In the week from May 11, the following webinars await you in the field of atomic and molecular spectroscopy and spectrometry<blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinars">👉 DETAILS AND REGISTRATION IN THE WEBINARS SECTION</a></h4>👉 Search and filter in the largest global database with over 5 500 GC, LC, MS and spectroscopy webinars.</blockquote><h5>1. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Uncovering Microplastics: Identification, Quantification, and Exposure Assessment</h5><ul><li>Tu, 12.5.2026 08:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6136">Registration</a></li></ul>In this webinar, we will explore complementary analytical solutions for comprehensive microplastics characterization.<h5>2. SPECTRO Analytical Instruments: Elemental Analysis of Superalloys: Ensuring Performance in Extreme Applications</h5><ul><li>Tu, 12.5.2026 10:30 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6170">Registration</a></li></ul>Learn how accurate elemental analysis ensures superalloy performance, with OES and XRF solutions for reliable quality control from lab to field.<h5>3. Agilent Technologies: What have you been smoking? Elemental Analysis in Cannabis and Cannabis Products with ICP-MS</h5><ul><li>Tu, 12.5.2026 20:30 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6063">Registration</a></li></ul>Learn how automated calibration and dilution streamline ICP-MS food testing workflows, improving accuracy, traceability, and productivity while addressing rare-earth doubly charged interferences.<h5>4. AZoM: Faster REE Exploration Decisions with XRF Technology Explained</h5><ul><li>We, 13.5.2026 16:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6195">Registration</a></li></ul>Join the webinar to see how handheld XRF provides a significant advantage in today's fast-paced REE landscape.<h5>5. Bruker: Advancing Industrial Metrology Automation with Bruker's Dimension AFMs</h5><ul><li>We, 13.5.2026 17:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6172">Registration</a></li></ul>This webinar will explore how Dimension AFM platforms support increasing levels of automation, from scripted measurements to data-driven control.<h5>6. Anton Paar: Polymer Rheology: Impact of Humidity on Material Behavior</h5><ul><li>We, 13.5.2026 18:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5801">Registration</a></li></ul>Discover how humidity impacts polymers and soft materials. Learn how moisture alters rheology, tackiness, curing, and flowability through real case studies across films, adhesives, foods, and powders.<h5>7. LECO: TOC Determination in Soil and Waste</h5><ul><li>Th, 14.5.2026 14:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6038">Registration</a></li></ul>Join this webinar to explore modern methods for TOC determination in soils and waste. Learn how standardized approaches, instrumentation, and method selection influence data quality and regulatory compliance.

