Are there Special Considerations for Volatile Analytes?
Volatile Analytes, especially gases, can be troublesome to analyze. To provide the best possible standard we suggest the following procedures: 1. Keep the ampules cool (follow the storage conditions on the label). 2. Prior to use, invert the ampule several times to ensure the gases are in the solution, not in the headspace. Mixing too vigorously can cause the gases to be lost as well. 3. Use freshly opened ampules whenever possible. 4. When transferring, take care to avoid losses of the very volatile components. For example, holding the barrel of a syringe in your hand can warm it enough to lose some of the most volatile components. 5. If using the purge and trap (PT) system is giving questionable results, try a direct liquid injection. If the results are not as expected, there may be a problem with the PT apparatus.
