Agilent is advising analysts that its Certified vials are the only ones designed and tested for full compatibility with Agilent autosamplers, and that using products not fit for pupose can have a significant effect on analysis quality.
Reliable containment of samples is crucial and the integrity, cleanliness and consistency of vials is critical for accurate analysis, Agilent says.
Using vials that are not fit for purpose can affect quality of analysis in various ways.
Non-uniform bottom thickness which can damage needles and cause inconsistent sample draw. Sample evaporation and loss can be caused by poor sealing, and misaligned, dislodged or cored septa can result in sample contamination and damage to autosampler injectors.
Choosing certified autosampler vials can significantly reduce the opportunity for such issues to affect analysis. For highly sensitive samples such as pesticides or semi volatiles, as well as samples that are prone to sudden shifts in pH, deactivated vials are best, because their surface is more hydrophobic and inert.
Polypropylene vials are suitable for biological applications and for applications involving samples with high metal content, such as ion chromatography, AA, or ICP-MS.
Because many Agilent autosamplers use a robotic arm to grip vials by the neck, it is important the vial is the correct size to prevent them being dropped and samples lost.
The company provides a range of tools to help choose the right autosampler for any application. The interactive vial selection tool and vial selection poster both provide information required to assist analysts in making an informed decision working best for their own unique application.
With analysts increasingly looking for ways to reduce the time and cost of their analyses and reusing vials, caps and septa is often perceived as an easy way to reduce costs, protect the environment and spend less time maintaining stock.
However, it is important to consider the impact reusing vial consumables can have on results.
Consumables are designed to perform at an optimum level and after one use, the performance of an autosampler vial, cap or septa cannot be guaranteed to the same levels, Agilent says.
