When performing analyte extraction with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?category=136&amp;manufacturerItems=50">SPE</a> we expect 100% recovery. If recovery is lower, this would suggest there is an issue with retrieval of the analyte from the sorbent. But what are some of the reasons you may see a recovery greater than what you were expecting (or over 100%)?<h3>Common problems</h3><ul><li>Co-eluting interferences</li><li>Contaminants from the solvent or sorbents selected</li><li>Internal standard is compromised making your reference point inaccurate</li><li>Recovery calculations are inaccurate</li></ul>Let's examine each of these common problems.<h4>Co-eluting interferences</h4>These are typically present in the matrix and the goal of the SPE step is to remove them. If you are experiencing recoveries greater than 100%, the first step would be to check the eluent using an orthogonal analytical technique to identify that the increased recovery is a result of a co-elution.&nbsp;Where a co-elution is identified, there are a few possible solutions.<ol><li>Modify the wash steps of the SPE method to selectively remove the impurity during washing</li><li>Select an alternative SPE sorbent which will better remove these impurities. This is easier if the analyte / impurity can be selectively ionized, as an ion-exchange sorbent will very often afford cleaner extracts than either reversed or normal phase solutions</li><li>Adjust your analytical method to resolve the 2 peaks analytically, negating the necessity to remove this impurity during the SPE step.</li><li>Run a blank plasma sample; this will allow you to ascertain the impurities present and use this blank in the calculations to subtract from your recovery</li></ol><h4>Contaminants from the solvent or sorbent</h4>These will typically be impurities present in the starting materials which are similar in nature to your compound of interest, and as a result co-elute with it during SPE and subsequent analytical analysis. You can follow the steps above to remove co-eluting impurities, or alternatively as this is not an impurity present in your matrix, you can identify the level present in the sorbent using blank runs and subtract this from your main peak during the calculation. Prior to addition of your sample if you equilibrate your sorbent with the elution solvent this should flush out potential contaminants from the sorbent. For impurities introduced from the solvent, typically switching the solvent should resolve this.<h4>Internal standard is compromised</h4>If your internal standard is not showing 100% recovery, your subsequent calculations will be inaccurate. It is always good practice to use an internal standard similar in nature to your compound of interest as this will give the more consistent reference point for your method.&nbsp;If there is concern your internal standard is not showing good recovery from the SPE material using your method, you can use an external standard which is added to the elution solvent to calculate absolute recovery.<h4>Recovery calculations are inaccurate</h4>It is important to follow this step wise to ascertain where the errors are appearing.<ol><li>Calculation Errors - Check all calculations and account for all dilution factors</li><li>Integration Errors - Reintegrate all peaks and use manual calculations to confirm</li><li>Analytical method errors – Ensure the analytical method used allows correct integration and calculation. Ensure no strong solvents are used for injection and run a calibration across a number of dilutions to ensure linearity. Troubleshoot your analytical method to determine any factors which may lead to poor reproducibility</li><li>Ensure detections selected are appropriate and working correctly.</li></ol>We hope this tip was useful! Check out our resources on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.phenomenex.com/techniques/solid-phase-extraction">solid phase extraction</a>. See you next month for another tip!

Why are my recoveries greater than 100%?

