From downtime to confidence: Why OEM support can make a difference by Gary Chambers | 0 CommentsIn today’s environment in which labs are under pressure to reduce operating costs, many will compare the cost of a service contract between third-party providers and the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). At first glance, going with a service contract from a third-party provider may seem like a smart financial move, but experience shows they can introduce risks that affect reliability and compliance.
Q&A blog: Streamlining forensic toxicology workflows for smarter drug screening and confirmation by Pierre Negri | 0 CommentsWe recently hosted a webinar focused on streamlining forensic toxicology workflows, featuring expert speakers Maria Sarkisian from the San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (SFOCME) and Dr. Dick Paul Kloos from the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI). The webinar explored innovative LC-MS/MS strategies that help forensic labs improve efficiency. In this blog, we share highlights from the Q&A session, where our speakers addressed the audience’s questions and shared actionable insights for forensic laboratory professionals.
Pumpkin spice season: A deep dive into spice authenticity by Gitte Barknowitz | 0 CommentsThanks to Starbucks, who launched the pumpkin spice latte in 2003 (yes, over 20 years ago), the spice mixture became a global phenomenon, loved and disliked at the same time.
Celebrating customer experience: Insights from SCIEX leaders by Andrea Mueller | 0 CommentsCustomer Experience Day (CX Day) is a special occasion for SCIEX, celebrated every first Tuesday in October. It’s a day dedicated to recognizing the incredible value of our customers and the relentless dedication of our associates who strive to make every interaction meaningful. At SCIEX, our commitment to customer experience is woven into the fabric of everything we do. From providing cutting-edge solutions to offering unwavering support, we aim to build lasting relationships and exceed expectations. Join us as we delve into the insights from our leaders on what customer experience means to SCIEX and how it shapes our journey.
EAD vs. ETD: Choosing the right fragmentation technique for small molecule Met ID studies by Kirsten Craven | Blogs, PharmaIn drug discovery and development, Metabolite Identification (Met ID) plays a critical role in understanding biotransformation pathways, ensuring safety, and meeting regulatory requirements. Advanced mass spectrometry techniques have revolutionized this process, particularly through electron-based fragmentation methods such as Electron Activated Dissociation (EAD) and Electron Transfer Dissociation (ETD). While both techniques leverage electron interactions to generate informative fragment ions, they differ significantly in mechanism, performance, and suitability for Met ID workflows.
Predictable uptime starts with a predictable service strategy by Andrea Mueller | Biopharma, Blogs, Clinical, Environmental / Industrial, Food / Beverage, Forensic, Life Science Research, Pharma, Service, Support, TechnologyIn analytical laboratories, performance is not optional. Whether supporting regulated pharmaceutical workflows, high-throughput CRO operations, clinical reporting, or food and environmental testing, your mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis systems are critical to productivity, compliance, and scientific confidence.
PFAS in textiles: What laboratories are starting to uncover by Craig Butt | Blogs, Environmental / IndustrialWaterproof jackets. Stain-resistant shoes. Easy-clean fabrics are marketed as “performance.” Behind those everyday claims sits a class of chemicals now reshaping regulation, brand accountability, and laboratory science: PFAS.
PFAS FAQ’s: Ask our experts by Gitte Barknowitz | Blogs, Environmental / Industrial, Food / Beverage, QTRAP / Triple QuadPFAS analysis is complex, but expert guidance doesn’t have to be. In this episode of our ‘Ask the PFAS expert series’, we’re joined by Michael Scherer, Application Lead for Food and Environmental, to answer the most pressing questions in PFAS analysis. From why LC-MS/MS systems are the gold standard for analyzing diverse PFAS compounds, to which EU methods deliver reliable results for drinking water, and to practical steps to prevent contamination, Michael shares actionable insights to help laboratories achieve accuracy, consistency, and confidence in their workflows.
From downtime to confidence: Why OEM support can make a difference by Gary Chambers | Biopharma, Blogs, Clinical, Environmental / Industrial, Food / Beverage, Forensic, Life Science Research, Pharma, Service, Support, TechnologyIn today’s environment in which labs are under pressure to reduce operating costs, many will compare the cost of a service contract between third-party providers and the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). At first glance, going with a service contract from a third-party provider may seem like a smart financial move, but experience shows they can introduce risks that affect reliability and compliance.
