Author: Francois

Festive Water Safety: Lab Testing in SA

Why is water safety critical during South Africa’s festive season?

Summer in South Africa brings heat, travel, and thousands of holidaymakers to beaches, pools, and picnic spots. But the spike in water consumption, and pressure on water infrastructure, raises serious concerns. Ensuring the safety of drinking water and recreational waters during this period is essential to safeguard public health and support tourism.

 

🖥️ Watch the Detection of Microplastics using Thermoanalytical Methods webinar to learn about which analytical approach(es) offer the best results for PFAS in the environment.

The challenges of high-volume water testing during summer

As demand increases, testing labs face rising sample loads and tighter turnaround times. Detecting a range of contaminants, from microbial threats and industrial chemicals to PFAS (“forever chemicals”) and microplastics, requires sensitive, fast and reliable instrumentation. Traditional methods can struggle to keep up, leading to bottlenecks that may delay the detection of critical hazards. That’s where advanced instrumentation and workflow automation become indispensable.

 

🖥️ Watch the Analysis of PFAS: Strategies to Optimise Performance webinar to learn about which analytical approach(es) offer the best results for PFAS in the environment.

📚 Download the Guide to Targeted Quantification and Screening of PFAS Compounds in Environmental Matrices Primer to explore the basics and the regulatory framework for PFAS analysis.

Agilent water testing solutions: Speed, sensitivity, and scale

Agilent’s comprehensive water testing portfolio supports laboratories with state-of-the-art analytical tools, including:

Key Agilent Instruments for Water Quality Testing

  • Agilent Ultivo LC/MSMS – Ideal for ultra-trace PFAS and persistent organic pollutants in drinking and environmental water. Compact yet powerful, it supports high-throughput labs with limited space.
  • Agilent 6475 LC/MSMS – Offers sensitive, reproducible quantification of a wide range of contaminants in complex matrices.
  • Agilent 1290 Infinity III LC System – Delivers fast, reliable chromatographic separations critical to high-throughput analysis.
  • Agilent 8860 GC and Agilent 5977B GC-MSD – Combines rugged GC performance with high-sensitivity mass detection, ideal for volatile organic compound analysis.
  • InfinityLab PFC-Free HPLC Conversion Kit – Helps reduce PFAS background interference for cleaner data and better detection accuracy.
Together, these tools allow for simultaneous detection of pesticides, metals, PFAS, organic pollutants, and microbiological indicators in both drinking and recreational water samples.
📚 Download the Quantification of Microplastics in Environmental Samples Using Pyrolysis and GC/MSD Application Note to discover the growing interest in quantifying microplastics in environmental samples.

Keeping communities and holidaymakers safe

South African municipalities, water boards, and private labs rely on fast, precise testing to ensure that public taps, swimming pools, and beaches remain safe during peak tourist periods. With Agilent’s integrated systems and automation-ready workflows, labs can handle seasonal surges efficiently, reducing wait times and delivering timely insights to stakeholders.
By enabling early detection and fast reporting, labs support both immediate public safety and long-term environmental health.

Ready to modernise your water testing workflows?

Whether you’re managing municipal water quality or testing surface water for environmental compliance, Agilent’s proven technologies and application support can help you handle festive season demand with confidence.

 

✅ TL;DR – Key Takeaways

  • South Africa’s festive season significantly increases demand for water testing.
  • Water contamination risks rise in both drinking supplies and recreational sources.
  • Agilent offers a suite of instruments for rapid, high-sensitivity testing (LC/MS, GC/MS, HPLC).
  • Automation-ready workflows improve throughput and reduce manual handling.
  • Accurate testing ensures public health, supports tourism, and builds trust in infrastructure.

Ensuring Accurate Consumer Product Testing: From Toys to Leather

Why is consumer product testing essential during the festive season?

As South Africans fill their homes with toys, gadgets and leather goods during the festive shopping rush, ensuring these products are safe and compliant is paramount. Testing labs play a vital role in verifying that everyday items meet stringent safety standards before reaching consumers.

The complexities of testing diverse consumer products

Consumer goods vary widely, from children’s toys requiring checks for harmful substances like phthalates and heavy metals, to leather handbags needing analysis of dyes and chemical residues. Accurate testing demands sophisticated analytical methods capable of identifying contaminants across a broad chemical spectrum.

🖥️ Watch the The PFAS Legacy in our Urban Environment webinar webinar to discover the key differences between LC/TQ and LC/Q-TOF and how are they used for providing information on PFAS in the environment.

