SmartSPE® ITSP

SmartSPE® ITSP is ITSP Solutions’ patented cartridge for automated SPE (smartSPE®). It uses precise control of flow rates and volumes for solvents and samples through the sorbent by the GERSTEL MPS while the LC/MS/MS or GC/MS/MS is analyzing a sample in parallel. The GERSTEL MPS uses ordinary autosampler tray holders, trays, syringes and solvent reservoirs adapted to the single position solution to automate SPE, the gold-standard for sample preparation for Liquid and Gas Chromatography. By aspirating a solvent or sample, then penetrating the septum on the ITSP cartidge, the syringe plunger can pass both through the sorbent bed at higher precision than achievable by ordinary manual and automated vacuum-based and pneumatic systems (none of which have flow control). SmartSPE® hardware kit includes a lower needle guide that centres the cartridge before piercing takes place to allow the same hole in the septum to be accessed multiple times. The ITSP cartridge incorporates an 8mm crimp seal to allow the needle to pierce the septum then seal around the needle. When the plunger dispenses solvents and sample, hydraulic pressure inside the cartridge drives these solutions through the media. The upper needle guide removes the volume above the media cup to increase efficiency and increase hydraulic pressure. The needle remains fully inserted in the cartridge to keep a precise vertical position required for transporting the cartridge to any location on the GERSTEL MPS platform.