Testing Labs 13 Analytical solutions in the laboratory News€¦ · From left to right: Sandrine Bioulac (Technical Manager, chemical department), Jean-Vincent Gauzentes (General

News

LIAL MC was established in Aurillac, France, in 1971. The company analy-ses the cow, goat and ewe milk of 7,000 producers across 12 French departments. According to the traditional milk pay-ment scheme, producers get paid accord-ing to milk quality. Therefore, the milk must be analyzed in order to ensure that it complies with regulation standards. The laboratory has also been developing complementary services in the food-pro-cessing domain since 1980. The manag-er, Mr. Gauzentes, states, “Our philoso-phy has remained the same from the be-ginning: Reliable results and a dedicated service completely in line with our clients’ demand for quality”.

Diversified activityLIAL MC achieved its first COFRAC

(French Accreditation Committee) accre-ditation back in 1992 (Food Hygiene). Today, LIAL MC carries out 60 types of analysis over 5 COFRAC accreditation programs. The laboratory has doubled in size since 1989 and offers a full range of services, including farming consultancy and analyses in disease prevention, food microbiology/chemistry and animal feed.

Critical differential weighingUnder the leadership of Miss Bioulac, the biochemistry laboratory analyzes many parameters with weighing require-ments: Fat, dry matter and chloride, etc., on a daily basis. Measuring dry mat-ter has proven to be delicate and time-consuming work. The ISO 6731 Standard specifies that, during the drying process, dry matter must be weighed until the

LIAL MC (Inter-professional Laboratory for Milk Analysis, Massif Central) analyzes milk samples from 7,000 producers. The company uses MET-TLER TOLEDO’s LabX® Balance Software Solution to calculate dry mat-ter. Calculation tasks have been greatly simplified which, in turn, have optimized laboratory efficiency. All results are securely stored and fully traceable.

Dry Matter DeterminationReliable and Traceable

Testing LabsAnalytical solutions in the laboratory

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2 METTLER TOLEDO Testing Labs 13

Publisher Mettler-Toledo AG Laboratory Division Im Langacher CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland

Production LAB Division MarketingGlobal MarCom Switzerlandwww.mt.com/lab-segmentnews

Subject to technical changes. © Mettler-Toledo AG 08/13 Printed in Switzerland.

Dry

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difference in mass between 2 weighings is no greater than 1 mg. In practice, this means up to 6 successive weighings. Miss Bioulac explains, “We process 30,000 samples for dry matter and feed samples per year. We used to carry out manual calculations and record all the weigh-ings and results in traceability log books. For dry matter, my team can complete up to 40 samples a day.” She adds, “These calculations, performed by 2 people, took half an hour per day.”

Time-saving, reliability and traceabilityMr. Gauzentes consulted METTLER TOLEDO with the aim of “Optimizing our processes and increasing productiv-ity”. He was quickly convinced by the the LabX® Analytical Balances Software Solution, “The software takes care of our weighing processes, guarantees to-tal traceability and is integrated with our LIMS (Laboratory Informational Management System).” LabX® gathers weighing data automatically (in accor-dance with ISO6731) in order to calculate the expected result. Miss Bioulac elabo-rated, “The balance guides the operator

throughout the process. Even a beginner can use it”. A value for the minimum dif-ference between two drying processes is recorded for the dry matter calculation. If this value is exceeded, LabX® prompts the operator to continue with the drying operations for the sample concerned. She adds, “We will never go back to the old way!” LabX® has freed us from transcrip-tion errors, the log books and the time required for calculations.”

Text: Joël Goursot, Communication Manager,

METTLER TOLEDO France

www.mt.com/labx

From left to right: Sandrine Bioulac (Technical Manager, chemical department), Jean-Vincent Gauzentes (General Manager) and Maryline Barthe (Laboratory Technician).

Sandrine Bioulac’s team can carry out up to 40 dry matter weigh-ings per day.

3METTLER TOLEDO Testing Labs 13

A wide range of analyses, including BOD, can be performed in order to monitor water quality. BOD is used to determine the sum of all biologically degradable organic matter in water. Normally, the analysis is carried out over a period of 5 days (BOD5) at a temperature of 20 °C. The oxygen content of the sample is mea-sured before and after this incubation time. The BOD can then be determined by calculating the difference between the dissolved oxygen measurements.

Clean water is rapidly becoming ever more signifi-

cant worldwide. Strict regulations as to how water

should be monitored and analyzed are in place all

across the globe. An important analysis to assess

water quality is determining the BOD (biochemical

oxygen demand). This article demonstrates how

dissolved oxygen measurements for BOD can be

achieved quickly and reliably with help from OptiOx.