How Agilent’s advanced analytical instruments support comprehensive testing

Agilent provides state-of-the-art solutions tailored for consumer goods testing, including chromatography and spectroscopy instruments such as LC/MS and GC/MS systems. These instruments allow labs to identify contaminants, measure chemical compositions, and perform high-throughput screening to maintain safety without sacrificing speed. Agilent’s robust platforms help laboratories meet tight deadlines during high-volume seasons.

📚 Download the Analysis of Short- and MediumChain Chlorinated Paraffins in Textiles and Leather Using Triple Quadrupole LC/MS Application Note for more stability and sensitivity during routine consumer testing laboratories. 

High-throughput workflows accelerate testing during peak demand

During high-volume shopping months, labs must clear large batches of consumer products swiftly without compromising safety. Agilent’s solutions integrate automation and streamlined workflows, helping labs increase throughput while maintaining accuracy. This ensures faster turnaround times, enabling retailers to confidently supply safe products to the market.

📚 Download the Phthalates Analysis in Toys using Agilent 5977E GC/MS Application Note that demonstrates good and a cost-effective solution to help test the six regulated phthalates in children’s toys.

Protecting consumers and brands through reliable testing

Accurate, timely testing safeguards not only consumer health but also brand reputation. Laboratories equipped with Agilent’s instruments can deliver consistent, validated results that help manufacturers and importers meet regulatory standards and build consumer trust.

Ready to enhance your consumer product testing capabilities?

Discover how Agilent’s comprehensive testing solutions can support your lab’s compliance needs and festive season workload.

 

TL;DR – Key Takeaways

  • Festive season shopping increases demand for consumer product testing in South Africa.
  • Testing covers toys, leather goods, textiles, and more for harmful substances and compliance.
  • Agilent’s LC/MS and GC/MS systems enable precise contaminant detection and chemical analysis.
  • High-throughput testing workflows ensure fast, accurate results during peak seasons.
  • Reliable testing protects consumer safety and brand reputation.

Lab Automation in South Africa: Boosting Throughput for Festive Season Demand

Why does December create a surge in lab workloads across South Africa?

December marks the busiest time of the year for South African laboratories. Whether testing food safety ahead of holiday feasts, screening textiles for contaminants, or analysing water quality, labs face a dramatic increase in sample volumes. This spike results from heightened consumer demand, regulatory pressures, and export deadlines. Managing this surge efficiently is essential to ensure timely and accurate results.

 

🖥️ Watch the Automated Protein Sample Prep in Labs Just Got Easier webinar to learn how a wide variety of sample prep workflows can be addressed with a small footprint automation platform.

 

What challenges do manual workflows present during peak testing periods?

Manual sample preparation can become a significant bottleneck during high-demand periods. It involves repetitive, time-consuming steps prone to human error, leading to longer turnaround times and inconsistent results. Overworked staff may face fatigue, increasing the risk of mistakes. These challenges compromise lab efficiency and can delay critical decisions by producers and regulators.

 

 

How can automation help labs overcome throughput bottlenecks?

Automated systems like Raykol’s advanced Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) equipment drastically reduce manual intervention in sample prep. Automation enables rapid processing of large sample batches with consistent precision. This not only speeds up workflows but also improves reproducibility and data quality. Scientists are freed from repetitive tasks and can focus more on data analysis, troubleshooting, and method development.

 

 

Why is automation crucial for South Africa’s diverse testing requirements?

South African labs serve a broad spectrum of sectors, including agricultural exports, textiles, food safety, and environmental monitoring. Each sector demands tailored analytical workflows and compliance with strict regulations. Automation allows labs to scale up quickly without sacrificing accuracy, making it a vital investment to remain competitive and meet both local and international standards during festive season peaks.

 

🖥️ Watch the Decoding Automation of Metabolite and Lipid Extraction Workflows webinar to understand key automation developments for handling organic solvents, pipetting precipitates, employing filtration for solid phase extraction, and targeting high recovery from small samples. 

 

What are the specific benefits of Raykol’s automated SPE systems during festive peaks?

Raykol’s systems streamline complex sample prep steps, cutting down hands-on time and reducing human error. Labs can increase throughput significantly, maintaining fast turnaround times without compromising data integrity. This ensures faster reporting to clients and regulators, enhances lab productivity, and supports better resource allocation during the busiest times of the year.

 

Raykol’s automated SPE systems

Ready to transform your lab’s festive season workflow?

South African laboratories aiming to stay ahead of demand spikes should explore automation solutions today. Implementing Raykol’s automated SPE systems can optimise workflows, reduce bottlenecks and uphold testing accuracy when it matters most.