Q&A blog: Streamlining forensic toxicology workflows for smarter drug screening and confirmation by Pierre Negri | Blogs, ForensicWe recently hosted a webinar focused on streamlining forensic toxicology workflows, featuring expert speakers Maria Sarkisian from the San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (SFOCME) and Dr. Dick Paul Kloos from the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI). The webinar explored innovative LC-MS/MS strategies that help forensic labs improve efficiency. In this blog, we share highlights from the Q&A session, where our speakers addressed the audience’s questions and shared actionable insights for forensic laboratory professionals.
Pumpkin spice season: A deep dive into spice authenticity by Gitte Barknowitz | Blogs, Food / BeverageThanks to Starbucks, who launched the pumpkin spice latte in 2003 (yes, over 20 years ago), the spice mixture became a global phenomenon, loved and disliked at the same time.
Celebrating customer experience: Insights from SCIEX leaders by Andrea Mueller | Biopharma, Blogs, Clinical, Environmental / Industrial, Food / Beverage, Forensic, Life Science Research, Pharma, TechnologyCustomer Experience Day (CX Day) is a special occasion for SCIEX, celebrated every first Tuesday in October. It’s a day dedicated to recognizing the incredible value of our customers and the relentless dedication of our associates who strive to make every interaction meaningful. At SCIEX, our commitment to customer experience is woven into the fabric of everything we do. From providing cutting-edge solutions to offering unwavering support, we aim to build lasting relationships and exceed expectations. Join us as we delve into the insights from our leaders on what customer experience means to SCIEX and how it shapes our journey.
How is EAD transforming from a niche technique into a cornerstone of daily metabolomics and lipidomics research? by Rebekah Sayers | Blogs, Life Science ResearchWith the launch of the ZenoTOF 8600 system, EAD has taken a significant leap forward in becoming a routine tool for metabolomics and lipidomics workflows. Building on the foundation laid by the ZenoTOF 7600 system, the 8600 system introduces enhanced sensitivity, function speed improvements, and multimodal capabilities that make EAD more practical and scalable for daily use. This blog explores how these advancements are transforming EAD from a specialized technique into a robust and accessible solution for high-throughput structural analysis, enabling researchers to unlock deeper insights with greater efficiency.
Q/A: Quantitative and qualitative solutions for large-panel pesticides assays using SCIEX Triple Quad and QTRAP systems by Holly Lee | Blogs, Food / Beverage, QTRAP / Triple QuadIn a recent webinar, which is now available on-demand, Holly Lee powerful strategies to tackle complex residue testing. From boosting throughput to fine-tuning method sensitivity, Holly shared key ways to maximize performance across large pesticide panels.
Application of CGE in cell and gene therapy by Kerstin Pohl | Biopharma, BioPhase 8800 system, BlogsIn a recent webinar, available on demand, scientists Luiza Chrojan and Ryan Hylands from Pharmaron, provided insights into the deployment of capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) within cell and gene therapy. Luiza and Ryan shared purity data on plasmids used for adeno-associated virus (AAV) manufacturing and data on AAV genome integrity, viral protein (VP) purity and VP ratios using the BioPhase 8800 system.
From exposure to discovery: How SWATH DIA can enhance our understanding of the exposome and its impact on health by Rebekah Sayers | Blogs, Life Science Research, ZenoTOF 7600 systemLast year, Technology Networks hosted two webinars that featured groundbreaking research utilizing SWATH DIA (data-independent acquisition) for exposomics and metabolomics. Researchers Dr. Vinicius Verri Hernandes from the University of Vienna and Dr. Cristina Balcells from Imperial College London (ICL) demonstrated how a DIA approach can be successfully implemented in small molecule analysis using the ZenoTOF 7600 system. Their innovative approaches highlight the potential of SWATH DIA to enhance the detection and analysis of chemical exposures and metabolites, paving the way for new insights into environmental health and disease mechanisms.
