offers excellent protection during long-term storage.<ul><li>Ideal applications: When volatile compounds must be preserved, or when even minor contamination and evaporation cannot be tolerated, such as headspace analysis and highly sensitive analytical methods.</li></ul><h5>Screw Caps</h5>Screw caps are widely used because they combine practicality with dependable sealing. Their threaded design allows them to be tightened easily while still providing sufficient protection for the majority of HPLC applications.One of their biggest advantages is the ability to open and reseal the vial multiple times without requiring additional equipment.<ul><li>Ideal applications: Routine laboratory analyses, methods requiring repeated sample access, and workflows where convenience is important.</li></ul><h5>Snap Caps</h5>Snap caps emphasize speed and ease of use. They are pressed onto the vial until they lock into position with a simple click.Although they do not provide the same degree of airtight sealing as crimp or screw caps, they offer a fast and straightforward solution for many applications.<ul><li>Ideal applications: Short-term sample storage, stable analytes, and high-throughput environments where rapid handling is a priority.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Crimp_vs_Screw_Caps_04bdfdd4a5.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Crimp and Screw Caps" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Crimp_vs_Screw_Caps_04bdfdd4a5.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1152" height="389"><h3>Ease of Use: Supporting Laboratory Efficiency</h3>In busy analytical laboratories, workflow efficiency matters. The choice of vial closure can significantly affect the amount of time spent preparing samples.<h5>Crimp Caps</h5><ul><li>Advantages: Crimp caps deliver highly reproducible sealing when applied correctly. Automated crimping devices can further improve consistency while reducing operator-to-operator variability.</li><li>Limitations: A crimping tool is required for installation. Manual crimping can be labor-intensive and may produce inconsistent results if the technique is not properly controlled. In addition, removing a crimp cap typically damages it, requiring replacement before the vial can be resealed.</li></ul><h5>Screw Caps</h5><ul><li>Advantages: Screw caps are exceptionally user-friendly. They can be installed and removed without any specialized tools, making them convenient for workflows involving repeated sample access.</li><li>Limitations: Seal quality depends on proper tightening. Excessive torque can damage the cap or septum, while insufficient tightening may compromise the seal. Repeated opening and closing can also gradually wear the cap components.</li></ul><h5>Snap Caps</h5><ul><li>Advantages: Snap caps offer the fastest sealing process. Simply pressing the cap into position is sufficient, making them attractive for laboratories processing large numbers of samples.</li><li>Limitations: Their convenience comes at the expense of sealing performance. They provide less protection against contamination and solvent loss, particularly when handling volatile compounds.</li></ul><h3>Instrument Compatibility: Matching Caps to Your Workflow</h3>Selecting a vial cap is not only about sealing efficiency. Compatibility with vials, autosamplers, and laboratory procedures is equally important.<h5>Crimp Caps</h5><ul><li>Compatibility: Crimp caps are designed specifically for crimp-top vials and are commonly used in automated analytical systems. They work particularly well with glass vials and provide highly reliable sealing performance.</li><li>Limitations: The need for a crimping device introduces an additional workflow step. Furthermore, improper crimping—whether too loose or too tight—can result in inconsistent sealing and potential sample integrity issues.</li></ul><h5>Screw Caps</h5><ul><li>Compatibility: Screw caps are among the most versatile closure options available. They are compatible with many autosamplers and can be used with both glass and plastic vials.</li><li>Limitations: Although suitable for most routine analyses, they may not provide the level of sealing required for extremely volatile compounds or demanding headspace applications.</li></ul><h5>Snap Caps</h5><ul><li>Compatibility: Snap caps are intended for use with snap-ring vials. Many autosamplers that accommodate crimp or screw-top vials can also accept snap-ring formats, offering flexibility in certain laboratory environments.</li><li>Limitations: Their relatively loose seal makes them less suitable for long-term storage or volatile analytes. Before implementation, laboratories should verify autosampler compatibility with snap-ring vial formats.</li></ul><h3>How to Choose the Right Cap Type</h3>The best closure depends on the specific requirements of your application.<h4>Choose Crimp Caps When:</h4><ul><li>Your samples contain highly volatile compounds.</li><li>Long-term storage is required.</li><li>Maximum sealing performance is essential.</li><li>You are performing headspace GC or highly sensitive LC-MS/MS analyses.</li></ul><h4>Choose Screw Caps When:</h4><ul><li>Samples need to be accessed repeatedly.</li><li>Convenience and flexibility are important.</li><li>Compatibility across multiple instruments and workflows is required.</li><li>Standard HPLC applications are being performed.</li></ul><h4>Choose Snap Caps When:</h4><ul><li>Samples are relatively stable and non-volatile.</li><li>Fast sample preparation is critical.</li><li>High-throughput operations demand rapid vial handling.</li><li>Short-term storage is sufficient.</li></ul><h3>Final Thoughts</h3>Although vial caps are often overlooked, they can have a significant impact on both sample quality and laboratory productivity.To summarize:<ul><li>Crimp Caps: Provide the most secure and airtight seal, making them ideal for volatile compounds, sensitive analyses, and long-term storage.</li><li>Screw Caps: Offer an excellent balance between sealing performance and convenience, making them the preferred choice for many routine chromatographic applications.</li><li>Snap Caps: Deliver maximum speed and simplicity, making them well suited for stable samples and fast-paced laboratory workflows.</li></ul>By understanding the strengths and limitations of each cap type, laboratories can select the most appropriate closure for their analytical requirements, ensuring sample integrity while maintaining an efficient workflow.<blockquote>If you want to protect your samples and improve your HPLC’s performance, check out our brand-new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/2381">KNAUER originals HPLC Vials</a></blockquote>

