Save time and money with Metrohm Inline Sample Preparation solutions
Nov 28, 2022
Article
Why is sample preparation prior to separation essential for your analysis?
When using ion chromatography (IC) as an analytical technique, samples often cannot be injected directly onto the separation column. There are several reasons for this: samples may contain particles or colloids, the analyte concentration can be too high or low, the sample matrix is unsuitable for a direct injection, or the sample first requires neutralization. These are common and sometimes elaborate challenges faced in daily laboratory work. Metrohm Inline Sample Preparation (MISP) techniques offer a broad spectrum of straightforward, cost- and time-saving solutions for these kinds of situations. This article gives an overview and some insights about MISP techniques—our solutions for automated inline sample preparation of various matrices for IC analysis. Using MISP is the first step to saving valuable time and money while increasing the reliability and precision of your measurements.
The following subjects will be covered (click to go directly to a topic):
- Introduction to MISP
- The most common Inline Sample Preparation solutions from Metrohm: Ultrafiltration, Dialysis, Dilution, and Partial Loop Injection
- Metrohm Inline Extraction
- Metrohm Inline Preconcentration
- Metrohm Inline Preconcentration with Inline Matrix Elimination
- Metrohm Inline Neutralization
- Metrohm Inline Cation Removal
- Summary
Introduction to MISP
If you look closely at the «MISP» acronym i.e., Metrohm Inline Sample Preparation, you should have identified the term «inline» – the automated way of sample preparation incorporated in Metrohm IC systems. The underlying concept is that the only manual action analysts have with a sample is when they place it on the autosampler. The specific steps for sample preparation will be automatically handled «inline» by the system from that moment on. High reproducibility of the completely automated sample preparation excludes any manual interferences (e.g., unidentical handling, bias, or other errors introduced during manual sample preparation) which could lead to irreproducible results. Automated sequences have been proven without a doubt to significantly increase the precision and reliability of analytical results. Furthermore, with an absolute minimum of manual labor, lab analysts can save both time and money by letting the IC system do the hard work.
Metrohm has the perfect tool in hand for high precision, accurate liquid handling: our patented Dosino (Figure 1). The Dosino technology ensures that volumes down to single digit µL can be measured out and transferred quickly and precisely.