PFAS testing: 2024 in review and what to expect for 2025 by SCIEX Community | Blogs, Environmental / IndustrialFor as long as PFAS persist in the environment, there is no doubt they will persist in our conversations as environmental scientists. Globally, PFAS contamination has been detected in water supplies, soil and even in the blood of people and wildlife. Different countries are at various stages of addressing PFAS contamination and many governments have set regulatory limits and are working on assessing the extent of contamination, cleaning up affected sites and researching safer alternatives.
Inside the box: Acoustic ejection mass spectrometry for drug discovery by Kirsten Craven | Blogs, Discovery, Echo® MS+ system, Pharma, QA/QCOn average, it takes 10-15 years and 1-2 billion dollars to approve a new pharmaceutical for clinical use. Since approximately 90% of new drug candidates fail in clinical development, the ability to make early, informed and accurate decisions on the safety and efficacy of new hits and leads is key to increasing the chances of success.
Unveiling the power of ZT Scan DIA: Insights from Ludwig Sinn’s presentation at World HUPO Congress 2024 by Rebekah Sayers | Blogs, Life Science Research, Proteomics, ZenoTOF 7600 systemIn a recent presentation at the World HUPO Congress 2024, Ludwig Sinn from the Ralser lab shared exciting advancements in proteomics research, focusing on the innovative ZT Scan DIA acquisition modes developed in collaboration with SCIEX. Let us explore the key highlights and benefits of this innovative technology.
Exploring the power of ZT Scan DIA by Rebekah Sayers | Blogs, Life Science Research, Proteomics, ZenoTOF 7600+ systemIn a recent presentation, Tim Heymann from Mann Lab at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry shared his first impressions of ZT Scan DIA, the novel data-independent acquisition strategy from SCIEX, highlighting its innovative approach and significant benefits for proteomics research. Let’s dive into the key points from his insightful talk.
Inside the box: Complementary fragmentation with LC-MS for Metabolite Identification by Kirsten Craven | Blogs, Pharma, ZenoTOF 7600 systemLiquid chromatography-mass spectrometry is commonly used for Met ID but confident soft spot identification is not always possible. Imagine the advantage of unambiguous metabolite identification using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) reducing the need for additional safety testing during drug discovery. Quickly and easily generate the information you need using routine assays that are robust and efficient, enabling confident decision-making while also saving time and money.
Tips and tricks from our application experts: AAV analysis with CE by Peter Holper | Biopharma, BioPhase 8800 system, Blogs, PA 800 systemPeter Holper, Staff Applications Scientist at SCIEX, US, shares his tips and tricks on AAV analysis using CE with the BioPhase 8800 system and the PA 800 Plus system.
Pharma perspectives: The influence of LC-MS innovation on drug development outsourcing by Kean Woodmansey | Blogs, Pharma, ZenoTOF 7600 systemIt is no secret that (bio)pharmaceutical research and development is complex, both scientific and regulatory processes. Working for a contract research organization and more recently for SCIEX has provided an interesting perspective on trends the market experiences that affect many of us.
6 Signs it’s time for a new vendor by Michael Wonski | Blogs, Instrument maintenance, Optimizing Performance, TechnologyA lab’s success depends on many factors from instrument quality to efficient operations, including being partnered with the right vendor. A vendor is more than just a supplier. They should provide you with a high-level quality of support in maximizing the lifespan and performance of your systems, reducing downtime, enhancing ROI and more. How do you know if you’re partnered with the right one? Here are six signs it might be time to find someone new.
Nitrosamines: Where are we now? by SCIEX Community | Blogs, Pharma, QTRAP / Triple QuadNitrosamines are a large group of N-nitroso compounds that share a common functional N-N=O group. They are produced by a chemical reaction between a nitrosating agent and a secondary or tertiary amine. Back in 2018, nitrosamines suddenly found themselves in the spotlight when they were unexpectedly detected in medications for high blood pressure. Since then, they have been found in several other prescription medications, including those for heartburn, acid reflux and diabetes, resulting in manufacturers recalling some common medications.
PFAS analysis in food: a robustness study in sensitivity and stability by Holly Lee | Blogs, Environmental / Industrial, Food / Beverage, QTRAP / Triple QuadThe combination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) testing, trace-level regulatory requirements and complex MS applications can be intimidating. In a recent webinar, now available on demand, SCIEX PFAS expert Craig Butt demonstrated how the new SCIEX 7500+ system can help make PFAS testing easier.