 

✅ TL;DR – Key Takeaways

  • December is the peak testing season for South African labs across multiple industries.
  • Manual prep workflows cause delays, errors, and staff fatigue during high volumes.
  • Automation with Raykol SPE systems accelerates prep, boosts throughput, and ensures consistent results.
  • Lab automation frees scientists to focus on data interpretation and innovation.
  • Essential for labs handling diverse testing needs to stay competitive and compliant.

Keeping Holiday Tables Safe: Streamlining Agilent in South Africa

Why is food safety more challenging during South Africa’s festive season?

From lively braais to large family feasts, the holiday season means a surge in food production and consumption. This increase brings challenges in managing contaminants like pesticides on fresh produce or residues in packaged meats. Ensuring food safety is vital to protect public health and uphold brand reputation.

 

 

Challenges faced by labs during peak testing periods

High sample volumes and diverse food types place huge demands on testing labs. Manual sample preparation can slow down processes and increase errors, risking delays in identifying contaminants and potentially allowing unsafe food products to reach consumers.

 

How do Agilent LC/MS and GC/MS systems improve contaminant detection?

Agilent’s advanced Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) platforms enable rapid, sensitive detection of pesticides, antibiotics, mycotoxins, and other harmful residues in complex food samples, ensuring accuracy even under pressure.

 

In one study, Agilent demonstrated its gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS) systems achieved “excellent linearity” in testing for over 200 pesticides across a wide dynamic range (0.1 to 5,000 ppb).

 

🖥️ Watch the A Novel Workflow to Determine over 1000 Pesticide Residues webinar to learn more about this comprehensive, joint LC-MS and GC-MS workflow.

 

Agilent LC/MS & GC/MS instruments.

The role of automation in sample preparation

Raykol’s automated sample preparation systems help labs handle larger sample volumes consistently and quickly, reducing human error and freeing analysts to focus on data interpretation. This is critical when the pressure is on to deliver reliable results fast.

 

Raykol Automated Solid Phase Extraction system visual.

Why is real-time monitoring important for food safety during holidays?

Continuous quality control lets producers and retailers react promptly to contamination risks, protecting consumers and maintaining compliance with South African and international food safety regulations, especially critical during holiday spikes in demand.

 

📚 Download the Contaminants Screening Using High-Resolution GC/Q-TOF Application Note to discover how to increase confidence for both screening and quantitative workflows.

 

How can producers and retailers stay compliant and build consumer trust?

Investing in cutting-edge testing technology and automation not only helps companies meet evolving regulatory requirements but also demonstrates a commitment to consumer safety, key for maintaining trust during high-visibility holiday seasons.

 

📚 Download the Dioxins Analysis in Food and Feed Application Note to discover new possibilities for faster separations.

 

 

Upgrade your food safety testing workflows now

To keep holiday tables safe and operations smooth, labs and food suppliers should leverage Agilent’s LC/MS and GC/MS instruments alongside Raykol’s automated sample prep solutions.

 

🖥️ Watch the Analysis of Heavy Metals and Minerals webinar to learn about workflow solutions for analysis of nutritional parameters in food, through faster identification and detection at low levels.

 

TL;DR – Key Takeaways

  • Holiday season increases food safety testing demands in South Africa.
  • Manual prep and high sample loads create bottlenecks and risk errors.
  • Agilent LC/MS and GC/MS systems enable sensitive, fast contaminant detection.
  • Raykol automation speeds up sample prep, improving lab throughput and accuracy.
  • Real-time monitoring and robust workflows safeguard consumers and ensure compliance.

 

Illuminating Insight: Where Light Meets Industry

Step into a world where precision, performance, and innovation converge.
The Chemetrix Industrial & Environmental Spectroscopy Roadshow, in partnership with Agilent Technologies and Veolia, brings together analytical excellence and industrial insight to explore how light – in all its forms – is transforming the way we measure, monitor, and protect our world.

Join leading experts for an illuminating day of discussions and discovery in Atomic Spectroscopy and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis. Learn how these technologies are driving smarter, more sustainable decisions across industries – from environmental testing to industrial process control.

Agenda

Veolia Sievers TOC Analyzers for Industrial & Environmental Applications

Part 1 – Clean Water: 
  • Introduction to the Sievers I&E Product Portfolio
  • M-Series Technology
  • Condensate & Boiler Feed Water Applications
  • Drinking Water & Reuse Applications
Part 2 – Contaminated Water: 
  • InnovOx Technology
  • Industrial Water Applications
  • Food & Beverage Applications
  • Desalination & Brine Applications

Agilent Atomic Spectroscopy Solutions for Industrial & Environmental Applications

Part 1: 
  • Agilent Atomic Spectroscopy Portfolio Overview
  • Analysis of Water Samples using Agilent ICP-MS Systems
  • Overcoming High-Matrix Sample Challenges through Optimized ICP Methods
Part 2: 
  • Unlocking Mining, Food & Environmental Applications with Agilent ICP-OES 5800/5900
  • Choosing Between Single-Quad ICP-MS and Triple-Quad ICP-MS/MS
  • Coupling HPLC to ICP-MS for Speciation Applications

Chemetrix Consumables & Sample Preparation

  • New consumable products to optimise performance and reduce downtime
  • Practical guidance on sample preparation workflows

Why Attend?

