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FAST Sample Introduction Systems

SampleSense for FAST Systems

SampleSense (Patent Pending) is a revolutionary valve for FAST and prepFAST systems that uses optical sensors to automatically sense and inject samples into ICPMS instruments.

Enhance Workflow

  • Eliminates method timing parameters
  • Optimizes loading conditions for each sample matrix
  • Automatically loads loop with samples of varying viscosities
  • Reduces sample consumption
  • Actively detects and reports sample loading issues
  • Automatically compensates for drift caused by kinked lines or partial blockages
  • SampleSense triggers the ICPMS at exactly the right time
SampleSense Video

See It In Action

Innovative Sample Loading

Innovative Sample Loading

SampleSense accounts for viscosity and automatically adjusts timing. One method for multiple sample types.

Time Savings

Time Savings

Operator time for sample introduction method development is eliminated. Just run samples.

Sample Savings

Sample Savings

The sample is injected at precisely the right time. Every time. Even for small samples.

Error Notification

Error Notification

Incomplete sample loading or bubbles in the sample are detected and logged.

How it Works

SampleSense simplifies method development by eliminating read delays as well as sample uptake and injection timers, allowing sample loop sizes and sample types to be changed without adjusting method settings. SampleSense also minimizes sample consumption by automatically loading samples of varying viscosities and switching the valve into the inject position immediately after the sample loop is successfully loaded.


SampleSense Operation

The SampleSense valve operates with ESI autosamplers equipped with both FAST and prepFAST technologies. The fully automated SampleSense operation with FAST is shown in the schematics below; operation with prepFAST systems follows the same process.

SampleSense Video

1.) Start Sample Load / Rinse Nebulizer

Start Sample Load / Rinse Nebulizer


2.) Sample Load Complete / Rinse Nebulizer

Sample Load Complete / Rinse Nebulizer


3.) Rinse Probe / Inject Sample

Rinse Probe / Inject Sample

Detect Loading Issues

SampleSense monitors and logs sample loading issues caused by:

  • Empty tubes or positions
  • Vials inadvertently left capped
  • Empty standard or QC
  • Bubbles caused by incomplete loading
Detect Loading Issues
Detect Loading Issues

SampleSense FAST Maximizes Productivity with:

  • Optical sensing of sample arrival (patent pending)
  • Minimizes sample consumption by stopping sample load after loop is filled
  • Unsensed samples (empty or capped tubes, low volume) are reported
  • DXCi Autocorrecting Autosampler
  • Controlled with ESI SC software

SampleSense <em>FAST</em> Maximizes Productivity

Viscous Samples with SampleSense

Sample loading speed is impacted by the viscosity of a given sample. High viscosity samples require additional time for the sample to be transported from the autosampler probe to the sample loop while low viscosity samples require less time. SampleSense automatically detects the arrival of the sample at the valve, eliminating the need to determine the required sample loading time for each sample matrix analyzed. In the experiment below a highly viscous sample (concentrated sulfuric acid) was automatically loaded into a prepFAST system equipped with SampleSense.

Experimental Highlights:

  • 1.5 mL sample loop
  • Sulfuric acid diluted 50x with prepFAST
  • H20 loading time 8 seconds; H2SO4 loading time 100 seconds
    • SampleSense eliminates sample uptake method development and the associated sample waste.
    • SampleSense optimizes the loading time saving 92 seconds each time the non-viscous sample is introduced.
    • SampleSense also saves significant amount of sample each time the non-viscous sample is introduced.
  • Internal standards monitored during 2.5 hour ICPMS analysis

Viscous Samples with SampleSense

Small Sample Volumes with SampleSense

Samples of limited volume must frequently be introduced for analysis. SampleSense supports these small volume samples by minimizing sample consumption during the sample loading process. Once the sample loop is fully loaded, the sample injection and analysis are triggered automatically. Shown below is an example of FAST with SampleSense utilized to load and inject small sample volumes into an ICP system.

Experimental Highlights:

  • FAST with SampleSense valve with 250 µL sample loop
  • 750 µL of 1 ppm standard loaded into each position of a 96 well microplate
  • Excellent stability demonstrated for 96 replicate analyses

Small Sample Volumes with SampleSense

Need Autodilution and Autocalibration?

ESI's SampleSense prepFAST has all the benefits of SampleSense FAST and also includes autocalibration and autodilution.

SampleSense prep<em>FAST</em>
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