Webinars LabRulezICPMS Week 20/2026

Routine chemical analysis typically involves several steps, e.g. selection of procedure, sampling, sample preparation, measurement, result calculation, uncertainty estimation, and reporting to customer. Based on the result, important decisions and actions are taken. The steps before and after the measurement are often referred to as “pre- and post-analytical”. There are many sources of uncertainty associated with this work, some of which can actually limit the overall quality.&nbsp;Proficiency testing (PT) and external quality assessment (EQA) schemes are effective means of assessing the quality of routine analyses. However, if there are specific procedures, either before or after the measurement, which are applied to the routine samples, but not to the PT test sample, the result reflects only the quality of part of the measurement process. Pre- and post-analytical PT/ EQA schemes are already widely used in laboratory medicine. The standard ISO 15189, that underpins accreditation of medical laboratories, stresses that EQA schemes should “... have the effect of checking the entire process including pre- and post-examination procedures ...”&nbsp;The examples in this leaflet illustrate the potential and importance of pre- and post-analytical PT/EQA. They are intended as an inspiration for the providers to further develop their external quality control activities.<h4>Pre- and post-analytical PT/EQA – a means for harmonisation&nbsp;</h4>By illustrating, e.g. lack of adherence to guidelines, or variation in sample preparation, or inconsistency in interpretation, pre- and post-analytical PT/EQA schemes pinpoint problems not apparent in other schemes. This may lead to improved harmonisation and changes to guidelines and standards.<h4>Example 1: Interpreting clinical chemistry information&nbsp;</h4>Patient background information together with analytical results can be used to check agreement of interpretational advice given by medical doctors. This type of scheme can, therefore, include both pre- and post-analytical aspects. The provider, e.g. through an expert group, ranks the quality of participants’ response and suggestions, and presents them in the report with comments.<h4>Example 2: Sampling requests in microbiology&nbsp;</h4>Using the scenario of food poisoning, pre- &amp; post-analytical aspects of sampling requests in a microbiology scheme can be highlighted. The provider gives information about food type, symptoms, and incubation time with a simulated sample. Participants choose which organism(s) to test for. The associated laboratory work involves examination of samples, report on method(s) of choice and results. Participants could, e.g. be asked to specify which toxins or pathogens are likely to cause the food poisoning and state whether or not they will disseminate information, e.g. to hospitals or food suppliers. The feedback report would then show the results of each participant together with the comments of the provider.&nbsp;<h4>Example 3: Toy testing&nbsp;</h4>Faulty design, usage and chance play a role in injury and death incidents related to children’s toys. Toy safety is the practice of ensuring that toys are safe, usually through the application of set safety standards. The PT provider sources a toy, performs visual assessment of its homogeneity, and distributes the samples. Participants are requested to assess the toy against the European standard EN 71 and they have to decide which clauses of the standard apply. The clauses chosen define the test(s) to be carried out. The feedback report will contain a “model answer” including clauses, tests and labeling requirements (when applicable).&nbsp;<h4>Example 4: Monitoring drinking water quality&nbsp;</h4>A post-analytical application can be underpinned by legislation and national regulations (Directive 98/83/EC). Participants receive a synthetic drinking water sample with properties close to one or more limiting values. They are requested to deliver results, uncertainties and a “pass/fail” recommendation to the customer. The recommendations of the provider are listed in the feedback report for educational purposes. Information can be fed back also to regulators to serve, e.g. as basis for further discussions.&nbsp;<blockquote><h5>More information / further reading&nbsp;</h5>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/">EPTIS website</a> or from other national or international organisations.</blockquote>