  • Gain insight into real-world industrial and environmental applications.
  • Learn from industry and technical experts on how to enhance precision, productivity, and sustainability in your lab.
  • Network with fellow professionals shaping the future of analytical science.
Spaces are limited

Register now for the event now!

 

Managing Data Loads in Pathology: Handling Large Imaging Files in Busy Periods

Why are large imaging files a growing challenge in research labs at year-end?

As research institutes and life science laboratories face the year-end rush, one often overlooked hurdle is the surge in imaging data. Modern tools generate extremely large files – sometimes gigabytes per sample. Multiplied across hundreds or thousands of datasets, this can strain storage systems and IT workflows, risking delays when deadlines are most critical.

 

The impact of overwhelming data loads

Without the right tools, labs may face storage capacity issues, slow rendering, and longer wait times to review datasets. This reduces throughput and jeopardises the timely completion of experiments, publications, and grant reports – especially during peak year-end periods.

 

 

Smarter image analysis with Agilent BioTek Gen5 Software

Agilent BioTek Gen5 Software for Imaging & Microscopy streamlines image capture, processing, and analysis within one interface. Researchers can design 2D or 3D workflows in widefield or confocal imaging, supported by modules for in-depth analysis across a wide range of cell applications.

 

Key capabilities include:

  • Single image capture, montaging, Z-stacking, and beaconing
  • Advanced processing such as background removal, deconvolution, stitching, Z-projection, and 3D rendering
  • Automated functions including confluence determination, object counting, neurite outgrowth analysis, spot counting, and single object tracking
  • Built-in tools for exporting high-resolution images, graphs, and kinetic movies
By reducing technical bottlenecks, Gen5 helps researchers generate insights faster – a real advantage when deadlines are tight.

 

🔍 Find out more about the BioTek Gen5 Software for Imaging & Microscopy.

 

BioTek Gen5 Software for Imaging & Microscopy

 

Biofilm characterisation

Biofilms have an inherent three-dimensional structure that can be reconstructed using confocal microscopy. While widefield imaging captures compositional properties, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) reduces out-of-focus light and background interference, improving image quality when analysing live biofilms at varying focal depths.

 

🖥️ Watch the Introduction to a Novel Integrated Solution for Evaluating Bacterial Biofilms webinar – a discovery on combining absorbance and fluorescence intensity detection and widefield and confocal imaging throughout common biofilm workflows.

 

 

In addition to managing large image files, life science researchers are also exploring deeper biological insights – such as how microorganisms form biofilms on tissues, experimental surfaces, or model systems, which can influence disease models and basic biological research. Agilent’s solutions underscore the importance of properly visualising these complex, three-dimensional microbial communities. The Cytation C10 Confocal Imaging Reader is well-suited for biofilm research. Combining widefield and confocal modes with environmental control, it captures high-quality, live-cell images of thick multicellular structures. Confocal optics layered over plate-reader modalities allow researchers to visualise biofilm architecture and metabolic activity while keeping file sizes manageable.

 

📚 Download the Efficacy of a Novel Confocal Imaging Reader for Evaluating Bacterial Biofilms Application Note to explore a variety of detection, imaging, and analysis methods enabled by the Cytation C10 using multiple bacterial strains and common biofilm assays.

 

Agilent BioTek Cytation C10 Confocal Imaging Reader

 

Beyond imaging

Researchers also need insights that go beyond imaging data. The new Agilent Seahorse XF Flex Analyzer complements imaging by enabling real-time analysis of live-cell metabolism in both 2D and 3D models. This provides functional insights without adding to data storage burdens, helping labs interpret results faster.

 

🖥️ Watch this video to discover the new Agilant Seahorse XF Flex Analyzer and its 3D applications.

 

📚 Download the Agilent Seahorse XF 3D Mito Stress Test Tissue Workflow Quick-Start Guide.

 

 

Agilent Seahorse XF Flex Analyzer

Why is automation matters

Automated workflows for file transfer, compression, and retrieval reduce manual workload and delays. This frees scientists to focus on data interpretation rather than technical troubleshooting, improving accuracy and turnaround times.

