UCT Company Blog

Carbendazim in Orange Juice

2012-01-27T14:12:00.000-05:00

Carbendazim in fruit or fruit juice is easily analyzed using a QuEChERS method. With this method, clear extract, excellent recoveries (average recovery of 101% for three spiking levels), and a low LOQ of 5 ng/mL was achieved. This method is applicable for the determination of Carbendazim in real orange juice samples.

EtG Detection in Fingernails using CUQAX12Z

2012-01-26T10:48:00.000-05:00

Over the past decade the use of hair specimens for the long-term detection of the alcohol biomarker ethyl glucuronide has been increasing in popularity. In a paper by Dr. Joseph Jones and his team at the United States Drug Testing Laboratory (Des Plaines Il), they evaluated the usefulness of fingernail clippings as a suitable alternative to hair for ethyl glucuronide detection (American Journal of Analytical Chemistry (e-published January 2012)). A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the detection of ethyl glucuronide in fingernail clippings was fully validated and used to analyze the hair and/or fingernail specimens of 606 college-aged study participants. The limit of detection was 2 pg/mg, the limit of quantitation was 8 pg/mg and the method was linear from 8 to 2000 pg/mg, which is a clear demonstration of the efficiency of the SPE method which was performed using UCT’s Clean-up CUQAX12Z SPE columns. This group showed that as alternative matrices go, fingernail clippings can be just as useful as hair samples, and that UCT’s SPE can be employed no matter what the matrix is. Dr. Jones reports that ethyl glucuronide levels in fingernails were higher than ethyl glucuronide levels in hair. The study results demonstrated that fingernail may be a suitable alternative to hair for ethyl glucuronide detection and may be the preferred sample type due to the lack of a gender bias.

Don Shelly to speak on Food and Environmental issues

2012-01-18T09:19:00.000-05:00

UCT's Food and Environmental specialist, Don Shelly, will be presenting at the OrangeCounty Water District (OCWD) workshop in Fountain Valley, California on February 8, 2012. Topics willinclude The Chemistry behind Solid Phase Extraction with an emphasis on current drinking watermethods and Enviro-Clean: Products Designed to Save You Time and Reduce Costs. Please contact Donat ext. 219 or Bill Leavitt at ext. 184 for more details.

UCT Specialties adhesives and coatings

2012-01-11T11:54:00.000-05:00

If you’re having trouble getting your adhesive or coating to stick to a difficult substrate, then UCT Specialties has the solution to your problem. We manufacture an extensive line of high quality organosilanes for use as adhesion promoters/coupling agents for a wide variety of substrates including glass, ceramics, precious metals and both thermoplastic and thermoset materials. Organosilanes are also used to modify a substrates critical surface tension to improve wettability or to create hydrophobic or hydrophilic surfaces. Please see our ad in the 2012 ASI Buyers’ Guide and visit us at booth # 307 at the ASC EXPO this April in Denver, Colorado.

Phenazepam and UCT CSDAU206

2012-01-09T15:38:00.001-05:00

In recent months Phenazepam, a drug originally precribed for the Russian market, has become very popular for off-label uses in the United Kingdom, United States and Australia. Phenazepam is prescribed for the reduction of anxiety but has now been found in blood and urine samples of drivers stopped by enforcement agencies in traffic cases in these countries. In the most recent issueof LC-GC magazine (December 2011), a validated method for the analysis of Phenazepam in whole blood has been published. UCT scientist Dr. Jeff Hackett, working with analysts at the Massachussets State Police Crime Laboratory have developed a sensitive and higly efficient method for this analysis using UCT's flagship sorbent Clean Screen (CSDAU206). In this procedure whole blood samples were extracted and analyzed down to concentrations less than 1 ng per mL of whole blood. The samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry where the clean extracts were shown to have minimal matrix effects (less than 6% overall). The recoveries of the drug from whole blood using CSDAU206 SPE columns were found to be greater than 90%. These excellent analytical characteristics demonstrate why UCT is the premier manufacturer in SPE and our Clean Screen SPE columns are the best sorbents for the extraction of drugs in biological fluids.

Gamma hydroxybutyrate and CUQAX156

2011-12-16T14:35:00.000-05:00

In the field of Forensic Toxicology, analysts are often asked to analyze for Gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in cases where drug facilitated crimes may have occurred. With this in mind, UCT is proud to announce that a validated method has been published in the Journal of Chromatography B (879 (2011) 3752– 3758) using Clean-Up QAX SPE columns . This methodology, developed in collaboration with a major crime laboratory, employs UCT's CUQAX156 column to extract GHB from human urine. With the use of an anionic exchange sorbent, Dr. Jeff Hackett and Albert Elian were able to extract GHB from only 50 microliters of urine down a concentration of 50 nanograms per milliliter. The procedure, performed on LC-MS/MS, produced very low matrix effects (less than 6 percent). The samples extracted from the SPE are of the highest quality, allowing instruments to stay cleaner, longer and permitting many more analyses to be performed.

CHQAX and Bisphosphonates in Australia

2011-12-01T09:43:00.001-05:00

Clinical toxicologists often face the challenge of working to quantify difficult and low concentration medications in human beings. Falling into this category is the series of compounds known as Bisphosphonates. These pharmaceuticals are prescribed to counter the effects of bone disorders. Bisphosphonates are known to be difficult to analyze due to their phoshonic acid functional groupings and high polar character. One of the main issues with working with these types of materials is to produce a clean extract for analysis by modern instrumentation such as LC-MS/MS.

In Australia, a team lead by Dr. Sussan Ghassabian, PharmD has recently reported a validated method for the analysis of Bisphosphonates in human plasma (Journal of Chromatography B ( November 2011)). This procedure employs UCT's CHQAX solid phase extraction sorbent. The QAX column (hydroxy counter ion) is part of a range of Clean Up Anion Exchange Sorbents manufactured to the highest technical quality which also includes CUNAX (a weak anion exchanger) and CUPAX (a very weak anion exchange sorbent). In the case of Dr. Ghassabian's analysis, the phosphonic acid were efficiently held by the CHQAX, while interfering compounds could be rinsed away, offering a much cleaner environment for elution, and further analysis of the medications via on column derivatization.

Clean Screen EtG paper

2011-11-17T09:41:00.001-05:00

Forensic Toxicologists working in the area of drugs and driving cases are being challenged to meet stricter regulations. In a new paper authored by Ronald Agius et al (Forensic Science International, October 2011), the Clean Screen EtG column (CSETG203) has been successfully employed to meet these guidelines, specifically applied in Germany to drivers wishing to regain their licences. In this paper, Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG), the biomarker for ethyl alcohol consumption, was determined in urine samples down to 0.1 mg per L using only 600 microliters of sample. The method was applied to 78 real samples of urine in order to meet German authority regulations. In addition hair samples were also analyzed. 50 mg of sample was employed to test the method against the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) criteria. The levels of detection of this method using the Clean Screen EtG column (2.8 pg/ mg) were met.

