<p><strong>In the week from April 27, the following webinars await you in the field of atomic and molecular spectroscopy and spectrometry</strong></p><blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinars"><strong>👉 DETAILS AND REGISTRATION IN THE WEBINARS SECTION</strong></a></h4><p><strong>👉 Search and filter in the largest global database</strong> with over <strong>5 500 GC, LC, MS and spectroscopy webinars</strong>.</p></blockquote><h5><strong>1. LECO: Carbon and Nitrogen Determination in Adhesives, Laminates, and Cement Fiber Board</strong></h5><ul><li>Tu, 28.4.2026 16:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5973">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Discover how carbon and nitrogen analysis supports quality control in adhesives, laminates, and cement fiber board, optimizing resin performance and regulatory compliance.</p><h5><strong>2. Agilent Technologies: FTIR in Action: From Spectroscopy Fundamentals to Oil and Grease Analysis in Water</strong></h5><ul><li>Tu, 28.4.2026 20:30 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6049">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Learn FTIR fundamentals and practical workflows for oil and grease determination in water. Discover how ClearShot™ extraction and the Agilent Cary 630 enable fast, reliable environmental monitoring.</p><h5><strong>3. C&amp;EN: Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM): Principles &amp; Applications</strong></h5><ul><li>We, 29.4.2026 17:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6139">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Most key research questions in modern electrochemistry are governed by processes that occur at the microscopic scale.</p><h5><strong>4. Waters Corporation: TOC Calibration, System Suitability, and Verification: Ensuring Accuracy and Compliance in Water Quality Analysis</strong></h5><ul><li>We, 29.4.2026 17:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6118">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis plays a critical role in ensuring water quality across pharmaceutical, environmental, and high purity industrial applications.</p><h5><strong>5. Anton Paar: From Analysis to Assurance: How Thermal, Raman, and Film Extrusion Techniques Validate Crystallinity and Ensure Polymer Product Quality</strong></h5><ul><li>We, 29.4.2026 19:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6121">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Crystallinity strongly affects the mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of polymer films, yet monitoring it during extrusion is difficult.</p><h5><strong>6. LECO: From Anode to Cathode: Integrated Characterization Solutions for Advanced Battery Materials</strong></h5><ul><li>Th, 30.4.2026 16:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6037">Registration</a></li></ul><p>This webinar presents an integrated characterization approach for lithium-ion battery materials.</p><h5><strong>7. Agilent Technologies: Improve your ICP-MS productivity and workflow with the ADS2/AVS</strong></h5><ul><li>Th, 30.4.2026 19:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6048">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Webinar on optimizing ICP-MS analysis of high-matrix samples using MassHunter 5.4 and ADS2/AVS, focusing on calibration efficiency and streamlined workflows.</p>