<div><div>A new paper from the group of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://curtis.group.uochb.cz/en">Ed Curti</a>s at IOCB Prague in collaboration with the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pluskal.group.uochb.cz/en">Pluskal group</a> introduces a structure-guided way to explore nucleic acid sequence space that goes far beyond traditional random mutagenesis. By combining rational library design, single-round selections, high-throughput sequencing, and machine learning, the authors rapidly identified catalytically active variants of a fluorescent deoxyribozyme and elucidated predictive rules linking sequence to function. The study was published in the journal Nucleic Acids Research.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/IOCB_Prague_Exploring_sequence_space_beyond_random_mutagenesis_2_2eb701e572.jpeg" alt="IOCB Prague: Exploring sequence space beyond random mutagenesis" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_IOCB_Prague_Exploring_sequence_space_beyond_random_mutagenesis_2_2eb701e572.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2006" height="789"></div></div><div>Understanding how sequence determines function remains a central challenge in nucleic acid engineering. Conventional strategies typically rely on libraries generated by random mutagenesis of a single variant of a motif, which provide dense coverage close to the original sequence but little information about more distant variants. This limitation makes it difficult to uncover more general principles governing complex functional motifs such as catalytic nucleic acids.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/IOCB_Prague_Exploring_sequence_space_beyond_random_mutagenesis_e1e7a30d1c.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague/Tomáš Belloň: Edward Curtis, head of the Functional Potential of Nucleic Acids group at IOCB Prague" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_IOCB_Prague_Exploring_sequence_space_beyond_random_mutagenesis_e1e7a30d1c.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1500" height="1001">In a new study led by Edward A. Curtis, with Jaroslav Kurfürst and Martin Volek as the first authors, the researchers introduce a fundamentally different strategy for exploring sequence space that combines structure-informed library design, single-round selections, high-throughput sequencing, and machine learning. Instead of randomly mutating a single sequence, the team constructed a library composed of sequences that already satisfy multiple structural and functional constraints of a target motif. This approach was tested on Aurora, a fluorescent deoxyribozyme previously <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/article/4223">discovered</a> in the group.The results indicate that this approach is a more efficient way to explore sequence space than standard approaches. A secondary structure library based on Aurora yielded approximately 40 times more unique catalytic sequences than a conventional randomly mutagenized library, and active variants could be rapidly identified in a single round of selection. High-throughput sequencing data were then used to train machine learning models, which successfully identified rules relating sequence to activity. Remarkably, these models could accurately predict read numbers and identify the most active variants using only small subsets of sequences for training.By integrating rational library design with data-driven analysis, the study demonstrates a scalable way to explore nucleic acid sequence space more rapidly and comprehensively than standard methods allow. Beyond fluorescent deoxyribozymes, this framework provides a general blueprint for accelerating the discovery and optimization of functional nucleic acids, while simultaneously extracting predictive rules that link sequence to function.<blockquote><h5>Read the paper</h5>Kurfürst, J.; Volek, M.; Samusevich, R.; Pluskal, T.; Curtis, E. A. Using Structured Libraries, Selection, and Machine Learning to Rapidly Explore the Sequence Space of a Fluorescent Deoxyribozyme. Nucleic Acids Res. 2025, 53 (22). <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkaf1348">https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkaf1348</a></blockquote></div>

