Scientific equipment

Barcode scanners for sorbent tubes

All Markes International’s thermal desorption tubes (sorbent tubes) are permanently labelled with a unique serial number in clear barcode and numerical format for identification and tracking purposes. To reliably read these barcodes, Markes supplies a tried-and-tested barcode scanner that reads from the curved surfaces of stainless steel, inert and glass tubes with ease. 

- Eliminates time-consuming manual data entry

- Reduces the risk of human error, which could result in misreporting

- Helps maintain sample integrity and keep track of samples

CapLok and TAGLok tools

CapLok is a two-part tool specifically designed to simplify the capping and uncapping of sorbent tubes. It is intended to be used in place of a pair of wrenches, to allow the tube to be gripped appropriately, allowing correct compression of long-term storage caps and prevent overtightening. When using Markes’ patented TubeTAG technology for tracking tubes, a TAGLok tool is needed in place of the CapLok tool.

- Ensures an effective seal is achieved between the ferrule in the long-term storage cap and the tube

- Prevents overtightening of caps, which can cause distortion of the tube ends and the PTFE ferrule within the cap

- Robust and simple to use

Read more: CapLok tool Instruction for use

TF SPME

TF-SPME (thin-film solid-phase microextraction) is a novel sampling approach for ultra-trace-level analysis of VOCs and SVOCs using sorptive extraction. TF-SPME uses a carbon mesh strip impregnated with a sorptive phase with 100× greater volume than a typical SPME fiber.

- Applicable to a wide range of compound classes

- Environmentally friendly and solvent-free

- Split-flow re-collection on compatible instruments enables repeat analysis under different split conditions for analysis over a wide concentration range

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TF-SPME flyer

Thin Film SPME Instruction for use

SPME fibers

Sorptive extraction is a convenient approach for complex samples and for monitoring persistent organic pollutants in foods, beverages and other products derived from natural sources. In SPME, (solid-phase microextraction) fibers are coated with absorptive phase(s), to extract volatiles in either headspace or immersive modes.

- Compared with static headspace, SPME can offer improved selectivity and concentration capability

- A variety of sampling phases are available to extend the applicability of SPME over a range of target analytes

- SPME can be extended to SPME–trap with the Centri sample extraction and enrichment platform

Direct desorption/thermal extraction

Direct desorption is a variation on the principle of dynamic headspace that can be used to rapidly screen small quantities of solid or semi-solid materials. Small samples are placed directly into empty TD tubes or via tube liners. These are then heated in a stream of inert gas to sweep volatiles directly from the sample matrix onto the focusing trap of the thermal desorption instrument, for subsequent analysis by GC.

Direct desorption is typically applied to homogeneous waxes, powders or pastes. Analytes monitored are generally in the range C₃ to C_30. Applications of direct desorption include the odour profiling and quality control of a range of materials:

- Residual volatiles in ointments, packaging films, pharmaceuticals/drug powders and polymer beads.

- Emissions from consumer goods, such as paints, car trim components, moulded PVC and adhesives.

- Characteristic vapour profiles from foodstuffs and fragrant products, including soap powder and shampoo.

With a scale of 15,000 to 20,000 samples per year for over 150 types of raw materials, QLIMS has helped a leading global confectionery group fully digitize its quality management process over the past 11 years:

- Risk-Based Testing Automation: Utilizes algorithms to manage testing frequency based on material risk levels and supplier ratings, significantly optimizing laboratory efficiency.

- "Cradle to Grave" Traceability: Provides instant visibility from warehouse entry to final product dispatch, allowing for the precise identification of raw material pallets in the event of a product recall.

- Operational Process Digitization: Strictly manages material codes, batch numbers, and containers; a "Green/Red light" warning system ensures absolute control over releasing materials into production.

- Transparent Audit Support: Securely stores system data to easily provide evidence for rigorous annual external audits.

- User-Friendly Interface: Features an intuitive design that is accessible even to non-technical personnel.

Read more:

The Garvan Institute, a leading research entity with over 700 scientists, needed to solve the challenge of managing >1,000 tumor mutation samples annually. QLIMS helped them transition from manual workflows to a medical-grade automated system:

- 100% Automated Reporting: Data is exported into reports for clinicians and patients with absolute accuracy at the click of a button.