UCT attends the Gulf Coast Conference this week

2011-10-10T13:38:00.002-04:00

At this years annual Gulf Coast Conference, Galveston Island, TX, being held October 11th -12th, UCT will be represented by Environmental Product Manager, Don Shelly, and by Regional Sales Team Member, Andrew Johansen. As this conference is dedicated to the analysis of environmental-type samples, UCT is honored to support facilities (Federal, State, and County) involved in this much valued aspect of protection for US citizens. Don and Andrew will be on hand throughout the conference to offer advice, help and assistance with UCT's world respected environmental products and methodologies. As the innovator of Quechers for Environmental Analysis, both Don and Andrew will be more than pleased to answer queries/requests on this subject along with those concerning SPE, and related equipment for which UCT is also well-known for. Please feel free to visit the UCT booth, and talk with our experts in the field of environmental analysis and testing.

Winners of the 2011 Excellence in SPE award

2011-09-27T14:00:00.002-04:00

In what has become a much aniticipated tradition among the forensic toxicology community, UCT is to proud to announce the 2011 winners of the Excellence in SPE award. This award is presented by the CEO and President of UCT, Michael Telepchak, at the Elmer Gordon Forum during this years SOFT meeting. Being a joint meeting of SOFT and TIAFT this year, competition for this most coveted of award has been strongly contested. The awards committee at UCT has chosen 3 winners out of the many submissions who have shown outstanding results using SPE to further the development of forensic toxicology as an analytical science.

The first winner is Daniel Baker, IV of Franklin County Medical Examiners Office (Ohio) for his work on using SPE to extract weak acid/neutral drugs, bases including cocaine, and its metabolites by GC-MS in post mortem samples. Daniel is also presenting work at this years meeting on the subject of SPE extraction of opiates, a worthwhile winner indeed.

The 2nd winner is Dr. Matthew Juhascik, D-ABFT who investigated a novel compound (Benzoylecgonine Isopropyl Ester) in the analysis of cocaine metabolites in post mortem samples using a SPE methodology. Dr.Juhascik is based at UMass Memorial Hospital in Massachussetts.

Our 3rd winner hails from Australia. Nathan Sumner is receiving his award for his outstanding work in the extraction and analysis of the new "BathSalts " drugs i.e, the Cathinones such as methylone from biological samples. Nathan developed his SPE procedure for use with LC-MS/MS.

UCT would like to thank all the other authors for their SPE work, and would like to assure them that their work will be considered for next years meeting in Boston.

SOFT-TIAFT 2011 starts today

2011-09-26T08:15:00.002-04:00

It is that time of year again for the annual SOFT meeting, this year being held in San Francisco, California. This year sees UCT unveiling 2 new and innovative products for use within the forensic community; the 96 well plate format positive pressure manifold, and Clean-Screen FASt (Filter and Shoot).

At this years meeting UCT's Dr. Jeff Hackett will be chairing the world famous UCT workshop on principles and applications of SPE in forensic toxicology along with Michael Telepchak and Dr. Michael Coyer. This workshop will also include presentations from an other forensic toxicolgist, Robert Sears. We will be presenting work submitted to UCT from users out in the field, this work includes the Analysis of GHB in urine (Albert Elian), Analysis of Opiates in post mortem blood (Daniel Baker), and from Dr. John Wyman a case involving MPDV fatality. UCT salutes these workers and hope that meeting attendees will visit the UCT booth and posters/presentations to learn why UCT is the premier SPE company, attendees can also enter the famous UCT grand draw which this year!

UCT at AOAC International 2011

2011-09-19T14:58:00.001-04:00

At this years annual meeting of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) in New Orleans, UCT will be represented by our Environmental Products Manager, Don Shelly, and one of the International Sales Team, Hocine Omari. As UCT has a vast experience in the analyses performed by International/ National, State, and County environmental facilities, Don and Hocine will be on hand at the UCT booth to offer assistance with solid phase extraction, QuEChERS methods, and applications. Visitors to the booth will be able to learn more about the UCT products manufactured to the highest quality. These products will ensure that the best analyses can be performed. Better quality products means cleaner extracts which lead to clean chromatograms, better recoveries, and reproducibilities over a wide range of matrices and analytes.

UCT publishes "Magic Mushroom" study

2011-09-16T10:04:00.001-04:00

This month UCT has published a procedure in collaboration with a major crime laboratory facility to extract, confirm, and quantify hallucinogenic compounds from "Magic Mushrooms" . In the article, which is also headlined on the front cover of the September 2011 issue of LC-GC (North America), Dr. Jeff Hackett and Albert Elian (Massaschussetts State Police Crime Laboratory) have succesfully employed UCT's flagship sorbent Clean Screen DAU to isolate and quantify the compounds Psilocybin and Psilocin from human urine using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry.

Currently forensic analysts who are requested to test samples of urine for these compounds have only been able to report psilocin data, but now using the Clean Screen DAU as described in the research article forensic toxicologists can now report the concentrations of both compounds, thus permitting a more precise interpretation to be made. This paper details the excellent analytical performance of the Clean Screen DAU in terms of recoveries and cleanliness of the extract as reflected in the low matrix effects which this sorbent is known for.

Did you know..

2011-09-13T14:18:00.000-04:00

UCT Specialties PS200(Glassclad18) is a superior, easily applied, protective hydrophobic glass coating used in a wide variety of applications from fluorescent lights and bakeware to high end optical fibers. Performance properties include increased scratch resistance, lubricity and surface resistivity, decreased breakage, reduced hemolysis and protein adsorption. In addition it provides a non-wettable surface to improve drainage of laboratory glassware. Request your copy of our PS200 Brochure today.

Wang develops modified QuEChERS method for Bisphenol A in foods

2011-09-07T08:17:00.003-04:00

Dr. Xiaoyan Wang, Research and Development Scientist at UCT, has developed a simple and effective QuEChERS approach for identifying and determining Bisphenol A concentrations in canned and jarred food and beverages. A summary of Dr. Wang's work and the resulting application can be read by clicking here.

Did you know...

2011-09-01T09:52:00.000-04:00

that UCT SPECIALTIES manufactures silanes, silicones and platinum catalysts to the high standards your products deserve. We take the extra steps to insure that our products are the highest purity available at competitive prices and support this with exceptional customer service and on time delivery.

2 papers appearing in JAT Special SOFT/TIAFT issue

2011-08-25T08:33:00.002-04:00

UCT is honored to have two outstanding papers included in the Special Issue of Journal of Analytical Toxicology (JAT).

Forensic toxicologists are always being challenged to extract, confirm and quantify drugs and poisons in post mortem samples. The September issue of JAT features a publication by Dr. Thomas Rosano, D-ABFT who employed the UCT flagship sorbent (Clean Screen DAU) to perform this analysis. In his paper "Postmortem Drug Screening by Non-Targeted and Targeted Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Technology" (JAT 35 (7) 411-23), Dr Rosano's team was able to analyze over 200 drugs on the Clean Screen DAU with excellent levels of efficiency. This developed methodology is indicative of the high quality of materials that the UCT is renowned for.

