Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. announced the availability of a new isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) solution for the authentication of food and beverages. This solution is designed to enhance laboratory productivity, reliably confirm the authenticity of food and beverage samples, and detect counterfeit products. The new configuration allows fast and fully automated switching between multi-compound and multi-element analysis. It includes the Thermo Scientific DELTA V series IRMS and the ConFlo IV Universal Interface, combined with the TRACE GC Ultra and the new Flash HT Plus elemental analyzer, all in a single set-up. The combination delivers a simplified workflow requiring minimal sample preparation and handling and offers a higher level of laboratory automation. The new IRMS solution will be showcased at Analytica 2010.

The Delta V mass spectrometer can be connected to either the TRACE GC Ultra or the Flash HT Plus using the Thermo Fisher Scientific ConFlo IV enabling time saving switching between the two instruments for multi-compound isotope analysis or multi-element isotope analysis. Multi-element analysis can be achieved by connecting the DELTA V with the new Thermo Scientific Flash HT Plus. This combination allows characterization of bulk samples with minimal sample preparation and handling. Combining the automated dilution and referencing system of the ConFlo IV Universal Interface with the DELTA V IRMS provides multi-elemental isotope analysis of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, and sulphur with a total sample size of close to 1:5000. The new Flash HT Plus features a fully automated, two single-furnace system, delivering dynamic flash combustion and high temperature conversion capabilities in a single analyzer to suit virtually all analytical requirements.

Multi-compound isotope analysis is done through the DELTA V interfaced with the TRACE GC Ultra, disclosing the ratios of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen and generating unique isotope fingerprints related to the history and origin of complex samples. This ensures accurate quality control of food, flavors, and beverages and real-time identification of adulterated products.

The new workflow solution is designed for ease of use, allowing commercial and government food testing institutions to take advantage of advanced analytical capabilities. The system can acquire complementary information on the origin and authenticity of compounds using a single, straightforward instrument set-up.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., www.thermo.com/irmsflash