Crimp vs. Screw Caps: Which is Better for Chromatography?

News from LabRulezLCMS Library - Week 24, 2026

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Product

Webinars

Application

Video

Poster

Water

For more than 40 years, ALS has provided testing and technical solutions to clients all over the world in a wide range of industries. We have built our global reputation by embracing the latest technologies and innovative methodologies to deliver high quality testing services to clients. ALS is able to leverage a multifaceted international team while remaining agile enough to provide local expertise and personalized solutions to every one of our clients.

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LabRulez

Based in Berlin, KNAUER is a medium-sized, owner-managed company that has been serving the sciences since 1962. We develop and manufacture scientific instruments of superior quality for liquid chromatography, including: Analytical HPLC/UHPLC, Preparative HPLC, Fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC), Multi-column chromatography/Simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography. High pressure dosing, in-line detection systems, and osmometry are additional business areas.

KNAUER

New Food magazine

Agilent Technologies

GERSTEL

Shimadzu Corporation

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<li>Strategies for sample cleanup</li>
<li>Chromatography problems caused by sample matrix</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li>Physical effects</li>
<li>Chemical effects</li>
</ul>

Agilent Technologies: Techniques for Avoiding Unexpected Problems in LC and GC Analysis

Techniques for Avoiding Unexpected Problems in LC and GC Analysis

When we think about sample cleanup, we often imagine a lengthy procedure that can be costly and one that can potentially lower the recovery of some of our key analytes of interest.
In addition, current methods such as simple particulate filtration or protein precipitation , while fast, are not effective at removing harmful contaminants such as lipids. By skipping sample cleanup to save time, we run the risk of contaminating our instrument, column, and incurring additional long-term costs due to increased instrument maintenance and downtime. Introducing contaminants into our instrument can also negatively affect our data quality by decreasing analyte response and increasing RSD values. But did you know that you can effectively clean your dirtiest samples with an easy 1-step cleanup? You can now with Agilent’s award-winning product, Captiva EMR-Lipid! Processing samples has never been easier with automation friendly formats and a quick, simple procedure. In this webinar, we will elaborate on the harmful consequences of contamination, specifically by lipids, and discuss how Captiva EMR-Lipid provides excellent cleanup for lipid-containing samples while delivering accurate reliable results.
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Presenter: Alex Ucci (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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In his current position at Agilent, Alex provides application assistance and technical support for sample preparation products as well as GC and LC consumables. Before he joined Agilent in 2014, Alex was a graduate student at the Pennsylvania State University researching the morphology and surface properties of aerosol particles using a wide variety of analytical techniques. He has an MS degree in chemistry.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Sample Clean-Up in the Fast Lane

Sample Clean-Up in the Fast Lane

The harmful consequences of contamination, specifically by lipids, and how Captiva EMR-Lipid provides excellent cleanup for lipid-containing samples.