 

🖥️ Watch the Take Real Time Metabolic Analysis to the Third Dimension webinar and discover how this platform offers flexibility and an optimised workflow for functional metabolic studies in 3D models, including ex vivo tissue samples and organoids.

 

Why scalability is vital for South African labs

South African research institutions balance academic projects and industry collaborations, each with unique reporting demands. Scalable imaging systems help labs manage seasonal surges and diverse sample types without compromising quality or speed.

 

 

Ready to optimise your lab’s workflows this festive season?

Agilent’s advanced imaging solutions – including the Cytation C10 Confocal Imaging Reader, BioTek Gen5 Software, and Seahorse XF Flex Analyzer – help labs improve efficiency, reduce delays, and deliver results faster. Complementary methods like holotomography can provide additional insights, expanding analytical possibilities.

 

Contact us to learn more about Agilent’s solutions for life science research.

 

Detecting PFAS and Other ‘Forever Chemicals’ in SA’s Textiles

Festive fashion, hidden risks

With the holiday season fast approaching, South Africans are gearing up for warm-weather celebrations, stocking up on water-repellent jackets, quick-dry swimwear and stain-resistant tablecloths. But behind the seasonal sparkle lies a silent concern: PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

 

 

Nicknamed “forever chemicals” for their resistance to breakdown, PFAS are commonly used in textiles to enhance durability and repel liquids. However, their environmental persistence and health risks, ranging from hormonal disruption to cancer, have made them a growing concern worldwide.

 

As international regulations tighten, textile retailers, importers and labs in South Africa must prepare to detect and manage PFAS contamination.

🖥️ Watch the Analysis of PFAS: Strategies to Optimise Performance webinar and explore the biggest challenges currently in the analysis of PFAS.

 

Why is PFAS detection in textiles so difficucon

Detecting PFAS in fabric isn’t like testing for surface-level contaminants. These chemicals can:
  • Be present in ultra-trace amounts
  • Be embedded in complex synthetic fibres
  • Require extensive and delicate preparation before testing

 

 

Traditional methods rely heavily on manual prep, increasing the risk of human error. For busy labs and testing facilities, especially in high-demand seasons, this leads to:
  • Delays in turnaround times
  • Inconsistent results
  • Potential non-compliance with regulations

 

📚 Explore the PFAS Analysis in Environmental Samples Ordering Guide, your go-to resource for selecting the right consumables for your PFAS environmental testing needs.

 

Automation is transforming textile PFAS testing

Forward-looking labs are turning to automation to solve these pain points. By integrating Agilent’s LC/MS instruments with Raykol’s automated SPE (Solid Phase Extraction) systems, labs can drastically improve their efficiency and precision.

Benefits of this approach include:
  • Faster processing of large sample volumes
  • Minimised manual intervention
  • Higher consistency and reproducibility
  • Freed-up lab staff for data analysis rather than repetitive prep tasks
This workflow is especially valuable during South Africa’s high-spend festive months, where time and accuracy are critical.

 

How does Raykol’s automated SPE system improve sample prep?

Sample preparation is often the most manual and error-prone stage of PFAS testing. Raykol’s Fotector SPE platform automates this process, reducing variability and increasing throughput.

Key benefits of Raykol’s system include:
  • Reduced contamination risk from human handling
  • Faster preparation times for large volumes
  • Seamless compatibility with LC/MS workflows
  • Improved repeatability and lab efficiency

 

RayKol’s Fotector series Automated Solid Phase Extraction Systems

 

🔍 Explore RayKol’s Fotector series Automated Solid Phase Extraction Systems, designed to meet the requirements of large-scale sample preparation in modern testing laboratories

 

Agilent LC/MS: Trusted precision for PFAS detection

Agilent’s Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) systems are purpose-built to detect ultra-low concentrations of PFAS in even the most complex textile materials.

These platforms help labs:
  • Comply with global regulations (e.g. EU REACH, US EPA, SAICM)
  • Process large test batches without compromising accuracy
  • Stay competitive by delivering reliable, compliant results on time

 

Agilent 6495C LC/MSMS

 

PFAS testing protects more than compliance

While regulation is a key driver, the real value of PFAS detection goes beyond ticking boxes. South African retailers and importers who adopt rigorous testing practices also gain:
  • Consumer trust during peak sales seasons
  • Brand differentiation as safety-conscious and transparent
  • Supply chain resilience against new international bans or restrictions
  • Preparedness for the expanding global push toward PFAS elimination

 

Case in point: A South African home textile importer recently adopted Agilent + Raykol systems and achieved a 60% reduction in turnaround time, enabling full compliance with updated EU restrictions before they took effect.

