What is Atomic Absorption Spectrometry AAS and how does FP-LIMS support laboratory software?

Atomic absorption spectrometry is an analytical method from the field of atomic spectrometry. In short, this method is simply referred to as AAS. The method is known as atomic absorption spectroscopy. The principle of AAS is based on the line spectrum of chemical elements. Each element has a characteristic and unique spectrum. By comparing and evaluating the difference spectrum, it is possible to draw conclusions about the elements found in a sample. This method was discovered in Australia by the physicist Alan Walsh. In the 1950s he researched this form of atomic spectrometry. The first spectrometers to use this technique were developed in the 1960s.

In which areas is atomic absorption spectrometry used?

This form of absorption spectrometry is very powerful. For this reason, the range of applications is also broad. Both commercial and medical applications are possible. For example, special disposal companies use this technology to analyze exactly which materials are present in hazardous waste. In production, the purity of materials is determined with the aid of precise elementary analyses or very precise quality and purity controls are carried out. In medicine, on the other hand, atomic absorption spectroscopy makes it possible to precisely analyze samples of different types. This applies, for example, to blood or tissue samples from patients.

In addition, this method is often used in geology. The composition of soil and rock samples, for example, can be analyzed very precisely. Archaeometry, on the other hand, involves the investigation of tools and coins as well as ceramic or glass vessels. Here, atomic spectrometry helps to identify the composition of alloys. This helps in the temporal and spatial classification of found objects.

There are even applications in criminalistics. In forensic reconnaissance, for example, hair analyses are carried out in this way. These can be used to detect foreign elements or toxins. Further applications can be found in environmental technology and occupational safety. In these areas, atomic spectrometry is used to examine water samples or to search for toxins.

What types of atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) are there?

Due to the many and sometimes very different fields of application, there are numerous variants of atomic absorption spectrometers. These also differ in the type of analysis techniques used. There are basically four different forms. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry, F-AAS for short, AAS with electrothermal heating, AAS with cold vapor technology and HR-CS-AAS, where continuum radiators and high-resolution Echelle double monochromators are used. Each method is specially designed for individual tasks. Flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, for example, is used for the determination of alkali and alkaline earth elements. A well-known manufacturer of these atomic absorption spectrometers is Analytik Jena. Other companies that manufacture such instruments are Shimadzu or PerkinElmer. The product range of these companies includes large and small universal and materials testing machines as well as atomic absorption spectrometers for very special tasks.

A central software for the administration of analyses: [FP]-LIMS.

The complex data provided by atomic absorption spectrometers need to be properly managed. Comprehensive and easy-to-use software is the basis for making the best use of the information. One software that offers you these features is [FP]-LIMS.

The [FP]-LIMS software is designed for centralized test handling and manages all data collected by atomic absorption spectrometers. Tables and instrument interfaces are available for this purpose. These functions allow you to import measurement data quickly and easily to [FP]-LIMS. All measured values are clearly displayed in the program. Furthermore, [FP]-LIMS supports you in the analysis and evaluation of measurement data. Filters and data selection allows you to display the results clearly. The [FP]-LIMS software also allows a targeted analysis and thus helps you to obtain concrete results.

Another central function of the [FP]-LIMS software is the test order management. With the help of this area of the software, a targeted administration of individual tests is possible. Thanks to the clear arrangement of the [FP]-LIMS software, you always have an overview even with a large number of orders. In the laboratory overview, you have the respective status of all orders at a glance. In this way, you can immediately see the current status of a particular process.

The software also has an integrated user administration. This makes it possible to create user accounts with individual rights. In this way, you can assign specific orders or sub-areas to the correct persons. In addition, the [FP]-LIMS software offers many other helpful functions that support you in everyday life. For example, you can use the Report Designer to create routing slips. Or you can assign costs directly to certain orders. You can also create custom reports, report templates or labels in the program. Thus it is possible to manage orders completely with the [FP]-LIMS software.

The software is compatible with…

Atomic absorption spectrometers from all manufacturers, for example with Analytik Jena. It is suitable for both centralized and decentralized laboratories. In addition, the [FP]-LIMS software integrates easily into existing IT infrastructures. Functions for importing and exporting data allow older data to be used in [FP]-LIMS or current measured values to be used elsewhere. FP]-LIMS is still able to perform these tasks automatically. The [FP]-LIMS software also supports the assignment of external documents. This allows you to attach additional or important information to a specific job. The person(s) working on the analysis will then have direct access to this data. All these features make the [FP]-LIMS software a comprehensive and multifunctional helper. Laboratories working with atomic absorption spectrometers benefit from the many functions. The [FP]-LIMS software makes your daily work easier, saves time and helps to optimize processes and reduce costs.