Webinars LabRulezICPMS Week 18/2026

<p><strong>Participation in Proficiency Testing (PT) is an important part of assuring the quality of test results in a laboratory. The time and effort required can be costly, especially for laboratories performing many different tests, so selecting the most appropriate PT scheme is very important. Several PT schemes are often available for the same area of testing, so this leaflet focuses on key questions that can help laboratories choose those PT schemes that are best suited for their needs.&nbsp;</strong></p><h4><strong>Parameters included in the PT&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Are the matrices, analytes, and/or concentration levels of the test items offered by the PT scheme similar to those of samples encountered in the everyday practice of the laboratory? For example:&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Example 1: </strong><i>The levels of contaminants in a PT scheme for drinking water will be quite different from those expected in industrial wastes.&nbsp;</i></p><p>A laboratory testing industrial wastes could:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Participate, taking into account the limitations;&nbsp;</li><li>Not participate at all.&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>Example 2:</strong> <i>PT schemes for sequencing of DNA may offer either tissue samples or DNA extracts.&nbsp;</i></p><p>Depending on its choice, the laboratory’s competence will be assessed for:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>The whole test;&nbsp;</li><li>The sequencing step only.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4><strong>Strategies for data collection and analysis&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Are the strategies applied by the PT provider suitable for the needs of the laboratory? Factors to be considered include:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Description of the statistical design applied;&nbsp;</li><li>Number of test items to be analysed and/or number of replicates requested;&nbsp;</li><li>Procedures for data collection from participants (e.g. submission by fax, e-mails or web-portals);&nbsp;</li><li>Procedures for comparison of results obtained by different measurement procedures;&nbsp;</li><li>Number and origin of participants;&nbsp;</li><li>Number of participants using the same measurement procedure as the laboratory; and&nbsp;</li><li>Methods and criteria used for performance assessment.&nbsp;</li></ul><p>The laboratory should also consider whether its customers, accreditation bodies and/or regulatory bodies have any specific requirements on statistical design.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Example 3:</strong> <i>A laboratory determines the fat content in milk powder, cereals and feed using three operationally defined measurement procedures (Röse Gottlieb, direct fat extraction, and fat determination by hydrolysis). Each measurement procedure could give different results for each matrix. It is important for the laboratory to check whether the different measurement procedures are taken into consideration for each matrix in the PT scheme</i></p><h4><strong>Evaluation of performance&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Is the method used for assessing the participants’ performance (e.g. z score) clearly described by the PT provider and understood by the laboratory?</p><p><strong>Example 4: </strong><i>A laboratory may be interested in reporting the measurement uncertainty on its PT results so this can be taken into account in the performance evaluation, but the approach of the PT provider does not include this.&nbsp;</i></p><p>Are the criteria used by the PT provider for performance evaluation compatible with the type of work undertaken by the laboratory and/or the relevant legislation?&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Example 5: </strong><i>A laboratory performing confirmatory analyses may look for more restrictive criteria for performance evaluation than laboratories using simpler screening techniques.</i>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Trust in the PT provider&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>How can a laboratory assess the competence of a PT provider? Consider:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Compliance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17043, e.g. accreditation;&nbsp;</li><li>Experience;&nbsp;</li><li>Reliability of the assigned values; and&nbsp;</li><li>Fitness for purpose of criteria for proficiency assessment.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4><strong>Communication&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Is the interaction between the PT provider and the participant suitable? Consider:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Language used;&nbsp;</li><li>Accessibility and clarity of information;&nbsp;</li><li>Reports provided in a timely manner;&nbsp;</li><li>Regular communications, e.g. annual user meetings;&nbsp;</li><li>Level of support provided; and&nbsp;</li><li>Implementation of the customer’s wishes for PTs.&nbsp;</li></ul><p>Practical guidance for the selection of PT schemes is provided in Annex A of the Eurachem Guide [1].</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Selection_Use_and_Interpretation_of_Proficiency_Testing_PT_Schemes_by_Laboratories_2021_21f294fc1c.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Selection, Use and Interpretation of Proficiency Testing (PT) Schemes by Laboratories (2021)" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Selection_Use_and_Interpretation_of_Proficiency_Testing_PT_Schemes_by_Laboratories_2021_21f294fc1c.jpg 110w," sizes="100vw" width="790" height="1120"></p><blockquote><p>Information about PT providers and schemes can be obtained from your national accreditation body, from the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.eptis.org/"><strong>EPTIS website</strong></a> or from other national or international organizations.</p></blockquote>