Simplified BOD Analysis -OptiOx™ Ensures High Water Quality

OptiOx optimizes oxygen measurements BOD canisters must be filled to the brim with the sample and sealed with airtight caps in order to prevent oxygen from the air distorting the measurement result. The sensor used for these oxygen mea-surements should not displace more of the sample in the canister than the cap itself would. This is essential to ensure that the canisters can be closed with an airtight seal again after the mea-

surement. OptiOx does so precisely and optimally thanks to the innovative OptiOx BOD adapter. The sensor can only be inserted into the canister to the depth at which a reliable measurement is possi-ble. After the measurement, the canister can be resealed without any entrapped air.

The OptiOx system for measuring dis-solved oxygen is based on optical mea-suring technology and is extremely easy to use. As no oxygen from the sample is consumed during the measurement, the sample does not need to be stirred. In no time at all, the measurement result is stable and can be recorded. This measur-ing method is defined and recommended by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency in the USA) in a new standard.

The METTLER TOLEDO OptiOx measur-ing system optimally supports BOD anal-ysis. Oxygen measurements can now be performed quickly and reliably.

Text: A. Stütz, Product Manager

www.mt.com/OptiOx

The black OptiOx BOD adapter stops the sensor from being immersed too deeply in the sample. No sample gets displaced from the bottle.


Wei

ght C

alib

ratio

n Accurate Weight Calibration Requires Density Determination

The density of the weight plays a critical role in the correction for air buoyancy and is directly related to the altitude at which the weight is being used. For accu-rate mass determination, the density and corresponding uncertainties of the weight must be taken into account. It is for this reason that OIML R111 (Chapter 10.2.2) states that when Class E weights are to be

used over 330 m above sea level, the den-sity and associated uncertainty should be documented. For Class F weights, density determination should be carried out when over 800 m above sea level. To obtain cor-rect results, the density of both the refer-ence weight and the test weight should be determined.

To accurately determine the mass of a weight, the density of the weight

must be taken into account for air buoyancy correction (which varies

according to altitude). The density must be determined in line with

recommendations from the international organization for weights and

measures (OIML). The new VMS2 and VMS20 systems offer solutions

for reliable and fast density determination of weights from 1 g to 20 kg.

Density determination with the VMS line METTLER TOLEDO’s new VMS line sets a new standard for high accuracy density determination and complies with the OIML A3 method of Hydrostatic Com-parison by Direct Weighing. The VMS2 and VMS20 systems offer a reliable, simple and standardized solution for determining the density of weights from 1 g to 20 kg and enables accurate air buoyancy correc-tion for conventional and true mass.

The process is fully guided by the supplied software. The density and associated un-certainty are calculated with just one key press and an automatically generated re-port details all results. The systems can, of course, also be used for determining the density of any object.

Efficient weight handlingHandling weights is simple thanks to an ergonomically designed loading and unloading system which gently and ac-curately lowers the weights into the water bath. A self-centering function eliminates eccentricity error. Air bubbles are effi-ciently removed from the weight by an advanced water jet system, ensuring the buoyancy of the weight is not affected. The

Air bubbles are effectively removed with a water jet system.


The VMS20: mass and density determination from 1 kg to 20 kg.

The VMS2: mass and density determination from 1 g to 2 kg.

VMS2 VMS20Comparator XP2004S XP26003L

Capacity 2300 g 26100 g

Readability 0.1 mg 1 mg

Repeatability 0.1 mg 3.0 mg

smallest weights can be loaded directly into the submersed weighing shell with tweezers (on the VM2 only). Such small weights can be stored in the water to mini-mize the influence of air bubbles and pro-vide the best thermal stability.

Dual use systemThe VMS 2 and VMS 20 systems each have an integrated mass comparator which is fully utilizable for mass determination and calibration in the normal way. The systems incorporate a full draft shield and a leveling system as well as an XP color touchscreen terminal – all helping to en-sure results of the highest quality.

Text: Javier Levitt, Head SPG MetrologyFelix Mathis, Product Manager SPG Metrology

www.mt.com/labtec-volume

Safe handling of weights in water


Hig

h-Th

roug

hput

Pip

ettin

g Efficient and Ergonomic Pipettinginto 96-Well Plates

Ali found that many Singulex laboratory workers were using multichannel pipettes to aliquot samples to microplates. This was not only inefficient, but could possi-bly contribute to repetitive stress injuries (RSIs). Ali was able to demonstrate Liq-uidator’s ability to reproduce the Immu-noassays while speeding up workflow 5-10 times compared to their previous liquid handling workflow.

We sat down with Ali to talk about Singulex and how they are using the Liquidator 96.

How does the Singulex immuno-assay technology enhance the clinical utility of biomarkers and what are its benefits for clinical and drug research? Singulex deploys ultra-sensitive, digi-tal immunoassay technology with high

precision to enable ground-breaking dis coveries, innovative therapies and improved healthcare. The Erenna® Im-munoassay System, powered by Singu-lex’s patented single-molecule detection technology, precisely and reliably quan-tifies low-abundance biomarkers at or below sub-picogram concentrations. This unique high-definition technology en-hances the clinical utility of biomarkers and allows researchers to gain insights into drug safety and efficacy.

