1. LEGEND
Yes
Yeswith caution
No
Comparison of SPE technologies to Instrument Top Sample Prep (ITSP)
SPE Technologies
Technology Parallel tube and Pipette based SPE Pipette based SPE HPLC Pump flow SPE
Capabilities ITSP syringe flow SPE Plate-based SPE (packed sorbent) (loose sorbent, dispersive) (2D HPLC)
YES - but separate workflow flow YES - but separate workflow flow YES - but separate workflow flow YES - requires additional pumps,
Total automation YES from LC/MS and GC/MS from LC/MS and GC/MS from LC/MS and GC/MS valves, and fixed columns
(extra robots = extra $$$) (extra robots = extra $$$) (extra robots = extra $$$) (extra LC Hardware= extra $$$)
On-line operation YES NO NO NO YES
w/ LC/MS/MS
On-line operation YES NO NO NO NO
w/ GC/MS/MS
Accurate Flow Control YES NO NO NO YES
Single use sorbent YES YES YES YES NO
All sorbents available YES YES NO NO NO
Pre-concentrate YES NO NO NO YES
w/o dry down
Fast YES NO YES NO YES
Method development YES NO NO NO NO
automation
Off-line operation to feed YES YES YES YES NO
multiple instruments
Full chain of custody YES - bar code reading possible YES - with manual labeling and NO NO NO
at every step recording of each step
Works with any MS YES - SW pre-embedded NO - separate work flow NO - separate work flow NO - separate work flow YES - each MS manufacturer has
software in all major MS brands some unique form of 2D HPLC
Ease of use & YES - the PAL is a HPLC/GC Conceptually simple, but Easy to do once one has Easy to do once one has NO
maintenance autosampler & requires same laborious and flow control is bought, set up, and learned bought, set up, and learned
skills & maintenance challenging. Robots similar to how to use separate robotic how to use separate robotic
pipette based SPE. pipette systems ($$$) pipette systems ($$$)
Pros Automation, accuracy, & multiple Many methods in literature Easy to do once one has Easy to do once one has Single workflow automation
tests on single system set up bought, set up, and learned bought, set up, and learned
how to use separate robotic how to use separate robotic
pipette systems ($$$) pipette systems ($$$)
Cons NONE Laborious and lack of accurate Limited sorbent choices Not proven to improve sample Requires significant expertise
flow control and bed masses. condition and no control of and one never knows when/how
Flow control not proven. flow over sorbent SPE column will fail
(limits applications)