In a separate article, presented by Dr. James Watterson, D-ABFT and team, "Relative Distribution of Ketamine and Norketamine in Skeletal Tissues Following Various Periods of Decomposition" (JAT 35(7) 452-458), UCT's new and unique sorbent Clean Screen Xcel, was employed to extract, confirm, and quantify Ketamine and its metabolite from decomposing samples. It is common for toxicologists working in forensic laboratories to encounter such materials and this sorbent is shown to show excellent analytical characteristics

UCT at NEMC 2011 - August 15-19

2011-08-15T15:26:00.001-04:00

As the world's premier SPE sorbent manufacturer, UCT Inc. is proud to announce its participation in the 2011 National Environmental Monitoring Conference (NEMC) held in Seattle WA. UCT will be represented by two outstanding members of the company, Don Shelly, Environmental Products Manager, and Bill Leavitt, Regional Sales Team Member. Don and Bill will be on hand all week to help, assist, and guide analysts with regard to products, applications and advice for enviromental analysis.

At this years meeting UCT will also be presenting 2 posters by Dr. Xiaoyan Wang, Environmental Specialist. The first study involves the highly efficient extraction of Haloacetic acids from water using GC-MS. This analysis employs UCT's speciality range of SPE cartridges as a robust alternative for facilities engaged in EPA method 552.1. UCT is always on the forefront of analytical methodologies in support of laboratories engaged in environmental analyses, and this application should be of great assistance them. The second of Dr. Wang's studies to be presented in poster format involves the extraction of pesticides, semi-volatiles, and PCB congeners using UCT's environmental range of cartridges to produce a methdology that is easily available to laboratories using standard GC-MS instrumentation.

False: conversion of Morphine to 6-MAM

2011-08-01T14:54:00.005-04:00

Following reports in forensic-related media, regarding the conversion of Morphine (a commonly analyzed opiate in bio fluids by Crime Laboratories, Coroners, and Medical Examiners Facilities) to 6-Monoacetyl Morphine ( 6-MAM ), UCT Inc. is pleased to report that this issue does not occur in any of its products.

An independent Medical Examiner's Office recently carried out an experiment in which morphine (0.5 mg% to 5 mg% solutions) was heated (70 Deg C for 2 hours) in the presence of Acetylsalicylic acid (1mg% to 50 mg% solutions) in human urine. These experiments were carried out with and without ethyl alcohol being present. The internal standard employed in these studies was a deuterated analogue of 6-MAM. The samples were extracted using UCT's flagship sorbent Clean Screen DAU, after which they were derivatized to the Trimethylsilyl derivative and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The outcome was that 6-MAM was not found in any samples.

UCT is a hit at FPRW 2011

2011-07-20T14:08:00.008-04:00

We would like to thank the 130 attendees who showed up for our lunch seminar, "Chemical Implications of QuEChERS" given by our president Michael J. Telepchak. We will see you all next year!

UCT invades FPRW 2011 showcasing QuEChERS in olive oil

2011-07-18T11:02:00.005-04:00

UCT is proud to announce their participation at FPRW 2011, July 18-21st. The world renowned company will be represented by President and CEO Michael Telepchak, assisted by Don Shelly, Mike Kofel, and Dr. Xioayan Wang. Dr. Wang will be presenting outstanding research conducted using UCT's famous QuEChERS products for pesticides in olive oil. Her studies demonstrate the efficency of the UCT Quechers materials. UCT will also be delivering a lunch time seminar given by Michael Telepchak on the subject of Chemical Implications of QuEChERS. UCT is world known for its excellent technical and customer support in the field of QuEChERS, SPE methods and applications. Don Shelly, Mike Kofel and Dr. Wang will be on hand through out FPRW to answer any questions/queries related to QuEChERS or other environmental analyses.

Clean Screen® DAU used in decomposing porcine tissue drug study

2011-05-16T10:55:00.001-04:00

Forensic Toxicologists are often challenged with analyzing drugs and pharmaceuticals in decomposed samples. The ability to not only identify these materials but offer quantitative results has been fraught with difficulties. In an article published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences -"The Temporal Fate of Drugs in Decomposing Porcine Tissue" *, the world renowned UCT Clean Screen DAU206 was employed, by a team lead by Dr. John Wyman D-ABFT, to extract a wide range of weak acid and basic drugs from decomposing porcine samples.

The data shows that this SPE column can be used in a very highly productive and efficient manner to extract, identify and quantify a diverse range of drugs in a variety of samples that commonly face the forensic toxicology community. This range of drugs included not only basic compounds (Amitriptyline/Methadone and Morphine), but weak acid/neutrals such as Diazepam and Carisoprodol. UCT has long been associated with the forensic community and has been supportive of it's needs; this article demonstrates the analytical excellence of the Clean Screen DAU column.

*Wyman, J "The Temporal Fate of Drugs in Decomposing Porcine Tissue" Journal of Forensic Sciences. Volume 56 p.690 (2011)

LAPRW 2011 in Uruguay

2011-05-05T21:19:00.001-04:00

Come visit UCT at the 3rd annual Latin American Pesticide Residue Workshop (LAPRW 2011) in Montevideo Uruguay. The meeting runs from May 8th to the 11th. Our team of senior representatives will be on hand in Booth #5. Our company president Michael Telepchak will also be presenting "The Chemistry of Solid Phase Extraction" Tuesday May 10th in the Sala Florida Room at 6pm.

Clean Screen Posters at International Clarke Conference (London)

2011-04-21T14:09:00.002-04:00

We are proud to announce the presentation of two posters at the prestigious International Clarke Conference (May 25th 2011). This conference is hosted by The Royal Pharmaceutical Society in London and is to be held in honor of the great tome in Forensic Toxicology first published by E C. Clarke. UCT has a long history in supporting the field of Forensic Toxicology over the last 25 years, and takes great pleasure in being associated with this meeting. This conference will be attended by forensic toxicologists from UK, Europe, and beyond.

The posters being presented represent collaborative work by Dr. Jeff Hackett and the staff of the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory. This work is based on the world famous Clean Screen® DAU SPE column. This SPE sorbent utilized in these posters was shown to be highly efficient in the extraction, purification, and analysis of Amphetamine (oral fluid) and Phenazepam (whole blood). The Clean Screen DAU can also be used to analyze illicit drugs, prescription medication, and over the counter pharmaceuticals from a variety of matrices such as urine, blood, and tissues by a variety of instrumental techniques (GC-MS, LC, and LC-MS/MS).