Pre- and post-analytical proficiency testing

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 11th May 2026? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you presentation by MDCW / Mount Royal University, application by Shimadzu, and brochure by Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. MDCW / Mount Royal University: An Analysis of Fresh and Used Aircraft Oil: An Indication of Exposure Pathway Possibility to Inorganic and Organic Pollutants</h3><ul><li>Presentation</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/O_4_Hayes_fed01ca35a.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Aircraft engine oils are highly complex mixtures formulated to meet strict MIL-SPEC requirements for piston, turboprop, and jet engines, often containing proprietary additive packages designed to improve thermal stability, reduce wear, and prevent corrosion. In this presentation at the 17th Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop, Kevin Hayes investigated how aircraft oils change during engine operation and whether these changes could contribute to occupational exposure risks for flight crews and maintenance personnel. The study focused on comparing fresh and used oils from piston, turboprop, and jet aircraft to better understand how inorganic and organic contaminants accumulate or are depleted during normal engine operation.The research combined routine multi-element analysis using ICP-OES with advanced GC×GC-TOFMS speciation analysis. Used piston and turboprop oils were collected with assistance from the MRU Aviation Program, while used jet oil samples were obtained from a private European jet operator. Elemental analysis showed significant differences between new and used oils. In piston engine oils, sulfur and lead concentrations increased substantially during use, with lead accumulation linked to tetraethyl lead (TEL) from 100LL aviation fuel. Phosphorus compounds were also detected in used oils despite not being present in the fresh oil samples, indicating additional contributions from operational processes or additives.For jet and turboprop oils, phosphorus-containing additives behaved differently. Fresh oils contained relatively high phosphorus concentrations, but these levels decreased significantly after engine operation, suggesting additive depletion or release of phosphorus-containing compounds during use. The authors highlighted that this may be particularly relevant for bleed-air systems in commercial aircraft, where oil-derived compounds could potentially enter cabin air. GC×GC-TOFMS analysis further identified several organophosphate compounds in piston engine oils. Interestingly, commonly discussed compounds such as tricresyl phosphate (TCP) were not detected, while other organophosphates were observed instead, demonstrating the importance of comprehensive speciation analysis rather than focusing solely on previously suspected contaminants.The presentation concluded that aircraft engine oils undergo substantial chemical changes during normal operation, with both inorganic and organic compounds accumulating or being depleted in ways that are not captured by analyses of unused oils alone. While elemental analysis provided valuable first-level insight into wear metals and additive behavior, GC×GC-TOFMS delivered critical molecular-level information about specific contaminant classes and transformation products. Together, the results suggest that current hazard assessments based only on fresh oils may underestimate potential occupational exposure risks and demonstrate the value of combining elemental analysis with advanced multidimensional chromatography for a more complete understanding of aircraft oil-related exposure pathways.<h3>2. Shimadzu: Measurement of TOC in Chloroisocyanuric Acid Used as Disinfectant</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_01019_en_4c48146421.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h4>User Benefits</h4><ul><li>Samples such as chloroisocyanuric acid, which are difficult to detect using a wet oxidation TOC analyzer, can be measured with high sensitivity using the combustion oxidation <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=TOC-L">TOC-L,</a> which has a strong oxidizing power.</li><li>One sample can be measured quickly, typically within 10-20 minutes.</li></ul>In facilities where people have direct contact with water, such as swimming pools, hot springs, and bathhouses, strict water quality management is essential to protect public health and safety. Total organic carbon (TOC) measurement is widely used to detect water quality degradation caused by microbial growth and contamination with foreign substances.&nbsp;Solid powder chloroisocyanuric acids (including dichloroisocyanuric acid and trichloroisocyanuric acid), which exhibit minimal chlorine deactivation, are commonly used as disinfectants for swimming pool water instead of sodium hypochlorite solutions. However, because chlorinated isocyanuric acid is a recalcitrant substance, it is challenging to detect using wet oxidation TOC analyzers due to itsresistance to oxidation and decomposition. In contrast, a combustion oxidation TOC analyzer can measure chloroisocyanuric acids with high sensitivity and recovery rates due to itsstrong oxidizing power. In this application, we compared the TOC measurement results for sodium dichloroisocyanurate using a combustion oxidation <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=TOC-LCPH">TOC-LCPH</a> analyzer and a wet oxidation <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=TOC-VWP">TOC-VWP</a> analyzer.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The combustion oxidation TOC analyzer demonstrated high accuracy in measuring the samples. Due to its strong oxidizing power, the combustion oxidation TOC analyzer is particularly suitable for measuring TOC in samples containing recalcitrant substances such as sodium dichloroisocyanurate.<h3>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Exploring the surface in depth with XPS analysis</h3><ul><li>Brochure</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/exploring_surface_depth_xps_analysis_a5a921a258.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h5>The need for surface and interface analysis&nbsp;</h5>In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, precise material analysis is crucial for the development and optimization of advanced materials and devices. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is an established technique for the characterization of material surface chemistry, capable of revealing compositional information several nanometers into a sample. Depth profiling is a method that extends the analysis range of XPS; by alternating material removal and XPS analysis, it can reveal how composition changes from the surface to the bulk, or across interfaces between different compounds in a sample. This information can be just as critical as how a material’s surface interacts with its environment, and can provide a more complete picture of the material’s behavior and properties.&nbsp;The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/2206">Thermo Scientific™ Hypulse™ Surface Analysis System</a> is a fully featured XPS instrument with a range of additional analytical capabilities, including reflected electron energy loss spectroscopy (REELS) and low-energy ion scattering spectroscopy (ISS). The system is equipped with a Thermo Scientific MAGCIS Dual-Mode Ion Source and a novel femtosecond laser-ablation system (fs-LA) for XPS depth profiling.&nbsp;This eBook explores XPS depth profiling in detail and shows how the Hypulse System is ideally suited for this technique, helping you uncover critical surface and sub-surface information.

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 20, 2026

Article

Webinars

Application

Academy

Presentation

Eurachem is a European network promoting international traceability of chemical measurements and good analytical practice. It provides expert guidance, supports method validation, uncertainty evaluation, proficiency testing, and facilitates discussion on technical and policy issues in analytical quality.