For pipetting operation, scientists at Singulex tested and evaluated the Rainin Liquidator 96 pipetting system. What are the advantages for your lab?To minimize operator-introduced er-rors, reduce assay time, reduce repetitive motion and reduce cost, our scientists evaluated the Rainin Liquidator 96 in comparison to manual pipetting and pi-petting performed by expensive robotic instruments.

The Liquidator 96 is a powerful bench-top manual liquid handling instrument that quickly fills a 96-well plate. It is very user-friendly and portable and doesn’t require programming or dedicated technician time. One can easily and quickly transfer content from a 96-well plate to a 384-well plate. We found it to be perfectly suited to

As a scientist at Singulex Inc., Ali Vahedi supports development,

optimization, and improvement of the Singulex Ultra-Sensitive

Immunoassay menu for internal users and customers. He wondered if

there was a more efficient, ergonomic way to accomplish the work and

recognized that Rainin’s Liquidator 96 would meet the challenge.

Ali Vahedi, scientist at Singulex Inc.


hyphenate high-throughput work across many applications. The Liquidator pro-vides convenient liquid handling with a high degree of precision and accuracy. The Liquidator 96 also minimizes the risk of operator introduced errors.

You did some method comparison regarding manual pipetting versus using the Liquidator 96 with a number of Singulex assays. What are the conclusions?During and after our preliminary evalu-ation of the Liquidator 96, we compared analytical performance, transfer time, the number of repetitive motions, simplicity of use, cost and other parameters between the Liquidator 96, manual pipetting and automated systems.

The analytical performance results ob-tained using the Liquidator 96 versus manual pipetting appeared to be similar and comparable. However, the advantages

of the Liquidator 96 versus manual pi-petting were: time savings, simplicity of transfer between 96-well and 384-well plates as well as reduced risk of opera-tor errors. When compared to automated systems, we found that significant cost re-duction, simplicity of use and elimination of routine system maintenance were just a few of the advantages.

As a result of our evaluations, various departments at Singulex, including CLIA labs, routinely use Liquidator 96 for a wide range of applications.

Text: Terry Peckham, MarCom Manager

Download the Singulex white paper at www.mt.com/liq96-immunoassay

Singulex and Erenna are reqistered trademarks of Singulex, Inc.

Liquidator 96 is faster than other manual pipettes and an effective alternative to complicated robotic systems.

Tips & Tricks

Pipetting Ergonomics

Understanding the ergonomic risks associated with pipetting is another Good Pipetting Practice.

Our Good Lab Ergonomics web page has a white paper, video and a poster with a quick stretching routine that is perfect for people who pipette. You can even take our pipetting ergo-nomics quiz, then enter to win a complete lab makeover.

} www.mt.com/rainin-ergo


Labo

rato

ry S

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Compliance with New USP RegulationsAssured by Expert Service

United States Pharmacopeia has revised General Chapters 41 (Balances) and 1251

(Weighing on an Analytical Balance). USP has given just six months for companies to

comply with these changes and METTLER TOLEDO’s GWP® is helping customers to meet

these new requirements with ease.

Balance users and manufacturers histor-ically criticized USP’s Chapter 41 for be-ing unclear and Chapter 1251 for no lon-ger representing modern weighing. On June 3rd 2013, USP published revised chapters in the Second Supplement to USP 36-NF 31 that define modified bal-ance test procedures for both US pharma-ceutical manufacturers and companies who export to the US. Revisions become official on December 1st 2013.

Balance assessmentChapter 41’s mandatory balance assess-ment defines accuracy and repeatability tests for calibrated balances used to quantitatively weigh analytes. Since ac-curacy can only be gauged using weights that are at least 5% of an instrument’s capacity, test weight selection criteria has also been modified.

Saving time Chapter 1251 extends to any balance used in an analytical procedure. Impor-tantly, net samples (sample weight, not the tare vessel) must sufficiently out-weigh minimum weight to account for normal performance fluctuations. Daily testing recommendations have also been dropped to save time, which, if accompa-nied by accuracy, also offer significant potential monetary savings.

Ensuring accuracyAlthough the revisions help to protect manufacturing margins, they under-score that weighing accuracy is non- negotiable. METTLER TOLEDO’s GWP® – The Weighing Standard – is the an-swer. Tailored to each application, the unique science-based service, GWP® Ver-ification, helps to eliminate redundant or erroneous testing. Manufacturers utiliz-ing GWP® optimize SOPs and avoid pro-ducing poorly formulated and potentially dangerous products.