Exploring sequence space beyond random mutagenesis

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezLCMS Library in the week of 19th January 2026? Check out new documents from the field of liquid phase, especially HPLC and LC/MS techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT LCMS AND RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezICPMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you application notes by Agilent Technologies, Shimadzu, Waters Corporation and poster by Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: Automated Bioprocess Monitoring with Agilent 1290 Infinity III Bio Online LC Solutions</h3>Process analytics of L-alanine production using genetically modified Vibrio natriegens<ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_automated_bioprocess_monitoring_1290_infinity_bioonline_solutions_5994_8865en_agilent_9f33de6ddf.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Bioprocess engineering is a challenging field because of the constantly changing nature of bioprocess models which make them difficult to validate.1 Consequently, process control needs to be developed at various levels using strategies tailored to these specific requirements.1 The performance and effectiveness of the bioreactor are determined by key performance indicators such as product yield, titer, production rate, and quality of the product.1 These factors can be quickly influenced by changes in process variables and the raw materials used.1,2 The ability to react quickly to problems is therefore crucial for preserving ongoing production, a factor that can be particularly significant in bioprocesses due to the substantial cost and time investmented.1,2 Such challenges can be tackled by constantly monitoring the bioprocess, which requires the ability to analyze and collect data quickly. Therefore, monitoring is of the utmost importance.&nbsp;This application note describes the advantages of using an Agilent 1290 Infinity III Bio Online LC solution with Agilent Online LC Monitoring software. A bioreactor was interfaced with a Flownamics Seg-Flow S3 sampling system for aseptic withdrawal and an Agilent 1290 Infinity III Bio Online LC to make an hourly analysis.&nbsp;This is a fully automated approach for taking sterile samples from a bioreactor and preparing or diluting them. In addition, the 1290 Infinity III Bio Online LC solution displays data in near real time, which is a crucial element for effective bioprocess&nbsp;monitoring.<h4>Experimental&nbsp;</h4><h5>Equipment&nbsp;</h5>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=1290+Infinity+III+Bio">1290 Infinity III Bio </a>Online LC comprised the following&nbsp;modules:&nbsp;<ul><li>Agilent 1290 Infinity III Bio Flexible Pump (G7131A) with an InfinityLab Quick Change Bio inline filter assembly (part&nbsp;number 5067-1607), 2.1 mm id, 0.2 µm pore size&nbsp;</li><li>Agilent 1290 Infinity III Bio Online Sample Manager (G3167B) with Sample Thermostat (option #101) clustered with Agilent 1290 Infinity Valve Drive (G1170A), featuring a reactor valve pod (part number 5067-6680) and Online LC Monitoring Software&nbsp;</li><li>Agilent 1290 Infinity III Multicolumn Thermostat (G7116B) equipped with an Agilent Quick Connect Bio Heat Exchanger Std. (G7116-60071)&nbsp;</li><li>Agilent 1290 Infinity III Diode Array Detector (DAD) (G7117B), equipped with a Bio Max-Light Cartridge Cell (G4212-6008), 10 mm, 1 µL&nbsp;</li><li>Agilent 1260 Infinity High-Performance Degasser (G4225A) is connected between S1 (transport solvent) solvent line and Agilent 1290 Infinity III Bio Online Sample Manager (G3167B)&nbsp;</li></ul><h5>Software&nbsp;</h5><ul><li>Agilent <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=OpenLab+CDS">OpenLab CDS</a> version 2.8 or later versions&nbsp;</li><li>Agilent Online LC Monitoring Software version 1.3 or later&nbsp;versions&nbsp;</li><li>Flownamics FlowWeb control&nbsp;software</li></ul><h5>Instrumental configuration&nbsp;</h5>The 1290 Infinity III Bio Online LC solution was used with a Seg-Flow interface for automatic sampling and online analysis (see Figure 1). The Seg-Flow interface was used to withdraw samples from a bioreactor through a Flownamics F-Series 310 FISP probe with a ceramic membrane filter (0.2&nbsp;µm pore size) from a 5 L bioreactor. The drawn samples were sent through the built-in sample collection cup on the Seg‑Flow to the LC and the samples were retained into vials. The collected samples were then automatically derivatized by using an injector program and subsequently analyzed. A more detailed description of the instrumental configuration has been published.3<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>For online bioprocess monitoring, a fully automated setup consisting of a bioreactor, a Flownamics sampling system, and an Agilent 1290 Infinity III Bio Online LC solution was successfully established. This setup is capable of taking aseptic samples from a bioreactor, preparing, analyzing, and processing samples without the need for manual interaction. In addition, the added value of the Agilent Online LC Monitoring software was evident in the display method and the ability to track it quickly.<h3>2. Shimadzu: Analysis of Oligonucleotide Impurities Using Single Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_00974_en_c50bb67c7a.