UCT announces extraction method for Spice (JWH-018 & JWH-073)

2011-04-11T08:06:00.004-04:00

A group of new drugs is on the scene for forensic toxicologists to isolate, identify and quantify, the Spice drugs (JWH-018,073 etc). As recent studies have shown these drugs metabolize very quickly into their hydroxylated forms. Until very recently the choice of derivative for these compounds has been unclear. With resources from UCT, scientists have used MSTFA to derivatize the hydroxylated form of JWH-018. This compound can easily be used by simple heating and cooling prior to injection. The MSTFA derivative forms a compound which does not interfere with the parent, and can be resolved using a standard GC-MS instrument in EI mode. Chromatogram and mass spectra are shown here for illustrative purposes.

Here is our current method for extracting these compounds: Synthetic Cannabinoids LC-MS/MS and GC-MS using Clean Screen® THC Urine

UCT columns used in the analysis of tissue samples by Dr. Jenkins and Jahusic

2011-04-04T09:45:00.003-04:00

Forensic Toxicologists have long struggled with the problem of analyzing drugs in tissue samples. In a paper published in Journal of Analytical Toxicology scientists at U Mass Memorial Hospital have shown how SPE can be used to solve this issue. Employing UCT's Clean Screen DAU SPE columns, the UMass team was able to show that successful analysis over a wide range of drugs can be performed on tissue homogenates in post-mortem cases. Clean Screen DAU columns are famously recognized for use in the isolation of drugs in urine and blood. This paper demonstrates their applicability to tissue specimens too.

Juhascik MP, Jenkins AJ "Comparison of tissue homogenate analytical results with and without standard addition" J.Anal. Toxicol. 35(3): 179-182 (2011)

UCT at SFTA conference in France

2011-03-18T20:09:00.001-04:00

After last years success at Societe Francais Toxicologie (SFTA) conference, UCT's commitment to supporting our European colleagues remains at the forefront of our priorities. Dr. Jeff Hackett, will be attending this years conference in Chamonix, France, running from March 21st to the 26th. As a member of the UCT team, Dr. Hackett will be on hand to assist not only Forensic Toxicologists, but those scientists involved in Clinical and Veterinary branches of Toxicology. He will be available to discuss procedures involving UCT's Clean Screen and Styre Screen range of applications/ methodologies as well as derivatizing compounds.

UCT descends on Pittcon 2011

2011-03-12T15:48:00.000-05:00

Visit UCT (Booth # 4120) as we celebrate our 25th anniversary at Pittcon in Atlanta, Ga from March 14 -17, 2011. We will be exhibiting our well-recognized solid phase extraction products. In addition, our environmental and agricultural testing products such as QuEChERS and universal sample prep cartridges used for extracting pollutants from waste and drinking water following EPA methodologies such as 1664A, 525, 521, 8330 and 548.1 will be on display.

New Paper Employing UCT XtrackT Range

2011-03-11T14:02:00.000-05:00

In a paper published in the Forensic Science International (Irvine et al (2011)), forensic scientists in Australia studied the presence of several illicit drugs in sewage around the city of Adelaide and 10 other areas in South Australia. To extract and analyze these drugs, this group of analysts used UCT's SPE column (XtrackT® (XRDAH)) with mixed mode sorbent.

This sorbent was first developed by UCT for use in the analysis of horse urine, where sample viscosity is often an issue. The sorbent is now being employed to efficiently isolate and produce highly purified extracts from an environmental medium. This study demonstrates UCT's commitment to producing the best quality materials for the forensic, environmental and analytical communities in the United States and across the world.

UCT attending Arablab - March 7-10

2011-03-07T11:30:00.000-05:00

Stop by and visit us at Arablab 2011. We will be attending with our partner, Dar Al Zaharwi, and lending support to all customers. We will be at Booth 729 - feel free to come by and ask some questions.

New Ethyl Glucuronide Paper from UCT Award Winner

2011-03-07T11:23:00.000-05:00

Dr. Robert Kronstrand has recently published a paper on the analysis of ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in hair. This study was performed on UCT's Clean Screen EtG SPE column. The project involved following a group of participants for a period of 3 months, analyzing hair samples for ETG. UCT proudly awarded Robert the Excellence in SPE award last October at the annual SOFT meeting for his work in this area. This paper can be found in full format in Forensic Science International.

Robert's study demonstrates the strength and efficiency of the EtG column, and UCT's premier quality SPE materials which include Clean Screen range of columns (CSDAU and CSTHC), as well as derivatizing agents and gc liners for analysts using GC-MS, and HPLC columns for analysts employing LC-MSMS in forensic analysis

UCT in Chicago for AAFS 2011

2011-02-02T14:13:00.002-05:00

At this years annual meeting of AAFS in Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Jeff Hackett, Fellow of AAFS, will be presenting a talk about the extraction of Psilocybin and Psilocin from mushrooms. This work by UCT in collaboration with a state crime facility is based on the Clean Screen DAU solid phase extraction column and will greatly enhance the productivity and efficiency of Controlled Drugs Analysts in forensic institutions world wide. The use of CSDAU columns has already been proven to be the most effective solid phase cartridge across a wide range of drugs and poisons as exemplified by the Forensic Toxicology community,now another valuable group of analysts can gain the benefits of the Clean Screen sorbents from UCT.

The meeting takes place February 21-26.

Dioxin scare in European chickens

2011-01-14T11:04:00.001-05:00

As news of the contamination of chickens in Europe by Dioxins reaches the US – UCT, who is world renowned for food contamination testing, is ready to help supply laboratories at every level through our experienced team of distributors. World class scientific and technical support is aslo available from expert scientists at UCT headquarters in the United States to help with methods, applications and materials for Dioxin Analysis and Testing.

Poster from SOFT using CSDAU on a wide range of drugs

2011-01-07T08:00:00.013-05:00

Presented at last year’s SOFT meeting (Richmond, VA) was a poster: Reduce Your Backlog: Adopt a Single Solid Phase Extraction Approach to Detect and Quantify Basic, Acidic/Neutral, Sympathomometic Amines, and Cocaine/Metabolites using Mini-Bore Fast GC/MS by Daniel D Baker IV, Franklin County Coroners Laboratory Ohio, that demonstrates the power and versatility of UCT's world renowned CSDAU SPE column. Daniel showed that this sorbent is a valuable tool in maximizing efficiency and productivity in Coroners and Medical Examiner’s laboratories. In extracting a wide and diverse range of drugs (including 12 amphetamine type, 68 basic and 12 weak acid neutrals) from post mortem blood (1 mL), Daniel demonstrated how 1 single column can reduce difficulties encountered worldwide by Forensic Toxicologists involved in this area of analysis.

Happy Holidays from UCT

2010-12-29T08:54:00.001-05:00

As we look to 2011, we are excited to begin celebrating our 25th anniversary as your most reliable supplier of solid phase extraction products. This year we have many new products and projects on the horizon which, as always, should make your job easier in the lab.

We thank you for your support, loyalty and continued business as we look forward to the next 25!

Photos from the 2nd annual UKIAFT meeting in Glasgow

2010-12-06T11:40:00.012-05:00

Pictured here is our very own Dr. Jeff Hackett (right) is presenting Prof. John S. Oliver (left) the SPE Lifetime achievement award for services to Forensic Toxicology in the field of solid phase extraction.