Selecting the right proficiency testing scheme for my laboratory

<p><strong>Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 27th April 2026? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!</strong></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:20px;">👉 </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library"><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</strong></span></a></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques?</strong> Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezLCMS</strong></a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezGCMS</strong></a> libraries.</p></blockquote><p>This week we bring you application notes by<strong> Agilent Technologies, LECO, Shimadzu, </strong>and <strong>Thermo Fisher Scientific!</strong></p><h3><strong>1. Agilent Technologies: Ethanol Impurity Analysis Using the </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Cary+3500"><strong>Agilent Cary 3500 Flexible UV-Vis Spectrophotometer</strong></a></h3><p><strong>The use of long-path-length cells in pharmaceutical QC</strong></p><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_ethanol_impurity_analysis_cary_3500_flexible_uv_vis_5994_9041en_agilent_3980fa0dc8.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy is a rapid, sensitive, and nondestructive test widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for quality control (QC). This method typically involves using a standard 10 mm path length cuvette to measure absorbance of materials, which can then be used in QC labs to quantify or qualify an analyte of interest.&nbsp;</p><p>In UV-Vis measurements, the photometric response of the spectrophotometer follows the Beer‑Lambert law, where a linear relationship exists between the sample absorbance and sample path length. The path length is the distance that the incident light travels through a sample. Increasing the cuvette path length from 10 to 50 mm increases the absorbance of a sample, aiding in more accurate quantification of components with low peak intensity. Alternatively, if the sample concentration is high and exceeds the linear dynamic detection range of the system, a cuvette with a shorter path length can be used instead.<sup>1</sup></p><p>In the pharmaceutical industry, ethanol is widely used in manufacturing as a disinfectant, solvent, and preservative. Due to its amphipathic structure, ethanol can dissolve both hydrophilic and lipophilic substances, serving as a medium to dissolve key components for a broad spectrum of drug formulations. The dual nature of ethanol also allows it to inhibit microbial growth by disrupting cellular membranes and denaturing proteins, processes that are vital for disinfection and the preservation of&nbsp;medications.<sup>2</sup>&nbsp;</p><p>As a result, ethanol used in pharmaceutical manufacturing must comply with pharmacopeia standards to ensure drug safety, efficacy, and quality. The United States Pharmacopeia (USP)<sup>3</sup>, European Pharmacopoeia (EP)<sup>4</sup>, and Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP)<sup>5</sup> all specify using an ultraviolet absorption test to measure impurities in ethanol at designated wavelengths (Table 1). In this test, the absorption spectrum should show a steadily descending curve with no observable peaks or shoulders, which serve as qualitative indicators of impurities present in the sample. Since the impurities have low absorbance levels, the USP, EP, and JP require the use of a 50 mm cell to improve sensitivity and detection levels.</p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Cary+3500"><strong>Agilent Cary 3500 Flexible UV-Vis spectrophotometer</strong></a> with variable-path-length cell holder demonstrates exceptional performance in the measurement of ethanol impurities according to global pharmacopeia standards. This underscores the system's suitability for pharmaceutical‑grade quality control. Combined with Agilent Cary UV Workstation software and a 10-year xenon flash lamp replacement warranty, this system delivers a user-friendly interface and global pharmacopeia-compliant hardware (USP, EP, JP), providing long‑term stability and low maintenance. Optimized workflows enable precise, routine photometric quality checks to ensure products are in compliance with pharmaceutical-grade standards.</p><h3><strong>2. LECO: Determination of Nitrogen/Protein in Whey and Powdered Dairy Products</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/FP_928_NITROGEN_PROTEIN_WHEY_POWDERED_DAIRY_203_821_671_1ecb5b0d95.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Two of the main types of proteins in milk are casein and whey. Whey protein is a co-product of cheese production and represents the water-soluble protein remaining in the solution after the milk has been acidified or a coagulation agent has been added. The removal of the non-soluble casein protein portion is referred to as curds. Whey protein is a common ingredient in many dietary supplements due to its availability, solubility, and unique functional characteristics.&nbsp;</p><p>The accurate and precise determination of protein in whey and powdered dairy products not only plays a role in the characterization of nutritional or dietary value in dairy products, but may also be key in determining the quality or category of the dairy product. Protein in whey and other dairy products is most commonly calculated using the measured Nitrogen in the sample and a protein factor multiplier (protein factors vary according to the sample matrix).</p><h4><strong>Instrument Model and Configuration&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1885"><strong>LECO FP928</strong></a> is a macro combustion Nitrogen/Protein determinator that utilizes a pure Oxygen environment in a high-temperature horizontal ceramic combustion furnace, utilizing ceramic boats designed to handle macro sample masses (~ 1.0 g). A thermoelectric cooler removes moisture from the combustion gases before they are collected in a ballast. The gases equilibrate and mix in the ballast before a representative aliquot (3 cm<sup>3</sup> or 10 cm<sup>3</sup> volume) of the gas is extracted and introduced into a flowing stream of inert carrier gas (Helium or Argon) for analysis. The aliquot of gas is carried through a heated reduction tube, filled with Copper, to convert Nitrogen Oxide combustion gas species (NO<sub>x</sub>) to Nitrogen (N<sub>2</sub>). The aliquot gas is then carried to a thermal conductivity cell (TC) for the detection of Nitrogen (N<sub>2</sub>).&nbsp;</p><p>Thermal conductivity detectors work by detecting changes in the thermal conductivity of the analyte gas compared to a reference/carrier gas. The greater the difference between the thermal conductivity of the carrier gas and the analyte gas, the greater the sensitivity of the detector. The FP928 supports either the use of Helium or Argon as the instrument's carrier gas. When used as a carrier gas, Helium provides the highest sensitivity, and the best performance at the lower limit of the Nitrogen range. The thermal conductivity difference between Argon and Nitrogen is not as great as the thermal conductivity difference between Helium and Nitrogen; therefore, the detector is inherently less sensitive when using Argon as a carrier gas.