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h4>User Benefits</h4><ul><li>Combination use of LCMS-2050 single quadrupole mass spectrometer and LabSolutions Insight Biologics provides comprehensive characterization of oligonucleotides and related impurities.</li><li>Purity calculations for target components can be performed even on poorly separated peaks by utilizing MS spectra simultaneously acquired with UV chromatogram.</li></ul>In recent years, oligonucleotide therapeutics have been paid attention as a novel drug discovery modality because of their rapid progress of development. During the synthesis of oligonucleotide therapeutics, impurities that have differing base chain lengths are generated along with the target oligonucleotide. To ensure the safety and efficacy of the drug, comprehensive detection and identification of these impurities are required.&nbsp;Reversed phase ion-pair chromatography is often employed as a method to separate the target compound from co-existing impurities. However, it is often difficult to establish analytical conditions that provide compete separation of all impurities that are formed in synthesis process due to their similar structures and properties to the principal compound of active ingredient. Against this drawback, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is commonly used for impurity detection and identification. For analysis of oligonucleotide impurities, quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometers are mainly used because of their high mass resolution and ability to perform sequence and structure estimations via MS/MS analysis. However, in quality control process, the use of a single quadrupole mass spectrometer is expected to be advantageous because of providing mass information with easy operation when impurity information is already known.&nbsp;This article presents a simulated impurity analysis of synthetic oligonucleotide using the LCMS-2050 high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer and LabSolutions Insight Biologics.<h4>Analytical conditions</h4>The employed instrument setup was <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=Nexera+XS">Nexera XS inert</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=LCMS-2050">LCMS-2050</a>. HPLC conditions are shown in Table 2, and MS conditions are shown in Table 3. The conditions were set where n-1(5') co-eluted with FLP, while n-3(5') was separated (Fig. 1) to demonstrate impurity analysis performance.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The simulated sample consisting of mainly FLP and small amounts of n-1(5')/n-3(5') was analyzed using the LCMS-2050 and LabSolutions Insight Biologics software and obtained data were processed appropriately. Detection, identification, and quantitation at low concentrations were accomplished not only for n-3(5') well-separated from FLP but also for n-1(5') co-eluted with FLP. In case that establishing analytical conditions is difficult, Using this instrument setup and software will provide efficient quality confirmation of oligonucleotide therapeutics.<h3>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Simultaneous Quantitation and Untargeted Discovery (SQUAD) workflow using multiple fragmentation techniques for quantitation and characterization of trace level nitrosamine in biological matrices</h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/po_squad_workflow_multiple_fragmentation_techniques_po_en_94a5b27b12.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>N-Nitrosamines are a class of carcinogenic chemical compounds that pose threat to humans exogenously through matrices like drinking water, food, cosmetics, and endogenously by nitrosation in gastrointestinal tract, nitrate to nitrite conversion, etc. An accurate, reliable analytical method is critical for detection and quantification of these trace-level, polar and low molecular weight compounds to understand the association between their exposure and related diseases.&nbsp;An optimized SQUAD workflow is presented that discovers unknown compounds in the matrix by using high resolution orbitrap and a sensitive linear ion trap detector that quantifies the low intensity nitrosamines in a single run. The workflow uses multiple fragmentation types – HCD, CID and UVPD and MSn to help characterize isomeric structures.<h4>Methods</h4>Serial dilution of Nitrosamine standards were subjected to Simultaneous Quantitation and Discovery (SQUAD) analysis using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/744">Thermo Scientific™ Vanquish™ Horizon UHPLC system</a> and the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/561">Thermo Scientific™ Orbitrap IQ-X™ Tribrid™ mass spectrometer</a> . Nitrosamine spiked matrices of human pooled urine and human Serum were subjected to SQUAD analysis.<h4>Data Analysis&nbsp;</h4>Spectra were evaluated for nitrosamines using Thermo Scientific™ FreeStyle™ software and annotated using Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1757">Mass Frontier™ 8.0 software</a>. Untargeted data analysis was performed using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1759">Compound Discoverer 3.4 software</a>. Calibration curves were generated using Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/77">TraceFinder™ 5.2 software</a>.