This second photo is the entire group of attendees at the 2nd annual UKIAFT meeting in Glasgow, hosted by Dr. Gail Cooper, Prof. David Osselton, and Dr. Simon Elliot . International attendees include Dr. Christine Moore, Dr.Marilyn Huestis and Dr. Michael Smith. This group represents Forensic Toxicologists from the major UK and Ireland facilities.

"The Chemistry of QuEChERS" to be presented in Belgium on Dec. 2nd

2010-11-22T07:01:00.000-05:00

UCT's Environmental Product Manager, Don Shelly will be presenting a talk, "The Chemistry of QuEChERS" at the Trends in Organic Analysis Workshop in Grobbendonk, Belgium on December 2. The workshop is presented by the Analytical Chemistry Section of the Royal Flemish Chemical Society (KVCV).

ß-Agonist from Denmark

2010-11-14T17:23:00.001-05:00

Just got word from a lab in Denmark that they are successfully using our CSDAU506 column to determine ß-Agonist's in farm and slaughterhouse animals. We are always pleased to service and support our customers worldwide! They loved our website and continually stopped by for the latest information on solid phase extraction and its neighboring markets.

UCT attends CAT meeting November 5-6 Anaheim, CA

2010-11-03T11:05:00.002-04:00

The California Association of Toxicologists (CAT) are holding their next meeting on November 5-6 at Anaheim, CA. UCT will be represented at this meeting by Bill Leavitt. UCT has a long and pround history of supporting the Forensic Toxicology Community with the world reknown SPE sorbents, equipment, spe columns, 96 and 48 Well plates, Positive Pressure, Vacuum, and Universal Manifolds. As the premier manufacturer of Silanes, UCT offers a wide range range of derivatizing reagents for use with GC-MS analyses related to forensic toxicological testing. Bill will be on hand to discuss applications, methods, as well as answer questions relating to UCT products for the Forensic Toxicology community in California and beyond. Be sure to visit the UCT booth at the next CAT meeting.

UCT crowns 2 more at SOFT

2010-10-28T14:42:00.001-04:00

Over the years, Michael Telepchak, president and CEO of UCT, has honored forensic toxicologists at the Annual Meeting of Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT) with the prestigious Excellence in SPE Award. This presentation occurs at the famous Elmer Gordon Forum, hosted by H. Chip Walls and Bob Zettl. At this year's meeting, two awards were presented. One was given to Dr. Robert Kronstrand (Associate Professor in Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine) from Linkoping, Sweden for his outstanding work on the determination of ethylglucuronide in hair using UCT's ETG SPE column. The second award was presented to a new SOFT member, Ms. Kelly Burns from Onondaga County Center for Forensic Sciences for her development work on a procedure for the analysis of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and metabolites in whole blood using SPE.

SOFT 2010 recognition

2010-10-27T14:17:00.008-04:00

UCT was well represented at this years annual meeting of the Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT), held at Richmond, VA. Among those presentations well recieved by members of SOFT was the analysis of post mortem samples for THC and metabolites given by David Schwoppe (NIDA). In his presentation, David described data obtained using Clean Screen® THC columns. He is currently studying for a PhD with Dr. Huestis who has presented many studies into the analysis of THC using the world renowned UCT Clean Screen THC sorbent.

Samantha Tolliver, who is based at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Miami Dade (Florida) presented a study into the analysis of ante/ post mortem concentrations of opiates using the famous UCT Clean Screen DAU column. An interesting presentation employing this sorbent was offered by Julie Elbogen, who validated a method for the chiral analysis of Methamphetamine. This study was conducted as part of her degree program.

In the field of animal testing toxicology, Prof. Adam Negrisz of the University of Chicago, Illinois presented some studies into the analyses of drugs in equine urine. These studies were carried out on both the Xtract® and C18 SPE columns. UCT has supported the laboratories and facilities involved in animal drug testing for many years, and Prof. Negrusz's work is evidence of this. Daniel Baker (Franklin County Medical Examiners Laboratory, Ohio) presented a poster describing the wide range of drugs that can be isolated and analyzed from post mortem samples using Clean Screen DAU SPE columns.

Two New Posters at SOFT 2010 (Booth #9,10,11)

2010-10-15T15:19:00.002-04:00

At the 2010 annual meeting of Society of Forensic Toxicologists, held in Richmond, VA, UCT Inc. will be presenting two new posters. This work has been performed in collaboration with a major crime laboratory facility. These posters demonstrate the wide range versatility of the world renowned Clean Screen DAU SPE column.

The first poster describes the use of this SPE column for analyzing both Psilocybin and Psilocin in urine using LC-MS/MS. Until now, analysts facing a "magic mushroom" intoxication have only been able to determine the concentrations of the metabolite either by GC-MS or LC-MS/MS using SPE, but with this new methodology they will be able to perform analyses providing valuable data on both compounds.

The second poster describes the analysis of Phenazepam in a whole blood sample. Although relatively uncommon in this country, this drug has been found in Central Europe. More recently, it has been found in drugs/driving cases in the US. The information contained in the poster will help analysts perform an efficient procedure using the famous Clean Screen SPE column.

We will be located at Booths #9,10,11. We look forward to seeing everyone!

Innovative ethyl glucuronide study on camels

2010-10-11T09:45:00.002-04:00

UCT would like to offer congratulations to Dr. I.Wasfi of the Camel Racing Laboratory, part of the Forensic Science Facility in Abu Dhabi. Dr Wasfi has just published an innovative study on the pharmacokinetics of Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG) in the camel (Vet. J. July 2010). In the middle east, the camel is an important part of animal racing family along with horses. UCT has a long, established history in the support of racing animal testing facilities around the world. This study employs the world reknowned UCT EtG SPE column. Although this SPE sorbent is much more well known for hair ETG analysis, this study shows its effectiveness in the area of blood analysis.
Further details of this SPE column can be found on the website: www.unitedchem.com or calling 1-800-385-3153.

Nobel Prize in Chemistry

2010-10-09T10:07:00.000-04:00

As the 2010 Nobel Prize (Chemistry) has just been announced, UCT would like to offer congratulations to Prof. Heck from the University of Delaware for his pioneering work in the field of Palladium chemistry. Professor Heck was one of the teachers of Dr. Wayne King (Synthesis Section - UCT Specialities) whilst he was at the university. Dr. King went on from this institution to develop his skills in the area of Silane Chemsitry, and is now a integral part of UCT Specialty Chemical Section which offers the highest quality Silanes and Organosilanes (including derivatizing reagents (BSTFA/MTBSTA) to the scientific community world wide.

Tobacco Science Research Conference (October 12-13)

2010-10-01T11:44:00.001-04:00

This meeting brings together tobacco research scientsits from across the United States and beyond. Attending will be UCT's most senior representatives: Michael Telepchak (President and CEO) and Phillip Spraker (a senior represenative of UCT). Together Mike and Phil will be presenting work developed by UCT.

