Category: Article

How to Select the Right Equipment for Cannabis Potency Testing

The cannabis and hemp markets are thriving around the world. South Africa is an emerging cannabis economy that is poised to become a major player in the global industry because of our favourable climate, the depth of our agriculture experience, and abundant viable land for farming. There is still a myriad of legislative and regulatory challenges to navigate and clarify, but great opportunities exist for businesses of all sizes to participate in the future growth of the cannabis sector.

The creates a need for cannabis testing and analysis, particularly potency testing. The high costs of setting up a cannabis and hemp testing laboratory and the wide array of choices can sometimes lead lab owners to make short-term, low-cost purchasing decisions. It is important to consider the long-term operations of the lab and define clear criteria for the choice of instrumentation.

 

Things to consider

Think in terms of ABLE methods: affordABLE, achievABLE, reliABLE, and repeatABLE when considering the instrument purchase. Other important decisions include the bench space in your lab and the footprint of the equipment, data processing, consumables, scientific consulting, education, and ongoing support. Finally, laboratories need to trust their instrumentation partner Chemetrix to support them with expertise and consultancy.

There is a bewildering range of testing equipment choices for the analysis of cannabinoids in cannabis and hemp products. How do you choose what’s right for you? Should you opt for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), or do your needs align better with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS)?

Setting up a cannabis testing laboratory involves several significant decisions, and instrument selection for total cannabinoid analysis (potency testing) is one of the most important ones. Potency specifically refers to the amount of psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the sample, but other cannabinoids such as CBD, CBN, and others must be measured and reported as well.

 

Criteria for selecting instrumentation

The testing technology and equipment you select are dependent upon your commercial model, business goals, and type of laboratory set-up you have.

  1. If you are a start-up cannabis and hemp testing laboratory, grower, extractor, or manufacturer with small batch-processing needs, you require entry-level testing equipment that yields repeatable and reliable results. HPLC is the most widely used technology for this use case, and the Agilent 1220 Infinity II LC is ideal for your purpose. Capable of processing about 100 samples per day, it is perfect for routine testing. The Agilent 1220 Infinity II HPLC is a self-contained system with a small footprint and reliably tests 11 of the major cannabinoids.

    Agilent 1220 Infinity II LC
  2. An alternative to the 1220 system is the Agilent 1260 Infinity II HPLC. The 1260 platform is modular, flexible, upgradable, and can grow with your cannabis and hemp lab’s needs. High-throughput laboratories, cannabinoid researchers, forensic and criminalistic labs, and cultivar R&D may need to identify hundreds of cannabinoids and many other endogenous chemicals in cannabis and hemp. For these situations LC/MS is the answer. 
    Agilent 1260 Infinity II LC
  3. The Agilent Cary 630 FT-IR spectrometer is a type of equipment that is used for relatively simple testing of the four major cannabinoids with processed samples.

If your lab is pivoting to include cannabis potency testing in its service offering, speak to your Chemetrix sales representative who can advise if any upgrades or instrument acquisitions are required to ensure the lab can meet regulatory guidelines. If you’re newly venturing into this sector, Chemetrix is able to advise a complete solution that can ensure your lab can deliver results with a good return on investment from your analytical instrumentation.

Agilent Cary 630 FTIR Spectrometer

 

Explore Cannabis Potency Testing

To delve further into cannabis potency testing, read this article by Agilent Technologies that further explores the recommended testing technology and why they are best suited to the methodology required.

 

Looking for more information on Cannabis Potency Testing? Explore our Solutions Page >

 

Chemetrix Investment in Deaf Community

The Deaf community is one of the most marginalised groups in South African society today. Over 80% of Deaf youth are unemployed and one organisation is working tirelessly to shrink this number, despite tough social and economic challenges.

 

About eDeaf

eDeaf is South Africa’s leading Skills Development training provider for Deaf youth. It is a BBBEE Level 2 company, with a Deaf CEO at the helm. The organisation strives to improve the social and economic lives of the Deaf community through a variety of empowerment and skills development programmes.

By adding value, not only to the individuals they train, eDeaf creates employable Deaf individuals who are able to contribute in a meaningful way to the economy. Their successful programs reduces the reliance on social grants and provides a boost to the economy.

 

 

An inspiring partnership

Chemetrix has partnered with eDeaf since 2017. Over the years, Chemetrix has sponsored 34 unemployed Deaf school leavers, as well as provided project funding. The team has been sincerely invested in the lives of the Deaf community and committed to making a difference, not only to individuals, but also as a contribution to the improvement of the country.

A big part of eDeaf’s mission is to sensitise the “hearing” community and help more of us see what life is like for Deaf persons. The organisation’s facilitators are Deaf which ensures learners are taught in their first language, South African Sign Language. This results in a greater success rate and better-prepared young adults who are entering the workforce.

Just like eDeaf, Chemetrix believes that we are stronger together. Great partnerships and supporting solutions that ensure everyone thrives are at the heart of future success for both organisations. It is our honour to be associated with an organisation doing remarkable work and we encourage our industry at large to support eDeaf’s work as well as greater inclusion of the Deaf community.