- Digital Connectivity (HL7): Integrated the HL7 international medical data standard, enabling smooth receipt and secure encryption of data from partner labs (SydPath).

- NATA Standard Compliance: Helped Garvan meet rigorous audit standards to receive NATA accreditation, reaffirming a secure chain of information custody.

- Flexible Customization: Met 75% of requirements off-the-shelf, with the remaining 25% easily customized to the Institute’s specific workflows.

Read more: OnQ Software - Garvan Institute QLIMS Case Study

Comvita is a world-leading natural health brand specializing in bee products with over 40 years of experience. With 40,000 hives in New Zealand and large-scale olive farms in Australia, the company controls its supply chain "from source to shelf," ensuring superior traceability. Comvita operates two core teams: Analytical and Quality Control (QC). To overcome hurdles caused by rapid growth and stringent MPI regulations, Comvita implemented QLIMS to comprehensively digitalize and optimize operational productivity.

Breakthrough Values Delivered by QLIMS:

- 100% Digitalization: Completely eliminates manual data entry in Excel and Word, transitioning to automated workflows on a Cloud-based platform.

- Instrument Integration: Data from analytical instruments is transmitted directly into the system via QLIMS Bridge, ensuring total data integrity.

- Personnel Optimization: Frees up 20% of technicians' time, allowing them to focus on high-value specialized tasks.

- Smart Management: Direct connectivity with ERP systems and BI Dashboards to extract data and facilitate accurate real-time decision-making.

- International Compliance: Flexible customization capabilities help meet all stringent regulations and standards in major markets such as the USA, UK, and China.

Read more: OnQ Software - Comvita QLIMS Case Study

Baiada, a leading food enterprise with over 100 years of experience, has selected QLIMS to replace its manual systems and manage more than 250,000 samples per year. The solution delivers breakthrough efficiency:

- 100% Process Digitization: Eliminates hundreds of handwritten records; units self-register samples directly into the system.

- Instrument Integration: Results from VIDAS, TEMPO, and FOSS NIRS are transmitted directly into QLIMS, ensuring real-time data.

 - Personnel Optimization: Frees up 1.5 Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) from paperwork to focus on specialized laboratory tasks.

 - Rapid Deployment: The system went live officially after only two weeks of testing.

 - Flexibility & Scalability: Easily integrates additional equipment and expands management to livestock and vaccine sectors.

 Read more: OnQ Software - Baiada Poultry QLIMS Case Study

Application bundles - tubes and trap

Markes PFAS bundles contain two packs of tubes and a focusing trap, optimised for PFAS detection and analysis.

Tubes - sorbent tubes for TD

Pre-packed thermal desorption tubes are used to monitor VOCs, VVOCs and SVOCs. Compounds of interest are adsorbed onto the sorbents in the tube during active or passive sample collection, and subsequently desorbed by a thermal desorption system for analysis by GC–MS. Choose industry-standard tubes with our tube selector.

Industry-standard tubes (3½″ × ¼″ o.d.) are compatible with Markes TD systems as well as those of PerkinElmer, Shimadzu, Dani, CDS and Gerstel. All Markes’ sorbent tubes are permanently labelled with a unique serial number, barcode and sampling flow arrow for easier use and tracking.

Our range also includes 4.5-inch sorbent tubes in stainless steel or glass, for use in compatible thermal desorption systems. These include Markes’ specialist DAAMS TD Instruments, widely used in defence-related applications.

Tubes can be packed with a single sorbent bed for active or passive sampling, and multiple sorbent beds for active sampling of an extended hydrocarbon range. Tubes are sold conditioned and capped (with brass long term storage caps) or can be supplied unconditioned for analysts with their own means of conditioning.

Empty sorbent tubes

Empty industry-standard thermal desorption tubes are available in stainless steel, inert-coated stainless steel and glass. They are typically used as carrier tubes: stainless steel and inert-coated tubes are primarily used to hold HiSorb probes or radial sorbent cartridges in a thermal desorption instrument, and glass tubes are primarily used for direct desorption.

- Suitable for use with any industry-standard thermal desorption instrument

- Unique ID number in clear numerical and barcode format

- Sampling arrow to indicate the direction of flow though the tube

- For custom etching see tube customisation options