UCT has a long and valuable history in the field of Tobacco related research, thus it is proud and honored to be not only in attendance, but to be presenting work for the benefit of the scientists actively engaged in tobacco research. Scientists will find the range of materials, applications, and methods at the cutting edge of research. Mike and Phil will also be on hand to answer questions, and address queries regarding UCT's sorbents and their applications.

UCT attending AOAC International (September 26-29)

2010-09-20T11:41:00.000-04:00

As the market leader in the provision of SPE/QuEChERS materials, methods and applications, UCT members will be attending the forthcoming AOAC International meeting in Orlando, Florida. (September 26-29 2010) This meeting brings together environmental scientists from around the world.

UCT is proud of its record in the development, application, and innovation in the area of solid phase sorbents for environmental testing laboratories and will be present to discuss the newest approaches and innovations. UCT will be represented by Don Shelly and Hocine Omari, two of UCT's most experienced representatives. Together Don and Hocine will be on hand to answer any questions, help with queries, and assist scientists at any level in the wide field of environmental analysis.

LC-MS/MS Course at NYS DCJS (September 27-28)

2010-09-18T07:24:00.000-04:00

Dr. Michael Coyer will be presenting extraction methods and applications (UCT) at the forthcoming LC-MS/MS course organized in collaboration with DCJS (NYS). As UCT is at the forefront of development of SPE analytical materials for Forensic Toxicology laboratories using both GC-MS and Tandem Mass Spectrometry, Dr.Coyer will be explaining the high quality extractions that can be performed using UCT's world renowned products.

UCT's SPE sorbents have been widely recognized in the field of LC-MS/MS as giving lower matrix effects, limits of detection,and quantification when applied to biological samples such as post mortem specimens. UCT is always happy to collaborate with agencies such as DCJS in order to advance the education of forensic scientists to not only understand the science of SPE but to advance their techniques in the isolation, identification, and quantification of drugs/ metabolites in biological samples. Presently, the Clean Screen® and Styre Screen® solid phase extraction columns are used in New York State in Medical Examiners and Crime Laboratory settings. This meeting, with its emphasis on applications of LC-MS/MS, will demonstrate the wide range of analyses that can performed on UCT materials, supported by Dr.Coyer's presentation on extraction techniques.

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Seminar - September 17th

2010-09-13T11:47:00.000-04:00

As the world leader in SPE products and methologies, UCT is always proud to assist scientists in the field of Forensic Toxicology understand and advance their understanding of the science of SPE and related techniques. UCT in collaboration with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SCLED) is providing a cost free seminar hosted by Philip Spraker, a senor representative of UCT for many years and Dr. Jeff Hackett for the purpose of continuing the professional development of forensic toxicologists in the South Carolina region. With the publication of NAS report on Forensic Science in USA, UCT is always willing to provide educational support to facilities such as the seminar with SCLED scientists to maintain their accredited status.

Yes, we have it in bulk too!

2010-08-31T14:21:00.001-04:00

Many don't realize that they can get the same high quality sorbents that they see in our products in bulk! Our magnesium sulfate anhydrous is pre-muffled to remove all organic compounds. It's also very inexpensive and in stock too!

Lifetime Achievment Award to Prof. John S. Oliver (University of Glasgow)

2010-08-30T14:19:00.000-04:00

John S. Oliver, the former Emeritus Professor of Forensic Medicine at University of Glasgow, Scotland was presented with a lifetime achievement award from UCT. This prestigious award for excellence in SPE is presented annually by Mike Telepchak (President and CEO UCT) to scientists who in the previous year have advanced the science of SPE.

This year the award was presented at the UKFnet meeting in Glasgow, rather than the annual SOFT meeting, to honor the work of Professor Oliver and his former facility who have done much for the advancement of SPE over many years. UCT is always proud to recognize the hard work of forward thinking forensic scientists over the five continents and feel honored to present the award to Professor Oliver.

Publication of Application Note in September Issue of LC-GC

2010-08-30T09:42:00.000-04:00

UCT is proud to announce that a method for the analysis of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in fish samples is to to published in LC-GC. UCT has been accepted to present a method as a application note using UCT materials. In the aftermath of the oil spill disaster in the Gulf Coast, UCT is at the forefront in assisting agencies in isolating, identifying, and quantifying oil based pollutants as the world leader in SPE and Quechers products. For further detials of this methodology, chemicals, and UCT materials: www.unitedchem.com or contact 1-800-385-3153.

UCT presenting at TIAFT 2010 (Aug 29-Sept 2 2010)

2010-08-13T12:17:00.000-04:00

In the world of Forensic Toxicology and allied sciences, UCT leads the field in SPE and related materials. Scientists at UCT have been accepted to present a study in collaboration with a major US crime laboratory into the analysis of THC in oral samples. The study is to be presented at the International Association of Forensic Toxicologists Annual Meeting in Bonn, Germany (August 29-September 2). This study uses the the very latest in UCT materials and analytical technology (LC-MS/MS) to isolate, and quantify low levels of THC in oral fluid swabs. This innovation by the scientists at UCT demonstrates the commitment to advancing the science of SPE for the forensic community worldwide.

NEMC 2010 Washington, DC

2010-08-09T10:05:00.000-04:00

At this widely recognized meeting - National Environmental Monitoring Conference (NEMC) 2010, UCT representatives (Don Shelly and Michael Kofel) are attending to demonstrate products and materials developed by UCT scientists for environmental testing and analysis.

As UCT is the world leader in SPE/QuEChERS products, it is proud to be associated with this prestigious event. As an aid to scientists in this area of analyis, both representatives are available to discuss current issues and the successful solutions provided by UCT, and also demonstate the new video on one of UCT's most successful analytical methods i.e. The Analysis of Oil and Greases employing UCT's widely acclaimed Environmental range of SPE products.

FDA/ORA/DFS Laboratory Information Bulletin

2010-07-29T17:53:00.000-04:00

SCREEN FOR THE PRESENCE OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAH) IN SELECT SEAFOODS USING LC-FLUORESCENCE has been released to the public. This method uses UCT product ECMSSA50CT-MP (6 g of magnesium sulfate anhydrous and 1.5 g of sodium acetate). Contact UCT for more information or technical support.

Florida Pesticide Residue Workshop 2010 a huge success!

2010-07-27T10:22:00.000-04:00

With over 275 attendees, FPRW 2010 was the biggest ever! Mike Telepchak’s talk on “QuEChERS and Beyond” was attended by over 130 and was well received. Mike’s talk focused on the chemistry behind QuEChERS and SPE in general. The section on “all C18 is not same” helped many to resolve unanswered questions.

UCT customers Jonathan V. Pelt and Amy Brown of the Chemical Residue Laboratory – Division of Food Safety, Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, won first place in the poster contest for their poster “For the Love of Bees” A Rapid Multi-residue Analysis of Pesticides in Honey using a buffered Acetonitrile extraction and dispersive clean-up.