<h4>Conclusions&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Detection limits as low ppb levels ( 0.2 ppb –0.5 ppb) and quantitation limits (0.2 ppb- 5 ppb ) in presence of the matrix were achieved for all seven nitrosamines by applying parallel ion trap analysis&nbsp;</li><li>SQUAD analysis was run on Orbitrap IQ-X Tribrid MS and achieved low ppb level quantitation in ion trap and identified unknown compounds through discovery analysis in Orbitrap.&nbsp;</li><li>Employing nano LC helped achieve lower limit of quantitation (5 ppt)</li></ul><h3>4. Waters Corporation: Validated LC-MS/MS Method for Vitamin E Acetate in Cannabis Plants and Derived Products</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/720009082_en_c7a6fc6190.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h5>Benefits&nbsp;</h5><ul><li>The validated LC-MS/MS method provides high sensitivity and specificity for VEA quantification in complex cannabis matrices, including flower and concentrates.&nbsp;</li><li>Minimal sample preparation reduces handling time and improves laboratory throughput, supporting efficient routine analysis.&nbsp;</li><li>The method demonstrates robust performance across multiple matrices, ensuring reliable detection even in lipid-rich, chemically diverse samples.</li><li>Use of Waters ACQUITY UPLC H-Class System and Xevo TQ-S micro Mass Spectrometer enables accurate quantitation well below regulatory requirements.&nbsp;</li><li>The validated method complies with Missouri DCR and DHSS regulatory limits, enabling laboratories to confidently monitor VEA in cannabis products.</li></ul>VEA is used as a diluent and viscosity modifier in certain cannabis-derived products, including vaping formulations. Following increased public health awareness during 2019, VEA became a marker of interest for quality control and regulatory surveillance across cannabis supply chains due to its potential impact on lung health. In addition to concentrates and vape liquids, trace residues may be present in infused products and processing intermediates. Therefore, reliable quantification of VEA in these chemically diverse, lipid-rich matrices requires an analytical method that is sensitive, selective, and robust against matrix effects. In February 2024, Missouri’s DCR revised the tolerance limit for VEA in cannabis products from 0.2 ppm to 5 ppm.1&nbsp;Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) provides the sensitivity and specificity required to distinguish VEA from endogenous cannabinoids, terpenes, and other lipophilic excipients, while also offering the sensitivity to support low-ppm and sub-ppm action limits. Unlike UVbased methods, where co-eluting chromophores may interfere, LC-MS/MS enables targeted multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) for confident identification and accurate quantitation in complex cannabis matrices.&nbsp;This application note describes the validation of an LC-MS/MS method for the quantitation of VEA in two inhalable products, cannabis flower and cannabis concentrates. The method was developed and validated using the Waters ACQUITY UPLC H-Class System coupled with a Xevo TQ-S micro Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer. Chromatographic separation was achieved with a reversed-phase ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 Column. A streamlined sample preparation approach was applied for cannabis flowers and concentrates, which minimizes handling time and increases sample throughput.&nbsp;The validation study was conducted at GPA. Method performance was evaluated for calibration range, linearity, LOD, LOQ, accuracy, precision, recovery, repeatability, and robustness. The results of these are evaluated against acceptance criteria set by State of Missouri DHSS and presented in this application note.<h4>Experimental&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>LC system: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/198">ACQUITY UPLC H-Class Plus System&nbsp;</a></li><li>MS detection: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/209">Xevo TQ-S micro Mass Spectrometer&nbsp;</a></li><li>Column: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1952">ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 Column</a>, 2.1 x 50 mm, 1.7 µm (p/n: 186002350)</li><li>Software: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/635">MassLynx™ 4.1 Software&nbsp;</a></li><li>Data processing: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=5&amp;search=TargetLynx">TargetLynx™</a> Application</li></ul><h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>The LC-MS/MS method developed and validated for VEA quantification in cannabis flower and concentrates demonstrates excellent linearity, accuracy, precision, and robustness, and meets the regulatory requirements. Calibration curves achieved R² values greater than 0.999, with LOD and LOQ well below the Missouri action limit of 5 ppm. Matrix-spiked recoveries across flower and concentrate samples were within the 70–130% acceptance range, and QC samples met all performance criteria, confirming method reliability. Robustness testing across analysts and matrices further validated the method’s reproducibility. Overall, this approach provides a streamlined, sensitive, and regulatory-compliant workflow for laboratories, enabling accurate monitoring of VEA to support quality control, consumer safety, and regulatory compliance in cannabis-derived products

