Examples include:

Chromatography

Gas chromatography with mass selective (GC/MS) detection can be used for the unambiguous identification of volatile contaminants. When coupled with a headspace analyser volatile contaminants can be measured directly from a solid matrix.

Although the direct elucidation of contaminant is precluded with HPLC with mass selective detection (LC/MS) targeted contaminants can be positively identified using this technique.

FTIR and Raman Spectroscopy

Where contaminants consist of organic molecules comprising light elements (C,H,N, O) infrared and Raman spectroscopic techniques can be used to identify, quantify and measure the distribution of contaminants. These techniques offer a variety of sampling approaches so that analyses can be designed specifically for the type of substrate to be studied. Contamination on smooth and textured metal surfaces, ceramics, polymer films and extrusions can be investigated. Using the microscopes attached to infrared and Raman spectrometers even minute fibres can be examined without difficulty.

Microbial contaminants

In conjunction with microscopy or as independent tests, we can isolate and identify microbial contaminants from a wide range of samples.

Scanning Electron Microscopy with X-ray microanalysis

This will provide elemental detection and spatial distribution mapping (qualitative and quantitative) at or near sample surfaces with microscopic spatial resolution

Typical applications may include mapping the distribution of a particular surface treatment, coating or doping chemical across a sample surface or through the surface/subsurface by preparing a cross-section for examination

Light/Confocal microscopy

This can be used with appropriate staining or immunolabelling techniques to locate and confirm identification of various biological/microbiological contaminants