QuEChERS and the Gulf Coast Oil Spill

2010-06-25T14:39:00.001-04:00

In the aftermath of the recent Gulf Coast Oil Spill, concerns are being raised about the quality of water, food, wildlife contaminations in the area.

UCT is the world leader in Environmental/Food Analysis Products and can provide services in the areas of Solid Phase Extraction as well as QuEChERS approaches for the GC, GC-MS, and LC-MS/MS instrumentatal analysis to the highest standards.

As the innovators of QuEChERS we can offer government, environmental, contract, and other reglatory facilities the most effective procedures, methods and materials for the determination of such compounds as Oil and Greases, PCB, PAH and other organic contaminants, pollutants in waters, food (seafood/ other consumables), soils/sludges using conventional and dispersive SPE over an extensive range of sorbents. For our full range of environmental analyses materials visit www.unitedchem.com or call 1-800-385-3153

QuEChERS poster in France the week of June 20th

2010-06-14T11:38:00.000-04:00

Next week one of our Environmental specialists will be presenting our QuEChERS poster at The European Pesticide Residue Workshop (EPRW) June 20-24 in Strasbourg, France. Stop by and say hello as we will be exhibiting with our French distributor, SDS.

THC in oral swabs poster at AMS May 25th

2010-04-20T10:15:00.000-04:00

A new poster by UCT and Mass. State Police Crime Laboratory will be presented at 90th AMS Annual Meeting, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Our poster will be #343 and shown on Tuesday, May 25th.

The use of F-SPE/ Fast LC-MSMS for analyzing low levels of THC in oral swabs
Michael Telepchak1; Jeffery Hackett1; Albert Elian2
1UCT,LLC, Bristol, PA; 2Massachussetts State Police Crime Laboratory, Sudbury, MA

Seminar at Flordia Pesticide Residue Workshop, July 18-21, 2010 Florida

2010-03-09T15:19:00.000-05:00

Michael J. Telepchak will be presenting a luncheon seminar on The Mechanisms of Solid-Phase Extraction at FPRW 2010. Mr. Telepchak is the co-inventor of solid-phase extraction, inventor of mixed mode SPE, co-author of Clinical and Forensic Applications of Solid Phase Extraction, and has amassed several patents in his 35 years in the field of chromatography. He is currently the President/CEO of UCT, Inc.

UCT sponsers 2010 Silicon Symposium

2010-02-23T13:28:00.001-05:00

UCT is proud to be a sponser of the 43rd annual Silicon Symposium. This year it is being held in St. Louis on May 20-22, 2010.

Come visit us at Pittcon in Orlando, FL, February 28th – March 4th at Booth 2127.

2010-01-08T14:01:00.001-05:00

We will be exhibiting our environmental and agricultural testing products, including QuEChERS and Universal sample prep cartridges, used for extracting pollutants from waste and drinking water following EPA methodologies such as 1664A, 525, 521, 8330, and 548.1. Other products on display will include well plates, derivatizing reagents, GC liners, and manifolds.

**For our international distribution partners, we invite you to join us on Tuesday, March 2nd for a lunch and learn on our environmental product line.**

Environmental Metals paper posted in Applications Finder

2010-01-07T11:29:00.000-05:00

Our Enviromental team has released a new "Topic in Solid Phase Extraction" paper. This paper covers Metals Analysis of the following metal ions: Zinc, Arsenic, Tin, Selenous, Mercury, Chromium, Copper and Platinum.

You can find it by searching "Metals" under the Compounds heading in the Applications Finder on the main site.

Introducing Clean Screen Xcel

2009-10-22T11:15:00.001-04:00

We are happy to announce our latest product breakthrough - Clean Screen Xcel. Not only will you save money on solvents but also reduce extraction times. Head over to our website to learn more and see the results for yourself.

Successful SOFT 2009!

2009-10-22T11:06:00.000-04:00

Thank you to everyone who came by our booth at SOFT this year. Congratulations to the Excellence in SPE award winner as well.

2 papers accepted for SOFT 2009

2009-09-23T10:54:00.000-04:00

UCT has 2 abstracts accepted for presentation at this years SOFT meeting in Oklahoma.

Analysis of Absinthe by Solid Phase Extraction and LC-MS/MS:A simple test for thujone concentration
Jeffery Hackett*1, Michael J. Telepchak2, Michael J. Coyer11.Northern Tier Research, 1300 Old Plank Road, Mayfield PA 18433 USA2. UCT Inc., 2731 Bartram Road, Bristol PA, 19007 USA

The Application of F-SPE and Fast LC-MS/MS for the Analysis of THC/Carboxy-THC in Drugs and Driving Cases Albert A. Elian1 and *Jeffery Hackett.2 1.Massachussetts Police State Crime Laboratory, 59 Horsepond Road, Sudbury MA USA, 2. Northern Tier Research, 1300 Old Plank Road, Mayfield PA USA

We hope to see you in Oklahoma October 18-23.

New QuEChERS Kits Available

2009-09-18T16:27:00.001-04:00

UCT now offers extraction mixes for all of the popular QuEChERS methods in individual Mylar pouches. Empty 50 ml plug seal cap centrifuge tubes in Styrofoam are also included with each kit.

New oil and grease method posted for EPA 1664A

2009-08-25T14:20:00.000-04:00

The application note for EPA Method 1664A “Oil and Grease” has been updated to comply with CWA 40 CFR 136.6. The new application note eliminates the need for acetone in the oil and grease elution step. For a copy of the updated method visit the Sample Prep Application Finder or email methods@unitedchem.

Forensic and Clinical Applications of Solid Phase Extraction

2009-08-17T15:09:00.000-04:00

Grab your copy of Forensic and Clinical Applications of Solid Phase Extractions (hardcover) from amazon.com and save 20%!

Visit our booth at NEMC 2009

2009-08-11T11:40:00.000-04:00

UCT is attending the NEMC 2009 conference this week (August 10-14) in San Antonio, TX. Come on by and say hello.

2009 FPRW - Product release

2009-07-21T15:59:00.000-04:00

UCT was busy this week attending the 2009 FPRW meeting (Florida Pesticide Residue Workshop) in St. Pete Beach, Florida. We were there to introduce our new ChloroFiltr product for QuEChERS and pre-packaged salts for QuEChERS extractions. Several paper and posters were presented mentioning the many successful applications of UCT's QuEChERS products.

2 papers to be given at the 2009 AFTA in Australia

2009-07-16T21:32:00.000-04:00

Jeffery Hackett submitted 2 abstracts for this years AFTA (Australasian Forensic Toxicology Meeting) being held October 12-14, 2009.

The abstracts are as follows:

"Analysis of Clozapine & Metabolites: A Novel SPE Approach"

"SPE and GC/MS Analysis of Forensically Significant Compounds in Whole Blood"

These papers will be supported by our exclusive distributor on the continent - PM Separations.