FDA’s final rule on LDTs: what does it mean for clinical laboratories? by Pierre Negri | Blogs, ClinicalOn April 29, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a final rule regulating laboratory developed tests (LDTs) as in vitro diagnostic devices (IVDs) under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). This rule amends FDA’s regulations to state that in vitro diagnostic tests “manufactured” by clinical laboratories fall within the scope of the FDA regulatory oversight and is poised to dramatically shift the way clinical diagnostic laboratories in the United States develop and offer LDTs in the future. Read this blog post for a basic overview of the scope, intent and implications of this final rule, including the regulatory requirements, exceptions and timeline for implementation.
Guide decisions during cell line development with more information at the intact level by Roxana McCloskey | Biopharma, Blogs, Intabio ZT system, ZenoTOF 7600 systemMonitoring product quality attributes (PQAs) throughout monoclonal antibody (mAb) development is vital to ensuring drug safety and efficacy. By adopting orthogonal analytical techniques and integrating new technologies that have the potential to provide more information, it is possible to improve product quality and manufacturing efficiency and make more informed decisions.
Unlock the benefits of nominal mass spectrometry for NPS analysis by Pierre Negri | Blogs, Clinical, Forensic, QTRAP / Triple Quad, ToxicologyThe development of analytical methods for the detection and quantitation of drugs and metabolites in a range of biological matrices is a challenging process. Forensic toxicology labs need a reproducible and reliable methodology to ensure the robustness of the data and the quality of the results. They also need robust and sensitive instrumentation that can detect drugs at trace levels with high specificity, especially when it comes to novel psychoactive substances (NPS), which can be difficult to monitor and control.
High mass tuning calibration for ZenoTOF 7600 by Gregg Czerwieniec | Bio Tool Kit, Development, Questions, ZenoTOF 7600 systemHi,
Metabolite identification and peace of mind by Kirsten Craven | Blogs, LC, Pharma, QTRAP / Triple Quad, ZenoTOF 7600 systemManaging metabolite identification (Met ID) studies is challenging, so what is at the top of your priority list as you plan the year ahead? Ensuring you have the data needed to manage product safety, meeting deadlines, staff recruitment and training, maintaining compliance, capital expenses, or something else?
Automation integration for the Echo® MS system by Christie Hunter | Echo® MS+ system, Sample Preparation, SCIEX information, TechnologyThe Echo® MS system is specifically designed to be compatible with a variety of automation options to allow labs the flexibility to personalize their setup to meet their specific needs. To help you make the best decisions for your own lab, here are the answers to some...
The hidden ingredient in anti-fog sprays: PFAS by Craig Butt | Agriculture, Blogs, Environmental / Industrial, IndustrialA recent study led by researchers from Duke University, conducted with colleagues from Wayne State University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, found that four of the top-rated anti-fog sprays contained up to 20.7 milligrams of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) per milliliter of solution. This study has received a lot of exposure in popular media, and it should not be overlooked. The researchers used several creative approaches to obtain a comprehensive characterization of the anti-fog sprays, including using total organic fluorine measurements, GC-MS methods and both nominal mass and accurate mass instruments. A unique finding of the study was the detection of fluorotelomer ethoxylates (FTEOs), which are relatively unknown PFAS compounds.
Back to the new basics: Part 1 | Making the leap from GC-MS to LC-MS by Alex Liu | Biopharma, Blogs, Clinical, Environmental / Industrial, Food / Beverage, Forensic, Life Science Research, PharmaProducing accurate results quickly in a demanding environment is no easy feat for analytical scientists. What’s more, many of us are constantly questioning ourselves—I certainly am—about whether we are employing the best technique for the analysis at hand. It’s an overwhelming thought, considering the wide range of tools that are available to choose from, each of which offers varying levels of capacity, sensitivity, selectivity, specificity and cost. How do you meet the unique needs of your organization without breaking the bank? I get it, and I’m not here to convince you it’s easy. My aim is to guide you through the process to help you make the right decision for you.