The University of Miami optimizes lab with Precision
The University of Miami, one of America's top research universities, was established in 1925. The University now comprises 12 schools and colleges serving undergraduate and graduate students in nearly 350 majors and programs.
With more than $413 million in research and sponsored program expenditures annually, the University of Miami is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). Only 3 percent of four-year institutions in the nation are invited to join the AAU, which recognizes breadth and quality of research and scholarship. While the majority of this work is housed at the Miller School of Medicine, investigators conduct hundreds of studies in other areas, including marine science, engineering, education, and psychology.
We spoke with Kristin Kahl, a toxicologist at the University of Miami, to get insight into her use of the Precision series of gas generators for drug testing for forensic and research applications.
What PEAK Scientific generators do you have in your laboratory and what GC instruments do they supply?
We have the Precision series nitrogen, zero air, and hydrogen trace generators. They supply GC-MS, GC-MS/NPD, GC-MS/MS, HS-GC-FID/MS, and HS-GC-FID instruments.
Is your generator used for carrier gas, detector gas or both?
Both
Are you using a GC method(s) for your analysis? If yes, which method(s)?
Yes. A full scan screening method using MS and NPD detectors. GC-MS SIM confirmation methods, GC-MS/MS confirmation and quantitation methods and ethanol and volatiles analysis by HS-GC-FID and HS-GC-FID/MS.
What prompted you to choose a PEAK generator for GC and how long have you used it?
We needed so many gas tanks for our instruments and the constant ordering and delivery as well as the space needed in the laboratory was getting to be too much. The precision series is stackable and implementing the generators meant we could stop ordering all but our helium tanks, saving our laboratory money and space. We have used the generators for almost one year.
What has been the key benefit of deploying PEAK generators for GC as opposed to your previous gas supply solution?
Using the PEAK generators has allowed our laboratory to cut down on the space needed for the previous gas tanks allowing us to optimize and reorganize the space, they have cut down the time and frustration that comes with ordering and changing gas tanks, and they will eventually save the laboratory money as gas tanks have increased in price.
How would you describe your PEAK generator purchasing experience in terms of speed of response, ease of ordering, catering for your needs and timing of delivery?
The purchasing experience was great. While determining the size generators that would be needed, the PEAK team provided "calculator" links and offered assistance with questions we had. They were also communicative and followed up with our laboratory to ensure we did not have issues.
Have you ever had a site visit from a PEAK engineer in relation to your generator for GC, if so, could you describe your experience of this support?
Yes, we have had one site visit. The PEAK engineer was timely, respectful, and solved the issue quickly.
Would you recommend PEAK Scientific generators to other laboratories? If yes, what would be your main reason for the recommendation?
Yes, I would recommend the PEAK Scientific generators because they have saved our laboratory time, space, and stress in regard to our GC gas supply. The generators are easy to maintain, have a small footprint because they are stackable, and PEAK service has been great.