Eurachem

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

Bruker

SelectScience

Hydrogen is one of the most promising energy carriers that can enable a low-carbon economy.
In this webinar, Maria Lyubimova, Hydrogen business development manager, HORIBA France, will discuss solutions for the full development and manufacturing lifecycle that are enabling a global adoption of hydrogen technologies.
Gain insight into how HORIBA is providing innovative development tools to help accelerate the adoption of hydrogen technologies. These tools allow engineers, researchers, and scientists to address tomorrow’s challenges and to improve performance, quality, and cost. Furthermore, explore HORIBA’s large panel of techniques such as Raman, fluorescence, glow discharge, particle size, ICP, AFM, ellipsometry, C/S and O/N/H analyzers, and impedance spectroscopy.
Key learning objectives
<ul>
<li>Learn more about the qualification of raw materials
</li>
<li>Understand cell and stack components research and development
</li>
<li>Learn more about the validation of processed materials
</li>
</ul>
Who should attend?
<ul>
<li>Scientists and engineers conducting R&amp;D on cells and components like bi-polar plates, gas diffusion layers, and membrane electrode assemblies for electrolysis.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Maria Lyubimova (Hydrogen business development manager, HORIBA France)
</blockquote>

SelectScience: Testing and measurement solutions for hydrogen technologies

Testing and measurement solutions for hydrogen technologies

Solutions for the full development and manufacturing lifecycle that are enabling a global adoption of hydrogen technologies.

Flipping the standard SPM tip-sample configuration
Reverse tip sample (RTS) scanning probe microscopy (SPM) was recently introduced by our guest speakers. RTS SPM overcomes the single-tip barrier of traditional SPM by flipping the conventional tip and sample positions, using a sample on a tipless cantilever and a vast tip array integrated into a nanofabricated probe chip.
Join us to hear about:
<ul>
<li>Nanofabrication of probe chips</li>
<li>Sample preparation</li>
<li>Measurements and applications</li>
</ul>
Guest Speaker Abstract
We recently introduced the Reverse Tip Sample Scanning Probe Microscopy (RTS SPM) concept to overcome the single-tip barrier of the traditional SPM approach. This fresh perspective essentially flips the conventional tip-sample positions, placing the sample on a tipless cantilever and the tip on the sample stage, which is now a part of a vast tip array integrated into a nanofabricated probe chip. The standout feature of this arrangement is the ability to change tips seamlessly. During operations in RTS configuration the sample, mounted on the tipless cantilever, scans one of the thousands of tips present on the probe chip. When a tip wears out, the operator can quickly switch to a new one by just repositioning the cantilever onto an adjacent fresh tip, which takes merely seconds to complete. As such, the RTS configuration greatly boosts the data collection efficiency in application spaces where there is a need for frequent tip replacements and opens the door for further developments of the SPM technology.
After a comprehensive introduction of the RTS SPM concept, we will cover some of the crucial aspects mainly focusing on:
<ul>
<li>Nanofabrication of probe chips: We’ll present a dry etching process for fabricating high-quality Si probe chips, which features a novel tip sharpening step. We also touch on the application of metal and diamond coatings on these Si probe chips.</li>
<li>Sample preparation: We’ll share the dependable workflows we developed for routinely preparing RTS SPM samples by focused ion beam (FIB) and FIB-less approaches. These time-efficient procedures yield RTS samples with excellent electrical contacts and mechanical stability.</li>
<li>Measurements and applications: We’ll explore the diverse applications of RTS SPM such as statistical multi-tip studies, RTS Scalpel SPM, electrical tomography and more.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Nemanja Peric, Ph.D. (SPM Researcher, imec, Belgium)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Nemanja Peric received his PhD degree from the University of Lille (France) while working at the Institut d’électronique de microélectronique et de nanotechnologie (IEMN/CNRS). After a short postdoctoral research period at IEMN, Nemanja joined imec in Leuven (Belgium) where he is currently working as an SPM researcher. His interests and expertise involve mainly AFM and STM.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Pieter Lagrain (Engineer, imec, Belgium)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Pieter Lagrain received a master degree in chemistry from KU Leuven (Belgium). He joined afterwards imec as an engineer for nanoelectronics device analysis. His interest and expertise mainly involve FIB, TEM and SPM.
</blockquote>

Bruker: Reverse Tip Sample (RTS) Scanning Probe Microscopy

Reverse Tip Sample (RTS) Scanning Probe Microscopy

Hear about nanofabrication of probe chips, sample preparation, measurements and applications.

Testing and measurement solutions for hydrogen technologies

Reverse Tip Sample (RTS) Scanning Probe Microscopy

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News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 20, 2026

Pre- and post-analytical proficiency testing

Webinars LabRulezICPMS Week 20/2026