Determining the Uptake Time on iCAP Qnova Series
Issue
How much time is needed for the solution to make its way into the plasma and settle before the data acquisition starts. This is known as Uptake time. It is important to determine this time experientially.
Environment
- iCAP Q
- iCAP RQ
- iCAP TQ
- ECCN: EAR99
Resolution
1) Open Instrument Control
2) Click on Data Display
3) Determine a solution you would like to use to determine the uptake time. This could be a calibration standard or the Tune B solution. Ensure that some of the elements contained within this solution are enabled in the Data Display and that the solution itself is loaded somewhere on the autosampler tray
4) Click on Inlet category of Control Panel
5) If you are using Fast Uptake/Wash, click on High to set peristalic pump at its maximum speed. If not using Fast Uptake/Wash, ensure that the pump is currently set to you normal analysis speed
6) Place the probe into the solution you decided in step 3 to determine the uptake time and click start on a
7) Click run on the Data Display
Note: You will want to move quickly between step 6 and step 7 in order to minimize any latency between the time the probe is placed in the sample and the time the Data Display is started.
8) Once the solution enters the plasma you will start to see the signal climb and eventually plateau. Once it plateaus, give it another 10s and stop the Data Display. The probe at this point can be placed back in a rinse solution
9) Inspect the graph and identify the knee of the curve which is the point at which the intensity starts to plateau after the sample has made it into the plasma. Add 10s to this time in order to give ample time for the sample to stabilize in the plasma and enter this as your Uptake Time in the LabBook.