If you’re doing food testing and want to find ways to do more with less while getting consistent accurate results this seminar is for you.
We will walk through a sample application – multi-residue pesticides in fish using LC/MS – from sample prep to data analysis, and point out tips for saving both time and money and improving results. Key topics covered will be column selection, tips for extending column life and “just enough” sample prep solutions that reduce time spent on sample prep.
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Presenter: Mark Powell (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Mark Powell is an Applications Engineer located at Agilent’s Little Falls site in Wilmington, DE. Before joining Agilent in 2011, Mark worked in the pharmaceutical industry synthesizing, purifying and analyzing drug candidates. He provides applications assistance and technical support for Agilent’s HPLC columns and consumables.
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Agilent Technologies: New:Troublefree Food Testing - Technologies to Improve Uptime and Productivity

Troublefree Food Testing - Technologies to Improve Uptime and Productivity

Sample application – multi-residue pesticides in fish using LC/MS.

Technologies to Improve Uptime and Productivity

This series is ideal for anyone currently working on medicinal cannabis or other cannabis products, looking to expand further as well as those new to this area of research who are eager to learn more.
<h3>Other sessions cover topics such as:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Pesticides analysis</li>
<li>Heavy Metals Analysis</li>
<li>Cannabis Potency Testing</li>
<li>Terpenes and Residual Solvents</li>
</ul>

Pixabay/TinaKru :Shimadzu Cannabis Analysis Series - Sample Prep/Purification Strategies

Shimadzu Cannabis Analysis Series - Sample Prep/Purification Strategies

Routine testing laboratories continue to strive for efficient and reliable sample throughput. Multiresidue pesticides is an example of this, where the generic extraction offered by QuEChERS has streamlined sample preparation. However, for comprehensive pesticide testing, both liquid and gas chromatography are typically required.
<h3>Join us to learn about:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Fit-for-purpose, comprehensive analysis of pesticides in a selection of foodstuffs, by LC- and GC-MS/MS</li>
<li>Key considerations and easy-to-use tools to maximise your method performance</li>
<li>Testing in compliance with the relevant guidelines of SANTE 11813/2017</li>
</ul>
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Presenter: Kari Organtini, Ph.D. (Senior Scientist, Waters Corporation)
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Kari received her Ph.D. from Penn State studying the occurrence of dioxins and furans in fire debris. Since 2015 she has been a Senior Scientist at Waters focusing on food and environmental sample analysis.
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Pixabay/Jerzy Górecki: Maximizing Mass Spectrometry Capabilities in Food Analyses for Multiresidues

Maximizing Mass Spectrometry Capabilities in Food Analyses for Multiresidues

The subject of this presentation is practical results achieved from comprehensive automation of complex sample preparation workflows for LC/MS and GC/MS. An overview of the most frequently encountered reasons for wanting to automate sample preparation is presented along with the attained benefits in laboratories based on real life cases. An automation platform based on a robotic autosampler with one or two independently moving x-y-z arms is presented along with available modules for a wide range of individual operations.
Using a combination of individual modules for agitation, incubation, centrifugation, and evaporation, liquid/liquid extraction or derivatization procedures can be automated. For extract- or sample clean-up, modules ranging from filtration through centrifugation to solid phase extraction (SPE) are available to meet individual analytical needs. The automation potential of the platform is illustrated based on application examples of widespread current interest. Among these are the determination of 3-MCPD and glycidol in edible oils; glyphosate in food; mineral oil hydrocarbon (MOSH/MOAH) contamination of food; and phosphatidylethanol (PEth), an alcohol consumption marker used in forensic toxicology and determined in Dried Blood Spots (DBS).
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Presenter: Oliver Lerch, Ph.D.
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Oliver is Automated Sample Preparation Product Manager at GERSTEL in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany. After obtaining his doctorate in analytical chemistry at the Ruhr University Bochum, Germany in 2003, Dr. Lerch worked as a Post Doctorate Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology in Potsdam, Germany. In 2005, he joined GERSTEL as Application Specialist involved in product development and application testing. Over several years, Dr. Lerch has been responsible for strategic application development for the areas Food-, Water-, Pharmaceutical- as well as Forensic Toxicology. Multiple projects have been implemented in close cooperation with scientists in customer laboratories and several have been published in peer reviewed journals.
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Gerstel: State of the Art Automated Sample Preparation for 3-MCPD, MOSH/MOAH, Glyphosate, PEth, and more

LCMS webinars focusing on Sample prep - page 48