Consistent qualityWithout burdensome daily testing, phar-maceutical manufacturers improve as-surance that their products remain safe, effective and profitable. GWP® Verifica-tion’s systematic guidance makes weigh-ing consistency and product quality part of their everyday reality and is applicable to any make or model of weighing in-strument.

Text: Marianne Portmann, Manager Global GWP Marketing & Business Development

Learn more about how the USP revisions affect your balance verification and weighing pro-cesses.You can also view our free on-demand webinar, watch the video, register for e-learning or take advantage of our free white paper download!www.mt.com/lab-usp


LabX SoftwarePower the Bench

LabX software brings power to your laboratory bench by providing full user guidance on

the instrument touchscreen, handling all data auto matically, and ensuring a high level of

process security.

LabX is installed on a PC inside or outside your laboratory and can be connected to a variety of instruments, such as density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and Excellence Balances. LabX allows you to centrally manage your application methods, instruments, products and user rights. Individual process applications are implemented in LabX and provide full SOP workflow coverage directly on the instrument. LabX Services support you and your LabX system and are completely flexible to meet individual system and user needs, including full integration with your existing information systems.

In the Lab

Operators work at their instruments as usual. Tasks are started directly on the instrument touchscreen. All data and calculations are taken care of by LabX.

On the PCUse the design tools to create applica-tion methods and reports in accordance with your SOPs.

In the Office

All data and process information is cen-trally managed in LabX. At any time, LabX can provide a complete overview of the activities in the lab.

On the Instrument

LabX provides full step-by-step SOP user guidance directly on the instru-ment touchscreen. Results and instru-ment data are available directly on the touchscreen. To order our LabX brochure

or for more information: www.mt.com/LabX

LabX runs on the following METTLER TOLEDO Excellence Line of Instruments:

• Precision & Analytical Balance• Quantos Dosing System• Density and Refractometers• Melting Point Instrument• Titrator


Prod

uct H

ighl

ight

Weigh solids automaticallyAutomated or manual sample weigh-ing is possible. Smaller amounts can be weighed due to lower minimum weight. No weigh boats or papers required.

USP Compliant Sample Preparation Reduce Errors and Risk

Recent changes to USP chapters <841> and <1251> support

the use of gravimetric sample preparation. The Quantos

automated system enables prepares precise and accurate

concentrations as the solvent dispensed is based on the

actual weight of sample in the vial. Addresses 50% of out-of-

specification (OOS) errors and reduces substance/solvent

consumption by up to 90%. Closed dosing heads significantly

reduce user exposure to potentially hazardous substances.

Add liquids gravimetricallySolutions prepared directly in a vial. Amount of solvent dispensed is calculat-ed automatically. No volumetric flask errors (meniscus, temperature).

Record data electronicallyAll information is captured electroni-cally and fully traceable for audit pur-poses. Labels are printed automatically. Transcription errors are avoided.

www.mt.com/quantos

Quantos

GraviPrep

USP841Compliant


Lightweight MultichannelsPerformance You Can Feel

Rainin’s new XLS+ multichannel pipettes are ergo-

nomic masterpieces, light in weight and extraordi-

narily balanced with improved smoothness that you

can feel. Loading tips is a snap, with perfect sealing

on all nozzles. Consistent sample loading with re-

producible results are routine, channel-to-channel.

Available in 8 and 12- channel formats for volumes

from 1–300 µL, these manual and electronic XLS+

multichannels will deliver years of consistent reli-

able service.

Lightweight, balancedThe ergonomic design incorporated into Rainin’s lightweight multichan-nels deliver extraordinary comfort and performance, even after hours of pipet-ting. The feel is balanced and substan-tial with a fit and finish that is truly world class.

Channel consistencyXLS+ multichannels with the LTS Lite-Touch System load tips with perfect seals every time. The result? Sample pick up is absolutely even and consistent across all channels.

Greater controlWith an unparalleled sense of control and feedback, these are the easiest and most responsive multichannel pipettes you’ll ever use. Operation is smooth and absolutely consistent from start to finish.

www.mt.com/lwmc

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For more information

Info Spot

Mettler-Toledo AGLaboratory DivisionIm LangacherCH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland

www.mt.com

Ever feel like you have to process more and more samples every day – and costs are spiraling upwards? Get the tools and knowledge to do your lab work more easily – and faster.

We have designed four lab toolboxes. These toolboxes contain compilations of information material that will help you achieve more in lesser time. They cover the following topics:

• Sample Preparation• Liquid Handling• Water/Moisture Analysis • Thermal Analysis

Stop working like Sisyphus and have a coffee instead – register on our webpage to get access to a wealth of lab knowledge:} www.mt.com/sn-lab-toolbox

Feeling Like Sisyphus of the Laboratory?

Documents

Testing Labs 13 Analytical solutions in the laboratory News€¦ · From left to right: Sandrine Bioulac (Technical Manager, chemical department), Jean-Vincent Gauzentes (General