News from LabRulezLCMS Library - Week 04, 2026

Article

Application

Academy

Scientific article

Science and research

Poster

The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague) is a leading scientific institution in the Czech Republic, recognized internationally. Its primary mission is basic research in the fields of chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, organic and material oriented chemistry, chemistry of natural compounds, biochemistry and molecular biology, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry, and analytical chemistry. 

Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

LabRulez

Phenomenex is a global technology leader committed to developing novel analytical chemistry solutions that solve the separation and purification challenges of researchers in industrial, government and academic laboratories.

Phenomenex

Restek Corporation

Business Review Webinars

NACRW

Reference standards are essential in chromatography to ensure the correct identification of the sample components and the accuracy of quantitation.
In this one-hour presentation, we will explore the definitions and certifications that can impact selection and use of reference standards. Additionally, we’ll review the techniques and documentation required to prepare reproducible and reliable reference standards.
<ul>
<li>Learn what certified reference materials (CRMs) are and why you need them.</li>
<li>Explore the quality controls needed to consistently ensure accurate reference standards.</li>
<li>Understand secondary source standards and how to obtain them.</li>
</ul>

Restek: Building a Rock-Solid Analytical Foundation with Certified Reference Materials (CRMs)

Building a Rock-Solid Analytical Foundation with Certified Reference Materials (CRMs)

<h3>Building a strong foundation for your analytical workflow</h3>
Your results are only as accurate as your reference. Within Pharma QC, whether you are performing dissolution testing or releasing finished goods, having accurate, reliable and fully characterized Reference Materials is critical. This webinar will provide viewers with an overview of key concepts relating to Reference Materials.
With a multitude of suppliers serving the industry – both compendial and commercial – there are myriad choices of Reference Materials available for a quality control laboratory. We will discuss how different quality grades are “fit for purpose,” best practices in Reference Material production, and what to look for in a Reference Material Certificate of Analysis.
We will also discuss a novel concept: fully characterized Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) qualified against compendial standards. These CRMs are designed to replace a laboratories in-house working standards and pair with a laboratory’s primary Reference Standards to form a strong, well-characterized and fully traceable Reference Material foundation.
<h3>Key Learning Objectives</h3>
<ul>
<li>Understand how different Reference Material quality grades are fit-to-purpose</li>
<li>Provide key concepts in Reference Material manufacture and characterization</li>
<li>Detail Certificate of Analysis (CoA) key attributes that will be common across sources</li>
</ul>
<h3>Audience</h3>
<ul>
<li>Laboratory Directors</li>
<li>Pharmaceutical Quality Control (QC) Managers</li>
<li>Pharmaceutical Quality Control (QC) technicians</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Michael Hurst (Product Manager - Reference Materials)
</blockquote>

