2. INSTRUMENT TOP SAMPLE PREP
To prepare samples using SPE or filtration methods with
autosamplers for chromatography in analytical laboratories.
3. ITSP (Instrument Top Sample Prep) is patented under the United
States Patent and Trademark Office under the following patents:
• US Patents 6,859,615 and 7,001,774;
• Canadian Patent 2,316,648; and
• European Patent 1 174 701.
There are other patents pending in all of the above mentioned
offices.
MicroLiter ITSP
Patents
4. ITSP (InstrumentTop Sample Prep) is a
consumable device for solid phase extraction,
or for filtration, designed to enable a CTC PAL
autosampler to automatically prepare samples
on a standard analytical instrument
workstation.
What is ITSP?
5. When, as part of your sample analysis, you commonly:
1) Selectively extract a compound of interest from a sample matrix
using Solid Phase Extraction, or
2) Concentrate a sample using Solid Phase Extraction, or
3) Remove particulates from a sample using Filtration, or
4) Remove inorganic salts from a sample by passing through a
nonpolar sorbent.
When should a lab consider using ITSP?
6. 1. To reduce capital equipment costs
2. To reduce cost of consumables
3. To reduce cost of solvents
4. To reduce cost of solvent disposal
5. To increase quality of results
6. To reduce labor costs
7. To increase lab throughput
8. To reduce risk of cross-over
9. To reduce errors
10. To improve chain-of-custody verification
11. To extend column life
Why should a lab consider using ITSP?
8. • Twin Tower
• One for ITSP SPE and one for LC-Inject
• Dual Rail
• One for ITSP SPE and one for LC-Inject
• Multiple FWS
• Self-cleaning solvent reservoirs
• Requires additional PAL outputs to control the valves separately to be optimal
• Multiple ITSP stations
• Requires HTS or HTX
• High throughput
• New ITSP cartridge magazine and integrated single ITSP prep station
• Requires less X-axis space, especially with multiple FWS
• Very high throughput
• More robust - less rigid tray position constraints
ITSP PAL Alternate Configurations
9. ITSP Device Components
8mm Crimp Seal
SPE Sorbent
or Filter Media
Autosampler Needle Guide
(modified for ITSP)
Autosampler Syringe Needle
Needle Guide
Small inner diameter of ITSP needle guide
- reduces volume to improve efficiency
- maintains vertical position of device
during movement.
Septum
Septum grips needle
to allow instrument to
transport ITSP device.
10. How ITSP Performs SPE
The analytical syringe replaces the column sample reservoir
above the sorbent bed as found in other SPE cartridge formats
The needle penetrates the septum and creates a seal so that
the sample is forced through the sorbent bed by positive
pressure when the plunger is depressed
Solvents and sample are forced through the SPE sorbent bed
by the analytical syringe
The sample is eluted into a collection plate and then injected
into the LC injection valve
11. How ITSP Performs Filtration
The analytical syringe acts as the sample collector. The sample
can be injected directly onto the valve immediately after
filtration.
The needle penetrates the septum and creates a seal so that
the sample is filtered through the media into the syringe by
vacuum pressure when the plunger is retracted.
Sample is forced through the filter media by the analytical
syringe
The ITSP cartridge tip can be dipped directly into the sample
solution.
13. ITSP Lower Needle Guide
07-ITSP-LNGM 07-ITSP-LNG
The nipple surrounding
the needle hole is
designed to mate with the
crown of the seal on the
ITSP cartridge to ensure
the needle enters the
cartridge in the center.
15. • The ITSP hardware installation kit also includes software:
• ITSP objects to match the hardware
• Cycle Composer macro and method programming examples to automate method development
Special considerations to address for ITSP include:
• Are the supporting accessories accounted for?
• Solvent reservoirs
• Trayholders (MT Holder with waste plumbed through training position hole)
• Wash stations
• LC-Injection valve
• Will the method include magnetic vial transfer or not?
• Specific considerations unique to ITSP are detailed in the installation guide
• Coordinate with MicroLiter to ensure ITSP cartridge inventory will be ready for the customer
ITSP Installation
16. ITSP can be used in LC and GC applications on any PAL
or PAL-xt except the stripped-down LC & GC models.
ITSP methods are programmed in CTC Cycle Composer.
ITSP methods run under any analytical software.
ITSP Platforms
17. Single elution SPE
General sample filtration
Sample concentration
Multiple sorbent extractions
Automated SPE method development and optimization
Applications for which ITSP methods are being used, developed, or
investigated include:
• Pain management drugs in urine
• ForensicToxicology Drugs of abuse in urine, blood , & saliva
• Vitamin D in urine and in plasma
• Immunosuppressants in serum
• Steroids in plasma
• Steroids in urine
• QuEChERS (pesticides in food products)
• NDMA in beverages
ITSP Applications
19. MicroLiter has both production and R&D ITSP
installations in several laboratories in several countries
around the world.
ITSP has created instrument sales for high-end
analytical instrumentation.
ITSP Market Impact
20. • CTC Analytics (instrumentation and ITSP sales and support)
• Presearch (UK)
• Anatune (UK)
• LEAP (US)
• Gerstel (US)
• SRA Instruments (ITA)
• AMR (JAP)
• Shimadzu (AUS, BRA, &ARG)
• Interscience (BE)
• McKinley Scientific Instruments (US)
• QuantumAnalytics (US)
• VWR (US, Europe, and Asia Pacific) – sales and market exposure
• United Chemical Technologies (chemistry support and sorbent packing)
• R&D Application Development Lab Installations
• CTCAnalytics
• OpAns (method development, application support, customer method validation)
• Gerstel (US)
• UCT - FASt
• LEAP
• Shimadzu (AUS)
• Restek (planning stage) – shrink wrap solutions, including standards and solvents
• IonTechnology Support – custom installation
• MMS Diagnostics – method validation
Strategic Alliances and Channel Partners
Confidential and Proprietary
21. • LCGC advertising throughout the year
• Show posters and show floor demonstration systems (by
MicroLiter, Gerstel, LEAP, & Quantum Analytics) throughout
the year
• SLAS
• SOFT
• PittCon
• ASMS
• EAS
• MSACL
• Clinical Lab Expo
• Various other regional toxicology groups and chromatography groups
• Publications
• Robert Sears, SLED – ForensicToxicology Journal
• David Wells – LC/GC reference textbook (by Elsevier)
• Ed Pfannkoch – Gerstel Solutions
Market Exposure
Train the ITSP tray objects!
The ITSP elution tray is in the same location as the injection sample tray
Will the ITSP cartridges be returned or discarded after elution
Always include ITSP “wipe” when leaving ITSPprep
Where are ITSP cartridge air flushes needed in the method?