🔍 Explore Agilent’s PFAS Testing Kits for Environmental Analysis, a comprehensive portfolio of environmental PFAS testing kits designed to comply with stringent testing methods.

 

What’s next? Build a smarter PFAS detection strategy

PFAS are here, regulations are rising, and expectations around chemical safety are increasing fast. Now’s the time to modernise your PFAS testing workflows with automation and precision analytics.

Make your lab smarter, faster, and fully compliant – before it’s mandatory.

 

🖥️ Watch the Simultaneous Measurement of PFAS Compounds in the Environment webinar and discover a robust and sensitive method for the simultaneous quantitation of 53 legacy and new, emerging PFAS covering 14 compounds classes.

Smarter Endotoxin Testing: Reducing Reagent Use Without Compromising Accuracy

In the realm of pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing, ensuring product safety is paramount. Bacterial Endotoxin Testing (BET) plays a crucial role in this process, traditionally relying on significant volumes of Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) derived from horseshoe crabs. However, advancements in technology are paving the way for more efficient and sustainable testing methods.

Navigating the complexities of traditional BET

Traditional BET methods, such as the gel clot and 96-well plate assays, have been the standard for decades. While effective, these techniques often involve substantial volumes of LAL, raising concerns about sustainability and cost. Moreover, the manual nature of these assays can lead to increased labour, potential for human error, and challenges in maintaining compliance with stringent regulatory standards.

 

The need for meticulous documentation and validation further complicates the process, making it both time-consuming and resource-intensive.

 

📚 Download the 1:1 Sample to Lysate Ratio application note and discover why it is crucial to show equivalency across platforms in bacterial endotoxins testing.

Embracing innovation

The Sievers Eclipse Bacterial Endotoxins Testing (BET) Platform emerges as a transformative solution addressing the limitations of traditional BET methods. Leveraging precise microfluidic liquid handling, the Eclipse platform automates kinetic chromogenic assays, significantly reducing manual intervention.

 

This innovation not only decreases assay setup time by up to 85% but also reduces LAL reagent consumption by up to 90%, promoting sustainability.

 

Furthermore, the platform fully complies with harmonised pharmacopeial requirements, including USP <85>, EP 2.6.14, and JP 4.01, ensuring data integrity and regulatory adherence. By simplifying workflows and enhancing precision, the Eclipse platform represents a significant advancement in endotoxin testing.

 

🖥️ Watch the Simple Steps to Get Started with the Sievers Eclipse BET Platform webinar and learn how to easily set up the Sievers Eclipse Bacterial Endotoxins Testing (BET) Platform, prepare your microplate, and start running assays.

Enhancing efficiency with Chemetrix’s support

Chemetrix, as a trusted partner in laboratory solutions, offers comprehensive support for integrating the Sievers Eclipse BET Platform into your operations. Our services include installation and validation assistance, user training, and ongoing technical support to maximise the platform’s capabilities. With Chemetrix’s expertise, laboratories can confidently transition to more efficient and sustainable BET practices.

Achieving sustainability goals

The Sievers Eclipse BET Platform not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to environmental sustainability. By significantly reducing LAL usage, laboratories can lower their environmental impact and operational costs. Adopting the Eclipse platform reflects a commitment to ethical and environmentally conscious operations, aligning laboratory practices with broader sustainability objectives.

 

🖥️ Watch the 3 Ways to Simplify Endotoxin Testing webinar and explore how the Sievers Eclipse BET Platform can bring efficiency, ease, and simplicity to your lab without sacrificing compliance and quality control.

Realising the benefits of modern BET practices

Laboratories that have adopted the Sievers Eclipse BET Platform report notable improvements, including increased throughput, enhanced data integrity, and regulatory confidence. These benefits underscore the value of modernising BET practices to meet current and future demands.

 

📚 Download the How Different Endotoxin Testing Platforms Work infographic for a visual summary of kinetic chromogenic testing systems.

Partner with Chemetrix for advanced BET solutions

Elevate your laboratory’s endotoxin testing capabilities by embracing the Sievers Eclipse BET Platform. Chemetrix is ready to support your transition with expert guidance, comprehensive services, and ongoing support.

 

Contact Chemetrix today to learn how we can assist in enhancing your laboratory’s efficiency, sustainability, and compliance through innovative BET solutions.

Spectroscopy Spotlight: What It Is and Why It Matters in SA Labs

Imagine being able to identify the composition of a substance without altering or destroying it.

This is the remarkable capability of spectroscopy – a technique that allows scientists to “see” the invisible by analysing how light interacts with matter. In South African laboratories, spectroscopy plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of our water, the efficacy of our medications, and the quality of our food.