Some more website functionality on its way

2009-07-15T10:00:00.000-04:00

We will be enabling some new portions of our website in the coming months. Users who register will now be able to:

-manage your orders

-address book

-save carts for later purchase

-edit your profile

QuEChERs in Wine now available

2009-04-16T11:07:00.000-04:00

We are excited to announce a new method has been posted for QuEChERs in wine! Check it out in our sample prep application database.

The compatible products are as follows:

ECMSNA50CT (50 mL centrifuge tube, 8 g anhydrous MgSO4 & 2 g NaCl)
ECMPSCB15CT (900 mg anhydrous MgSO4, 300 mg PSA &150 mg GCB)

Analysis of Absinthe by Solid Phase Extraction and LC-MS/MS: A simple test for thujone concentration

2009-04-14T10:18:00.000-04:00

In 2 weeks Michael J. Telepchak from UCT, Inc., will be attending the 9th Annual Csaba Horváth Symposium, April 28 – 29, 2009 at the Harford Convention Center, Hartford CT.

He will presenting a poster on Abisinthe authored by J. Hackett; M. J. Telepchak; M. J. Coyer. The poster is listed as P#01.

Green clean up

2009-04-05T20:12:00.000-04:00

We will soon be announcing an amazing new enviromental product. Please check back here for more information about this important product launch.

Pittcon 2009

2009-03-16T14:27:00.000-04:00

Thanks everyone for stopping by our booth at Pittcon this week! We were excited by the turnout of our international guests and the interest in growing Environmental product line. Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on those products.

and last but no least - congratulations to the winner of the visa gift card!

(ACN) Acetonitrile-free analysis

2009-03-12T09:44:00.000-04:00

We've been getting alot of inquires about alternatives to ACN with the current shortage.

On the whole, the majority of UCT methods (Opiates, Amphetamine type drugs, Cocaine related compounds, Weak acid/neutrals and Prescription drugs) do not require the employment of acetonitrile for producing high quality results in terms of chromatographic cleanness, high recoveries, and reproducibility. In those selected methods that include acetonitrile, (THC/ Carboxy THC in whole blood and urine), alternative organic solvents may be employed to precipitate the sample, as with the wash step. Elution is performed with Hexane/Ethyl Acetate solvent mixtures. Analysis such as benzodiazepines can de directly converted to a CSBNZ procedure which offers a lower acetonitrile wash step whilst providing the analytical facility with an ability to extract and analyze compounds such as 7-aminoclonazepam.

March 2009 = New UCT website

2009-03-08T15:47:00.000-04:00

We finally went live with our new website (which i am sure you realize since you made it to our blog!) Please look around and check everything out. There are many new cool features that will help you, our end users, get the most from our products.

We would love to hear from you about ways we can improve it! You can fill out one of our forms or just send an email to feedback@.

More to come. This is only the beginning.

Jeffrey Hackett to present xanthines in biological fluids study at NEAFS 2008 (Oct. 1-4)

2008-08-22T16:57:00.000-04:00

Although caffeine is planet earths most widely consumed drug, and has its main source in the coffee bean, it can be routinely detected in blood and urine. Measurement of caffeine and other xanthines such as theobromine and theophylline can be useful to forensic toxicologists offering interpretation to coroners and medical examiners as to cause and manner of death in forensic investigations. Previous methods of analysis have employed liquid- liquid extractions under weak acid and basic conditions (separately) to isolate the compounds. At this presentation an alternative solution is offered.

In this presentation attendees will learn about solid phase extraction performed in mixed mode operation and the chemistry involved in the isolation of caffeine and other xanthines including theobromine, theophylline from biological samples (blood/ urine). The use of pKa data to determine optimized extraction conditions will also be discussed. Attendees will also learn about how the solid phase extraction was performed in both hydrophobic mode and ion exchange modes using ethyl acetate/ methanol , and ethyl acetate/ acetonitrile/ ammonium hydroxide, respectively as elution solvents. After elution and evaporation separation of the xanthines in this procedure was carried out using liquid chromatography in isocratic mode employing a C18 column (150 x 2.1 mm ( 3μm)) and a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile: formic acid (0.1 % aqueous) (10: 90)) at a flowrate of 0.1 mL/ minute. Detection of the compounds was carried out using photodiode array in scanning mode (200nm- 350nm).

You can can attend the presentation at the 34th annual NEAFS meeting October 1st - October 4th, 2008 at the Renaissance Westchester Hotel, White Plains, NY.

UCT helps to save the bees

2008-08-20T10:18:00.000-04:00

This week at the 236th national American Chemical Society meeting in Philadelphia, researchers at Penn State university along with the National Science Laboratory presented the results of their research - "Pesticide build-up could lead to poor honey bee health". Pesticide extractions were run on UCT's QuEChERS columns.

Read more here: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-08/ps-pbu081408.php

Excellence in SPE award 2008

2008-08-16T21:32:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year again folks. We are now taking submissions for our annual Excellence in SPE award - to be handed out at the 2008 SOFT meeting in Phoenix, Arizona.

Award Criteria:

• Single unique application or technique

• Volume of work presented over time

• Extraction prior to a particular area of analysis, such as GC/MS, LC/MS,

electrophoresis, TLC, etc.

• A new approach to the use of SPE in forensics

• Use of SPE in a unique area of forensic science

• Any work which promotes the science of SPE in general

You can mail us (the address is at unitedchem.com/contact.htm) or email your submission to: submissions@unitedchem.com [Deadline = September 3rd, 2008]

Why should I make the switch to Enviro-Clean® SPE?

2008-08-13T13:22:00.000-04:00

Usually you would read some canned answer here but this time we will let one of our customers who just recently switched to our Enviro-Clean® C18 Universal Cartidges (ECUNIC18) answer that question.

"Just wanted you to know that we are having great success with herbicides by SPE. Our second mdl was fine and we switched all herbicide waters and leachates from LLE to SPE. The blanks are the cleanest I have ever seen and surrogate and LCS recoveries are great."

Confusing Caffeine: Weak Acid Neutral or Base? (Jeffery Hackett , Michael J.Telepchak, and Michael J. Coyer)

2008-08-08T10:05:00.000-04:00

At the annual SOFT meeting this year in Phoenix, AZ, Jeffery Hackett will present a study on the analysis of total caffeine and other xanthines in biological sample using mixed mode SPE. Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, and Tim Horton’s coffees were used and some interesting results found. Come to the meeting on Oct 25th-31st and see the differences in Caffeine levels in various coffees. And you thought all coffees were the same. This paper will also be featured in this years JAT Special issue.

Welcome all to UCTBlog.com

2008-08-05T12:25:00.001-04:00

Prepare to look thru a window into our world here. We have alot of great news to share and hope you continue to stop back. This will be the first stop on the evolution of unitedchem.com. Previews will always be posted here first before anywhere else; and will include: press releases, upcoming products, company news, hot topics, publications, and most importantly all the goings on at Unitedchem.com - our new website (still in testing!).
Stay Tuned.

Hello World

2008-06-14T16:39:00.001-04:00

First post on the blog as a test.