FT/IR-4000 and FT/IR 6000 Series FTIR Instrument Validation Software

Download PDF August 24, 2022

Introduction

JASCO FT/IR 4000 and FT/IR-6000 Series FTIR Spectrometers
JASCO FT/IR 4000 and FT/IR-6000 Series FTIR Spectrometers

When using an analytical instrument in a regulated laboratory, a performance evaluation of the instrument is often required to ensure that it is operating to the required specifications. The FT/IR-4000 and FT/IR-6000 instruments are provided with a [Validation] application as part of the Spectra Manager II Suite. This validation software provides a comprehensive series of tests that can be used to evaluate the continued performance of an FTIR instrument.

The FT/IR-4000 and FT/IR-6000 instrument validation in Spectra Manager II Suite provides a series of test protocols to verify that the instrument is performing to operating specification. [Pass/Fail] criteria are established for each instrument based on individual specifications. The validation function provides tests that compare current performance vs. historical data as well as testing against standard reference materials (with specifications to NIST or some other recognized authority).

Figure 1 outlines the various tests that can be selected. The majority of these tests compare the current instrument performance against data collected during installation. Other tests use Polystyrene and Glass standards included with the instrument. In addition, for regulatory compliance a NIST traceable polystyrene SRM can be used for the performance test. The qualification tests that do not require external standards have been checked within the displayed software dialog. The [Linearity] test requires external linearity standards, such as a solution or other quantitative standard. Specific tests complying with regulatory compliance with US Pharmacopeia (USP), European Pharmacopeia (EP), Japanese Pharmacopeia (JP) or Japan Industrial Standards (JIS) can be selected. Custom tests can also be created to the user’s criteria by manually editing the SRM type and corresponding specification.

The tests are easily performed and the only user input required is the collection of the original historical data at instrument installation (Figure 2). All other performance tests have specified values applied according to the instrument type and the required instrument parameters are specified dependent upon the individual test procedure (Figure 3). When the tests are performed, the software executes each test, prompting the user when to insert the required standards. At the end of the qualification tests, a detailed report is saved and can also printed (Figure 4). The requirements for testing largely depend on the SOP established by the laboratory, however JASCO generally recommends performing these tests at least quarterly or semi-annually.

Conclusion

Spectra Manager II Suite includes a validation application that can be used to evaluate the performance of both the FT/IR-4000 and FT/IR-6000 Series of instruments. These tests are automated and take very little time to perform, individual tests may be selected and used as required by the user to check the instrument is performing to specification.

Figure 1: Performance tests in the Validation software.
Unchecked items require external standards (not included as standard).
Figure 2: Polystyrene Subtraction test. Standard data (polystyrene) can be measured during
instrument installation, or a previously collected polystyrene standard spectrum can be imported.
Figure 3: The Energy Subtraction (ES) performance dialog using a previously collected Energy (Background) spectrum.
In this dialog, the historical data is also collected or imported by the user.
Figure 4: Instrument Validation results for specified tests that do not require the external standards. All tests
have [Passed] and the results saved electronically and may be printed.

Featured Products:

About the Author

Dr. Carlos Morillo received his Post Doc at Advanced Industrial Science & Technology in Fukuoka and was a Research Scientist at Kyushu University in Japan where he lived for several years. Carlos received his Doctor of Engineering from Kyushu University and his Masters and BS from Simon Bolivar University in Caracas Venezuela. He is an Applications Scientist at JASCO.