The challenge of accurate, non-destructive analysis

In laboratories across South Africa, identifying and quantifying complex substances is a key challenge. Traditional methods often require time-consuming preparation and can be destructive. FTIR spectroscopy offers a non-destructive solution, making it ideal for lithium-ion battery (LIB) research. The Agilent Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer helps scientists analyse critical battery components, such as electrodes, electrolytes, and polymers, with speed and precision. This allows for better optimisation of materials, leading to more efficient, durable, and cost-effective batteries; paving the way for safer and high-performance energy storage solutions.

There is a growing need for techniques that are both precise and non-invasive, allowing for rapid analysis without compromising the integrity of the sample.

📚 Download the Improving Battery Production Yield, Performance, and Stability Using FTIR application note for insights on why battery manufacturers are under immense pressure to boost productivity and enhance product quality, performance, and safety.

Understanding spectroscopy and its applications

Spectroscopy encompasses a range of techniques that measure the interaction between light and matter to identify and quantify various substances.

Key methods include:

  • UV-Vis Spectroscopy: Utilises ultraviolet and visible light to determine the concentration of analytes in solution, commonly used in pharmaceutical and environmental testing.
  • FTIR Spectroscopy: Employs infrared light to obtain an absorption spectrum, useful for identifying organic compounds and functional groups in a sample.
  • Raman Spectroscopy: Measures the scattering of light to provide information about molecular vibrations, aiding in the identification of chemical structures.

These techniques are valued for their ability to provide detailed information with minimal sample preparation and without destroying the sample, making them indispensable tools in modern laboratories.

Simplifying analysis

The Agilent Cary 630 FTIR Spectrometer offers a compact and robust solution for laboratories requiring rapid and accurate infrared analysis. Its user-friendly interface and quick sampling capabilities make it ideal for routine testing in various industries, including pharmaceuticals and food safety.

Key benefits include:

  • Ease of Use: Designed for simplicity, allowing users to perform analyses with minimal training.
  • Speed: Delivers quick results, enhancing laboratory efficiency.
  • Accuracy: Provides reliable data for quality control and assurance processes.

By integrating the Cary 630 FTIR into their workflows, South African laboratories can achieve faster turnaround times and maintain high standards of analytical accuracy.

🖥️ Can the TopScan 4300 FTIR test liquid?  What is the detection limit of the 4300 FTIR? Is ambient light an issue for Vaya Raman spectrometer? Watch the Common Handheld FTIR and Raman Questions Answered webinar to find out.

Advancements in UV-Vis

The Agilent Cary 3500 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer represents a significant advancement in ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Its innovative design and advanced features support a wide range of applications, from pharmaceutical development to environmental monitoring.

Highlights include:

  • Multicell Capability: Allows simultaneous measurements, increasing throughput.
  • Temperature Control: Enables precise thermal regulation for temperature-sensitive analyses.
  • Robust Software: Offers comprehensive data analysis and reporting tools.

Implementing the Cary 3500 UV-Vis in South African labs enhances analytical capabilities, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and supporting high-quality research outcomes.

🖥️ Watch the How a UV-Vis-NIR System can be Applied to Solar Panel Evaluation webinar and explore how to utilise the Agilent Intuvo 9000’s ferrule-free, click-and-run connections and the inlet splitter flow chip, dual-column analysis is simplified.

Building a future of reliable and efficient laboratories

The adoption of advanced spectroscopy instruments like the Agilent Cary 630 FTIR and Cary 3500 UV-Vis empowers South African laboratories to meet the increasing demands for accurate, efficient, and non-destructive analysis.

These technologies not only improve current testing capabilities but also position labs to tackle future analytical challenges with confidence.

By partnering with Chemetrix, laboratories gain access to cutting-edge instruments, expert support, and comprehensive training, ensuring they remain at the forefront of scientific innovation.

📚 Download the Advancing Research of Lithium-Ion Batteries Using the Agilent Cary 630 FTIR Spectrometer white paper and explore how researchers around the globe are looking at ways to increase the energy capacity of batteries, reduce charging times, and find cheaper and safer alternative materials for LIB components.

Partner with Chemetrix for spectroscopy solutions

Elevate your laboratory’s analytical performance by integrating state-of-the-art spectroscopy solutions. Chemetrix offers a range of Agilent instruments, including the Cary 630 FTIR and Cary 3500 UV-Vis, tailored to meet the specific needs of South African laboratories.

Contact Chemetrix today to learn more about how our spectroscopy solutions can enhance your laboratory’s capabilities and support your commitment to excellence in scientific analysis.