To learn more about eDeaf, visit their website: www.deafinition.co.za

 

Residual Solvent Analysis of Pharmaceutical Products

Organic solvents constitute a major fraction in the synthesis of pharmaceutical products. The manufacturing process for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) may contribute to residual solvents remaining in the final product. Producers need to monitor and control the levels of residual solvents for several reasons—including safety, effect on crystalline form, solubility, bio-availability, and stability.

Therefore, all products must be tested to assess whether the solvents used during the manufacturing processes are within the accepted limits. Quality assurance laboratories routinely use the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Method <467>.

 

Procedures for identification and quantification

The USP <467> monograph specifies the different classes of solvents per their toxicity, sets the concentration limits according to their health hazard, and describes the assay procedure for the solvents. A complete list of all the solvents that may be used in manufacturing processes is not mentioned under these classes. Therefore, the final products should be screened according to the solvents used during their specific manufacturing process.

The method is composed of three analytical procedures for identification and quantification.

  • Procedure A: Identification and limit testing. Uses a G43 phase (624-type column).
  • Procedure B: Confirms whether or not an identified solvent is above the regulated limits. Uses a G16 phase (WAX-type column).
  • Procedure C: Quantitative test using a G43 phase or G16 phase, depending on which produced fewer coelutions.

 

USP <467> analytical flowchart for residual solvent analysis.

 

Columns for excellent performance

Agilent J&W DB-Select 624 UI columns have shown excellent performance for residual solvent analysis according to USP <467> Procedure A. Repeatability was generally better than 2.5% RSD for Class 1, Class 2A, and Class 2B solvents. Once a residual solvent was identified above the permitted daily exposure (PDE) limit, Procedure B is performed to confirm analyte identity. The Agilent J&W DB-WAX UI GC column has been successfully used as a confirmation column, because it yields an alternate selectivity compared to that of a G43 column.

Agilent J&W DB-Select 624 UI columns

 

Recommended instruments

For this method, Chemetrix can recommend state-of-the-art analytical instruments. With best-in-class technology and powerful software, the Agilent 7697A headspace sampler is packed with the latest productivity-boosting features.  It’s unique sampling design allows you to use hydrogen as a carrier gas, delivering optimal chromatography and helping to future-proof your lab.

Agilent 7697A Headspace Sampler

 

Based on the Agilent Intuvo 9000 GC system, Agilent Residual Solvent Analyzers are factory pretested and preconfigured to deliver results, fast, while saving precious startup time. What’s more, their analytical precision exceeds USP method requirements for the three classes of residual solvents. It’s chemically tested to ensure optimal analysis of class 1 and class 2A/B solvents and labs can begin system calibration and validation immediately following installation.

Agilent Intuvo 9000 GC

 

A critical process

Residual Solvent Analysis is a must in any manufacturing environment where solvents form part of the production process. Because this process is so critical, using the correct instruments suited for the lab requirements can save time and boost accuracy.

 

Quality control at the heart of it all

At every stage of the quality control process, Chemetrix can assist labs with full end-to-end solutions for your residual solvent analysis. Our team of qualified professionals can share a comprehensive portfolio of solutions, including different instrument models, software and consumables, that work together to provide accurate and reproducible results.

 

Looking for more information on Residual Solvent Analyis? Watch our webinar >

 

Customer Care, Quick and Easy

Chemetrix is proud to bring you technology that makes your lab processes more efficient and accurate. Now, we’re doing the same for our customer care with Freshdesk – our new, user-friendly system for customer support.

Freshdesk is customer service software that is easy to use and navigate. All Chemetrix customers can register on Freshdesk for FREE! The software ensures you can easily communicate your questions or technical problems and monitor the help your receive from start to finish.

Step 1:
Create an account

Here’s how it works: Simply log in to Freshdesk or send an email to [email protected].

Step 2:
Logging a ticket

This will create a ticket on the system where you can include any pertinent information from order numbers, relevant documents and to photos as well as the details of your query.

Step 3:
Ticket updates

Your ticket is assigned to Chemetrix personnel with specialist knowledge of your business and the type of instrumentation used in your lab. You are able to see all the communication between yourself and the Chemetrix team, communication between Chemetrix staff as they work to resolve your query as well as to monitor the status of your ticket at all times.

Step 4:
Rate the service

Once your query has been resolved, Chemetrix will resolve the ticket and you’ll receive an email with a link to rate the service.

Benefits

 

    Freshdesk is easy to use and free of charge

    All communication is transparent

   You can monitor the status of your query in real time

   You have a dedicated Chemetrix staff member

Let’s get started

Register on Freshdesk now and discover how Chemetrix can make customer care an efficient, effective and enjoyable experience.

Submit a ticket

 

We are now ISO 9001 certified

Chemetrix is very proud to announce that we are now ISO 9001 certified, the ultimate global benchmark for quality management.

What is ISO 9001?