Pixabay/Mizianitka: Reference Materials in Pharma QC

MilliporeSigma - Reference Materials in Pharma QC

<h5>Unlocking the Mystery of Pesticides CRM Stability for Food Analysis</h5>
There is a growing global need for pesticide residues testing in a wide variety of food commodities. In response to this need, testing laboratories must develop versatile analytical methods and workflows in order to produce scientifically sound results which ensure the safety of our food. One of the many challenges faced by food chemists is acquiring suitable pesticide certified reference materials (CRMs) to calibrate analytical equipment, monitor method performance and confirm the identity and concentration of hundreds of pesticide residues in food samples. Questions regarding the stability of pesticide CRMs abound among users and there’s a need to educate and inform the community. CRM producers invest considerable resources to ensure the stability of their products. The authors will present proper CRM handling and storage practices as guidance to ensure stability based on the results of several multiresidue pesticide stability studies. The results of three pesticide mix stability studies will be shown demonstrating what can be expected after pesticide mix ampulesare opened and stored for use, and also when mixed togetherto prepare 200+ compound multi-residue mixesfor routine LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS laboratory analysis. 
<blockquote>
Presenter: Joe Konschnik (Business Development Manager, Food &amp; Agriculture Market, RESTEK Corporation, Bellefonte, PA, USA)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
As RESTEK’s Business Development Manager for the global Food &amp; Agriculture market Joe applies his 37 years of analytical chemistry experience toward identifying market needs, new technologies, product opportunities and overseeing technical content development for new workflow solutions. Prior to RESTEK Joe spent 19 years working for some ofthe nation’s largest environmental testing laboratory companies as a bench chemist and in technical and laboratory operations senior management roles. Joe has been an invited speaker on sampling and analytical chemistry topics globally. He serves in volunteer leadership roles for the Independent Laboratories Institute (ILI), the American Council of Independent Labs (ACIL)’sFood Sciences Section and AOAC International. Joe is also an active member of NACRW and AOCS
</blockquote>
<h5>Guide to Reference Material use in Trace Level Analysis</h5>
The analysis of contaminants and residues in human and animal foods presents special challenges due to the large numbers of analytes with varied chemical properties being analyzed at low concentrations in a single method. In addition, a singlemulti-residue method may be utilized to screen a wide variety of complex food, dietary supplement and environmental matrices for compliance with strict regulatory requirements. Recognizing these challenges, the Reference Materials Working Group of the North American Chemical Residue Workshop is developing a best practices guide for understanding and effectively using reference materials specific to complex trace level analysis. This presentation will introduce the guide and provide an overview of the content.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jo Marie Cook (former Bureau Chief, Chemical Residue Labs, Florida Department of Agriculture)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
JoMarie Cook is recently retired from the Florida Department of Agriculture where she served as Bureau Chief of the Chemical Residue Laboratories.She also has been a member of the NACRW Organizing Committee for over twenty years and serves on the Board ofDirectors. She has a degree in chemistry from Michigan State University.
</blockquote>

NACRW: Unlocking the Mystery of Pesticides CRM Stability for Food Analysis and Guide to Reference Material use in Trace Level Analysis

Unlocking the Mystery of Pesticides CRM Stability for Food Analysis and Guide to Reference Material use in Trace Level Analysis

Reference standards must perform at a consistent level each and every time you use them. Variations in analyte concentration can disrupt analyses, impede your lab’s workflow, and lead to wasted time and money. Restek’s Certificates of Analysis offer comprehensive information to help you understand the composition, proper storage conditions, and method of shipment for your reference standard.
In this presentation, we’ll explain the terms given on the certificate, discuss when you might need to apply uncertainty values, and clarify why we provide them. We’ll also explore how to safely store and properly prepare your reference standards for use along with what else you need to keep in mind to ensure the long-term integrity of your standards.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jaap de Zeeuw (Gas Chromatography Specialist, Restek)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Jaap is a world-renowned chromatographer with over 40 years of experience, including 27 years with Varian/Chrompack focusing on industrial analysis challenges. For his 1979 graduation from The Institute for Higher Education, specialized in chemistry, Jaap authored a paper titled &quot;The Challenge of Coating Flexible Fused Silica Capillary Columns&quot; and has since distinguished himself as an authority on the subject. Directly involved with the creation of numerous chemically bonded columns, including the first bonded PEG column and the stabilized PLOT columns widely used in the petrochemical arena, Restek’s international GC specialist has helped develop new techniques, such as fast GC-MS using vacuum GC technology, and has filed two patents for his work. Based out of the Netherlands, Jaap celebrates 10 years with Restek. Jaap is extensively published and regularly travels internationally to share his knowledge.
</blockquote>

LCMS webinars focusing on Chemicals & Standards - page 2

Tips and Tricks for Handling Reference Standards