What’s Really in Your Food? How Local Retailers Are Prioritising Safety

Would you still eat your favourite snack if you didn’t know what was in it?

Food safety isn’t just a matter of regulations – it’s a matter of trust. South African consumers expect transparency from the brands they support, and leading retailers like Woolworths know this. As shoppers become increasingly mindful of health and sustainability, the demand for rigorous food testing has never been higher.

Behind the scenes, laboratories like Microchem – supported by Chemetrix – are working tirelessly to ensure that what’s on your plate meets the highest standards of safety and quality.

The challenge facing South Africa’s retailers

In an age of global food supply chains and growing health concerns, food testing is no longer a “nice-to-have” – it’s essential.

Local retailers face mounting pressure to uphold not only national safety standards but also consumer expectations around integrity, traceability and clean labels.

For quality-driven retailers like Woolworths, the challenge lies in ensuring that food is tested accurately and efficiently, with results that can be trusted. From imported fruit and vegetables to locally produced meat and dairy, every product must be analysed for contaminants, residues and adulterants before reaching the shelves.

🖥️ Watch the Recent Advances in the Routine Analysis of Dioxins in Food and Environmental Samples webinar and explore how to implement triple quadrupole GC/MS for the routine analysis of dioxins in environmental and food samples according to EPA and SANTE guidelines.

When ‘safe’ isn’t simple: The complex nature of food testing

Food safety testing involves identifying and quantifying chemical residues such as pesticides, mycotoxins, additives, allergens, and heavy metals. In particular, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and environmental pollutants such as dioxins or plasticisers are increasingly under scrutiny.

The complexity of modern food products and their varied matrices – from fatty snacks to fibrous grains – presents analytical challenges that demand robust, high-sensitivity instruments. Traditional methods may struggle with accuracy, throughput, or regulatory compliance, especially when laboratories are expected to produce results quickly and cost-effectively.

🖥️ Watch the Analysis of Pesticides in Complex Food Matrices webinar and discover how to increase your lab’s productivity with simultaneous target quantitation and suspect screening on a single platform.

Identify the unknowns

One of the most significant breakthroughs in food testing is non-targeted screening, which allows labs to detect unknown or unexpected contaminants without having to pre-select specific compounds.

The Agilent 7250 GC/Q-TOF, available through Chemetrix, is purpose-built for this. It pairs high-resolution gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry, enabling analysts to confidently identify trace compounds in complex food samples.

With this level of insight, labs like Microchem can test for a broader range of contaminants with exceptional clarity and speed. Whether it’s detecting pesticide residues in leafy greens or verifying additive levels in processed snacks, the 7250 GC/Q-TOF allows for greater coverage – and fewer blind spots.

📚 Download the Ensure a Healthier World from the Ground Up application compendium and discover why precise, reliable, and efficient analytical workflows are so important.

Stay fast, focused and compliant

For routine, high-throughput testing where speed and accuracy are vital, the Agilent 5977C GC/MSD remains the gold standard. This system excels at targeted analysis of known contaminants such as preservatives, residual solvents, and food packaging migration chemicals.

Its robust performance, low detection limits and smart functionality make it ideal for commercial labs needing reliable results under tight deadlines. In Microchem’s case, the 5977C allows for cost-efficient testing at scale – from raw materials to final packaging – without compromising quality or regulatory compliance.

At Chemetrix, we help our clients integrate instruments like the 5977C seamlessly into their workflows, providing technical support, training and ongoing guidance to keep things running smoothly.

📚 Download the Food Safety and Authenticity Testing flyer for tools that significantly improve on the traditional targeted analyses, which can miss new and emerging contaminants.

Retailers, labs and technology working together

Local food retailers benefit tremendously from having labs like Microchem – and partners like Chemetrix – at their side. With the right technology and know-how, they can proactively identify risks, validate supplier claims and guarantee product quality with confidence.

This builds not only safer food systems but stronger relationships with consumers. It’s why Woolworths continues to lead in the food retail sector – their commitment to testing, transparency and traceability has earned them long-standing trust from South African shoppers.

For laboratories, having a trusted technology partner like Chemetrix can be the difference between reactive testing and proactive problem-solving. We don’t just sell instruments – we deliver the confidence that comes from reliable, accurate, and efficient analysis.

Test smarter. Trust more. Partner better.

Food safety matters – and staying ahead of the curve requires the right tools, expert support and a commitment to excellence. Whether you’re a lab looking to expand your capabilities or a food retailer determined to protect your brand, Chemetrix is here to help.

Ready to see what’s really in your food – and prove it to your customers?

Explore our full range of solutions and connect with our team to learn how we can support your food testing goals with trusted Agilent technologies.