ISO 9001 sets out the steps necessary to adopt a quality management system. It is designed to help organisations ensure they meet the needs and expectations of both customers and other interested parties, based on internationally recognised quality management principles set out by the International Standards Organisation (ISO).

At the heart of the standard is a quality policy and set of systems and principles that tie together business objectives, customer needs and your marketing plan. When this approach to quality is embedded across the business every employee understands how their actions create a better customer experience and processes are put in place to continually review and improve that customer experience.

How will it impact our business?

By focusing on customer experience, ISO 9001 will better equip our business to meet our customer’s needs, improving the customer focus throughout the business. We aim to have a lasting impact in the following ways:

  • Streamlined internal processes, improved efficiency, cost containment and savings, whilst improving accountability and traceability
  • A recognised mark of quality opens us up for new business, both at home and abroad
  • Improved staff motivation through greater clarity and focus on business objectives, including time and resources spent
  • Improved customer service and referrals through customer focus

Perhaps the most important element of the standard however, is that it is not a one-off exercise. Through regular reviews we will keep quality at the forefront of our business, with continuous improvement processes driving the way we develop to better meet our customer’s needs.

You can view our certification by clicking the below link.

View our certificate

We look forward to working with you on this journey to provide continuous improvement in quality management and the services we offer you, our loyal customers.

AFSW2022: The Food Safety Event of the Year!

Africa Food Safety Workshop 2022 is happening at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg from 27 June until 1 July. The event brings together food safety stakeholders from across the continent to enhance networking and to facilitate the sharing of analytical knowledge and transfer of developed technologies that pertain to all areas of food safety control systems. 

 

The programme

The AFSW2022 programme boasts diverse discussion panels along with influential scientists and key role players delivering presentations that aim to boost systems and enhance trade across the sector. Q&A sessions give attendees the opportunity to engage with the speakers and get additional insights on the exciting range of topics. The event will also have a dedicated exhibition for various Food Safety instrumentation and equipment suppliers, like Chemetrix. 

You can view the full programme here

 

Why should you attend?

With the globalisation of the food chain, there is a greater demand for consistent quality, uncompromising safety and a commitment to protecting consumers while also adopting sustainable solutions. Chemetrix leads the industry with products and services to help you deliver what your customers demand. Our instruments, systems, and supplies are used throughout the food production chain, including incoming inspection, new product development, quality control and assurance, and packaging. We are excited to showcase our products at AFSW2022 along with our expertise, and we look forward to networking with the industry professionals in attendance. 

This event is important to members of various communities connected to food safety, including: 

  • Food testing laboratories (analysts and managers)
  • Quality infrastructure institutions including Accreditation, Standards, Scientific and Legal Metrology institutes
  • Regulators
  • Research/academia
  • Industry (food manufacturers/distributors)
  • International and non-governmental organizations
  • Professional associations

 

The event will be led by Keynote Speaker Dr. Godfrey Bahiigwa (African Union Commission – Director of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (DARBE), AU, Ethiopia).

 

For more event information, visit afsw2022.co.za to purchase your tickets and you can see the discussion and speaker programme here. 

 

Chemetrix Backs Yes 4 Youth

SA Youth is supported by the Presidency, YES, National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator as part of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention.

The initiative is explained best by the pledge that we are signatories to.

“Through my company’s participation in the YES initiative, I hereby register my organisation with the Youth Employment Service (RF) NPC (registration number 2017/267641/08). I agree with the CEO pledge, acknowledging the critical role that youth play in shaping our economy and our country. I acknowledge that my participation in the programme is giving youth their first chance at a work opportunity and I undertake, as far as possible, to ensure youth are nurtured and encouraged in their placement.

Together with my organisation I am committed to being a co-creator in a future that works for all South Africans, with an understanding that we are subscribing to the values and philosophy of YES. This is based on humanitarian development and socio-economic principles, in the building of a pathway to guide and empower young unemployed South Africans into economic participation. Given the scale and implications of South Africa’s youth unemployment situation, the country and YES must succeed together.”

Chemetrix believes that, through our participation in this program, we are doing our bit however small it may be, to be better corporate citizens. Through this program Chemetrix has an opportunity to not only provide job opportunities, but also provide much needed skills to equip our youth for the future.

 

We are very proud to announce that we have appointed no less than 11 youth for the 2022 calendar year:

Collen Tshakhosi
Warehouse Clerk Trainee

Thulani Hlatshwayo
Warehouse Clerk Trainee

Rachel Londanie
General Cleaner

Boipelo Motsamai
Transactional Sales Intern

Ongezwa Mangindana
Transactional Sales Intern

Nompumelelo Tamara Ndelu
Transactional Sales Intern

Tankiso Lawrence Ngake
Customer Technical Support Trainee

Thembelihle Nkosi
Sales Office Assistant

Andiswa Msomi
Transactional Sales Intern

Samukelisiwe Shabalala
Trainee Administrative Clerk

Ipeleng Rakgotla
Computer Support Assistant