</p><h4><strong>TYPICAL RESULTS&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Data was generated utilizing a linear, force through origin calibration using ~0.75 g of LECO 502-896 (Lot 1007) LCRM EDTA (9.59% N). The calibration was verified using ~0.1 g of LECO 502-688 (Lot 1004) LCRM Nicotinic Acid (11.37% N). Samples were weighed and analyzed at ~0.5 grams. A protein † factor of 6.38 was used for all samples to calculate the protein content.</p><h3><strong>3. Shimadzu: High-Temperature Gigacycle Fatigue Test of Inconel 718 and Element Distribution Measurement on a Fracture Surface</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_01082_en_37d9ba3a1a.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><h4><strong>User Benefits</strong></h4><ul><li>Fatigue testing at 20 kHz can be performed using an ultrasonic fatigue testing machine, and 109 cycle fatigue tests can be completed in about 14 hours.</li><li>High-temperature fatigue tests can be performed by using a combination of an ultrasonic fatigue testing system and an induction heating furnace.</li><li>The origins of fatigue fractures and inclusions can be identified by observations and element distribution measurements using an electron probe microanalyzer.</li></ul><p>Inconel 718 has excellent heat and corrosion resistance and high strength. Its mechanical properties can be maintained even under high-temperature environments, which is why it is used in harsh environments, such as in the jet engines and turbine blades in the aerospace industry, and in gas turbines and nuclear power plant parts in the energy industry. In these applications, long-term reliability is crucial, making fatigue testing essential. However, this can be time-consuming; for example, gigacycle fatigue testing exceeding 109 cycles takes three to four months at a frequency of 100 Hz when using a conventional fatigue testing machine. But with the USF-2000A ultrasonic fatigue testing system, tests performed at a frequency of 20 kHz can be completed in approximately 14 hours.&nbsp;</p><p>This article describes using the <strong>USF-2000A</strong> to perform gigacycle fatigue tests on Inconel 718 at 600 °C. In addition, the EPMA8050G, which is an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA ), was used to observe the fatigue fracture surfaces and measure the element distribution.</p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Gigacycle fatigue tests were performed on Inconel 718 at 600 °C, using the USF-2000A ultrasonic fatigue testing system. Good results were obtained since the number of cycles to fractures fell in the range 106 to 109 for their respective loading conditions. The EPMA-8050G electron probe microanalyzer was used to perform elemental mapping analysis of fractures originating from inclusions, and the elements of the inclusions were identified.</p><h3><strong>4. Thermo Fisher Scientific: XPS depth profiling of coated nitrided steel using femtosecond laser ablation</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/xps_depth_profiling_coated_nitrided_steel_appnote_d19841e6c9.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is a powerful surface analysis technique that provides essential information about elemental composition along with chemical and electronic states. Depth profiling, a process in which material is repeatedly and sequentially analyzed with XPS and removed, provides access to buried features, layers, and interfaces. Traditional ion sputtering methods for depth profiling can, however, lead to preferential sputtering and chemical damage, impacting the reliability and accuracy of results. This is particularly problematic for complex, multi-layered structures and coatings, where it is crucial for the stoichiometry and chemical integrity to be maintained throughout the depth profile.&nbsp;</p><p>This application note explores the use of femtosecond laser ablation (fs-LA) as an alternative to conventional ion sputtering for XPS depth profiling. Specifically, this approach is used to analyze a nitrided steel surface coated with a titanium-doped molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂:Ti) layer, which was applied with physical vapor deposition (PVD). Nitriding is typically used in applications where durability is critical, such as in the production of gears, as it increases surface hardness and wear resistance. The addition of a MoS₂:Ti coating offers additional benefits such as enhanced lubrication and wear resistance. Molybdenum disulfide is well-known for its lubricating properties, and doping with titanium improves mechanical strength and adhesion to the substrate. Accurate depth profiling is essential for unraveling how these structures increase performance and for their further optimization and improvement.</p><h4><strong>Experimental</strong></h4><p>A <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/2206"><strong>Thermo Scientific™ Hypulse™ Surface Analysis System,</strong></a> equipped with both traditional ion sputtering and fs-LA capabilities, was utilized for the analysis. XPS data was collected in SnapShot mode using a 30 µm X-ray spot size. A 500 eV monoatomic Ar⁺ beam from a Thermo Scientific™ MAGCIS™ Dual Beam Ion Source was used for sputter depth profiling. The fs-LA depth profiles were generated using a 1,030-nm laser operating at a 160 fs pulse length. The pulse energy was increased from 83 µJ to 250 µJ when transitioning from the MoS₂:Ti coating into the bulk steel material.</p><h4><strong>Summary&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>XPS depth profiling with femtosecond laser ablation offers a robust alternative to traditional ion sputtering, particularly for materials sensitive to preferential sputtering and chemical damage. The technique provides accurate stoichiometric analysis and preserves chemical state information, making it ideal for complex, multi-layered structures with deeply buried interfaces. The fs-LA method can offer comparable depth resolution to ion sputtering while being able to profile greater depths in a fraction of the time.&nbsp;</p><p>This application note demonstrates the effectiveness of fs-LA in maintaining the chemical integrity of a nitrided steel material with a MoS₂:Ti coating throughout a depth profile, providing accurate and reliable results in a practical timeframe.</p>

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 18, 2026

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News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 18, 2026

Selecting the right proficiency testing scheme for my laboratory

Webinars LabRulezICPMS Week 18/2026