Atomic Absorption

ARL Bio Pharma is excited to announce we now offer in-house analytical testing employing atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). We offer services for AAS method development & validation for compounded pharmaceutical products, and compendial monograph testing per USP requirements. This in-house test method provides a faster turnaround time compared to outsourced tests.

Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) can be used to measure the concentration of over 70 elements in solution. The sample is atomized in a flame fuel (acetylene) and gases, or in a graphite furnace. Measurement sensitivities are typically in the low parts-per-million (ppm) range for flame atomization, and low parts-per-billion (ppb) range for graphite furnace atomization. A specific light source emits a discrete wavelength for each specific element, and free atoms of the sample absorb this radiation. The magnitude of this absorption is proportional to the concentration of free atoms in the sample for the specific element.

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) requires AAS to be employed in compendial testing for a variety of pharmaceutical products, including but not limited to:

·     Magnesium Chloride: Aluminum & limit of Calcium

·     Sodium Acetate: Aluminum

·     Sodium Hydroxide: Potassium & Content of Sodium

·     Alprostadil: Limit of Chromium & Rhodium

·     Inositol: Limit of Lead

·     Levocarnitine: Limit of Sodium & Potassium

·     Bismuth Subsalicylate: Limit of Copper, Lead, Silver & Soluble Bismuth

In industries outside of pharmaceuticals, AAS is used for quality control measures such as the determination of trace residues (sodium, iron, calcium, etc.) in production materials. Forensic chemists may employ AAS for clinical applications involving heavy metal toxicity (arsenic, lead, thallium, etc.) within blood or body tissues.

For more information, please contact ARL at info@arlok.com or 800-393-1595.