LGC Promochem helps laboratories fight crime

Crime certainly won’t pay this year following the release of LGC Promochem’s latest and most comprehensive catalogue: Reference materials for sports drugs, clinical analysis and forensic toxicology 2006-07.

The new edition contains updated listings of certified and standard reference materials from leading producers like Cerilliant, BCR/IRMM, NIST, LGC, NRCCRM, Medichem and SERO, as well as a range of new reference materials from the National Measurement Institute, Australia (NMIA). Established ranges such as single- and multi-analyte standards for proteins, enzymes, lipids, hormones, vitamins and trace elements can be found alongside firm favourites like Cerilliant’s isotope labelled, “native” standard solutions for analytical testing of classic and designer drugs in body fluids, as well as drug monitoring and pharmaceutical analyses. Also included are standards for matrix materials and reference standards for calibrating instruments.

But the most exciting addition to the catalogue is the new range of reference materials from NMIA. LGC Promochem has teamed up with NMIA to give researchers and forensic analysts access to over 300 certified reference materials in the key areas of sports drugs, such as anabolic steroids, growth promoters and their metabolites, forensic drugs, and agricultural and veterinary chemicals. NMIA holds third party accreditation as a reference materials producer and every one of its high quality reference materials is reviewed by a panel of external experts before release. Each reference material is supplied with extensive supporting information, including certified and, where applicable, isotopic composition values with associated uncertainty statements, and a substantial analysis report.

The majority of information in the catalogue comes from electronic sources provided by LGC Promochem’s partners, rather than from printed texts. This ensures the accuracy of the original descriptions and spellings. Additional information has been added when necessary, to make the lists clearer or easier to use. All standard and certified reference materials come with detailed certificates of analysis and certified parameters. In addition, important instructions for storage, handling, use and, where possible, complete certification reports are also provided.

Clinical, forensic and toxicological reference materials are an important and fast-growing part of LGC Promochem’s product portfolio. The Company’s customer service team has many years of experience with reference materials and associated analysis, and provides a high level of technical support to save customers valuable time and hassle. For example, the team can recommend the most appropriate material for an application and how to apply it successfully, as well as advise on the correct procedures to follow if purchasing controlled substances, including the national requirements, associated charges and delivery times.

Researchers and forensic analysts will find the new catalogue combined with LGC Promochem’s advanced technical support, to be the ideal companion for all types of reference-dependent analysis, including therapeutic drug monitoring, clinical diagnostics and validation of forensic determinations for proof of evidence in court cases.