Analysis of Citalopram and XtrackT SPE

A paper was recently published in Journal of Forensic Sciences (e-published January 2013)by Dr. Shane Darke et al (National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Australia) where UCT Xtrackt solid phase extraction columns were employed to extract drugs from post mortem blood samples in cases where Citalopram was involved. The analysis not only involved Citalopram but a wide range of drugs including Opiates, Amphetamines, Cocaine, Benzodiazepines as well as other prescription drugs (antidepressants/antipsychotics). The large particle size of the Xtrackt offers analysts better flow performance with very viscous samples such as post mortem blood, and with a mixed mode chemistry, the analysts can be assured of high quality results in a reproducible manner. UCT is recognized as providing the finest solid phase extraction materials for over 25 years. 

For Many Environmental Labs, Winter Means Housekeeping

It's winter in the northern hemisphere.  For many that means frozen soil and surface water as well as monitoring wells buried under snow and ice.   This translates into a slow period for environmental labs testing wastewater and soil in cold climates.

However, slow doesn't mean idle.  This is a great time to update those MDL studies and technical performance evaluations AND a great time to validate new methods!

Solid-phase extraction (SPE) is not the sole province of drinking water labs.  Wastewater labs can enjoy the same time and cost savings too.  All of the SW-846 methods allow SPE, just reference extraction method 3535 instead of liquid/liquid extraction.  Popular SPE methods include 1664, 1668, 8015, 8081,8082, 8141, 8151, 8310, 8323 and 8330.

If you would like to give SPE a try, contact your regional UCT representative, partner or technical support (dshelly@unitedchem.com).

50th anniversary of FRPW/NACRW

Join us in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of FPRW, now the North American Chemical Residue Workshop.  The show runs from July 21-24, 2013.  This year it will held at the TradeWinds Resort in St. Pete Beach, FL.  Registration opens on January 31.